Taylor Swift’s “Style,” a standout track from her 1989 album, has captivated listeners with its catchy melody and intriguing lyrics. As a pop anthem exploring the tumultuous nature of certain relationships, the song has sparked widespread discussion and analysis, particularly concerning its rumored inspiration: Taylor’s relationship with Harry Styles. But beyond the celebrity gossip, “Style” offers a deeper look into the cyclical patterns of attraction and the enduring allure of certain romantic connections, regardless of their ultimate outcome. Let’s delve into the meaning behind the lyrics of “Style” and explore why this song continues to resonate with audiences today.
Unpacking the Lyrical Style of “Style”: A Detailed Exploration
“Style” immediately sets a scene of familiar yet precarious territory. The opening lines depict a couple embarking on a “long drive,” a metaphor for their relationship itself – a journey with an uncertain destination. The lyrics, “[c]ould end in burning flames or paradise,” perfectly encapsulate the high-stakes nature of their bond. They are drawn back together despite knowing the potential for heartbreak, suggesting a pattern of reunion and separation. Swift acknowledges the logical course of action – to let go and move on – yet confesses her inability to resist the pull, admitting she “can’t help but “[w]atch [them] go ’round and ’round each time.” This establishes the central theme of a relationship caught in a loop, driven by an irresistible, albeit perhaps unhealthy, magnetism.
The song then explodes into its iconic chorus, a masterclass in pop songwriting and vivid imagery:
You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
‘Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of styleYou got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt
And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
‘Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style
This chorus is the heart of “Style”‘s appeal. It’s not about profound declarations of love, but rather the intoxicating allure of image and mutual attraction. The “James Dean daydream look” evokes a timeless, rebellious charm, instantly recognizable and universally appealing. Paired with Swift’s “red lip classic thing,” it paints a picture of curated personas that perfectly complement each other. These aren’t just descriptions; they are carefully constructed styles, suggesting a relationship built on mutual appreciation of aesthetics and image. The repeated line, “when we go crashing down, we come back every time,” reinforces the cyclical nature of their relationship, highlighting that their bond, while prone to dramatic falls, is perpetually rekindled. The phrase “never go out of style” becomes a double entendre – referring both to their individual iconic looks and the enduring, if flawed, dynamic of their relationship. They are, in their minds, eternally fashionable together, even if their relationship is consistently crashing and burning.
Moving into the second verse, the intimacy shifts from public image to private moments. “He takes off his coat,” a simple action that signifies comfort and a willingness to stay, setting the stage for a more personal conversation. The dialogue that follows is remarkably mature and understated. Swift sings, “I heard . . . that you’ve been out and about with some other girl.” This isn’t an accusation, but an observation, delivered with a conversational tone. The response, “What you’ve heard is true but I / Can’t stop thinking about you,” is equally revealing. It acknowledges infidelity but prioritizes an undeniable, lingering connection. Swift’s reply, “I’ve been there, too, a few times,” marks a significant shift in her songwriting. Known for past songs that often placed blame squarely on the male counterpart, here she acknowledges her own role in the cyclical nature of their relationship, suggesting a shared responsibility and a more nuanced understanding of their dynamic. This maturity in acknowledging mutual flaws and shared patterns is a key element that elevates “Style” beyond a simple breakup song.
The Music Video: A Visual Interpretation of “Style”
The music video for “Style” further enhances the song’s themes of longing and inescapable connection. Visually striking, it employs layered imagery and reflections to depict Taylor and her male counterpart constantly on each other’s minds. These visual techniques symbolize the way they are haunted by each other’s presence, even when physically apart. The mournful gazes directly into the camera create a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, drawing the viewer into their internal world of longing and regret. The creative special effects and dreamlike sequences underscore the idealized, almost fantasy-like, nature of their perception of each other – they are not seeing each other realistically, but through a lens of longing and stylized memories.
Adding to the speculation about Harry Styles being the muse, the music video subtly features a paper airplane necklace, a piece of jewelry famously exchanged between Taylor Swift and Harry Styles during their rumored relationship. This visual cue, combined with the song’s title and lyrical themes, strongly suggests a personal connection to their highly publicized romance.
“Style,” Harry Styles, and the Enduring Questions of Love and Image
The persistent rumors linking “Style” to Harry Styles are hard to ignore, and the evidence, both lyrical and visual, certainly points in that direction. The song’s very title, “Style,” echoes Harry Styles’ name, adding another layer to the speculation. Furthermore, lyrical connections to other songs believed to be about Styles, such as “Out of the Woods” with its “necklace hanging from my neck” line, strengthen this interpretation. Regardless of the song’s specific inspiration, “Style” taps into universal themes about the allure of image, the cyclical nature of some relationships, and the questions surrounding what truly makes a relationship work.
“Style” prompts us to consider the role of “being perfect” for someone, or rather, the perception of perfection. Is a shared “style” and mutual attraction enough to sustain a healthy relationship? Or are these surface-level connections ultimately insufficient in the face of deeper incompatibilities? The song doesn’t provide easy answers, but instead, lays bare the complexities of modern relationships, especially for younger generations grappling with ideas of idealized romance and the pressure to maintain a certain image. It questions whether chasing a relationship that looks perfect is worth the inevitable “crashes” and whether it’s sometimes healthier to let a relationship “go out of style” rather than forcing it to remain perpetually in vogue.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of “Style”
Taylor Swift’s “Style” is more than just a catchy pop song; it’s a nuanced exploration of a relationship dynamic driven by mutual attraction and a shared sense of “style,” even when the relationship itself is inherently unstable. Through its evocative lyrics, compelling music video, and rumored connection to a high-profile romance, “Style” resonates because it delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the enduring human tendency to be drawn back to what is familiar and alluring, even when it’s ultimately unsustainable. The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to capture the intoxicating push and pull of such relationships, making “Style” a timeless reflection on love, image, and the cyclical patterns we sometimes find ourselves repeating.
