Taylor Swift isn’t just a global music icon; she’s also renowned as the ultimate ‘girl’s girl’. Her public appearances often feature a supportive entourage of friends, from A-list celebrities like Blake Lively and Gigi Hadid to fellow musical artists such as Selena Gomez and Lana Del Rey. This strong emphasis on female friendship isn’t just for show – it deeply permeates her music, with Taylor weaving tales of camaraderie and celebrating her cherished friendships through her lyrics.
From her early hits to her recent chart-toppers, Taylor Swift’s discography is a treasure trove of songs that resonate with anyone who values their friendships. Her songs capture the nuances of female bonds, offering anthems for every stage of friendship, from youthful bestie adventures to enduring, supportive connections. For those looking to celebrate their own girl squads, or simply find the perfect words to express the power of female friendship, Taylor Swift’s lyrics provide an inspiring soundtrack.
Iconic Taylor Swift Friendship Anthems
Taylor Swift’s songs about friendship aren’t just fleeting mentions; they are central themes in many of her most beloved tracks. She’s known for turning personal experiences into relatable anthems, and friendship is a recurring and powerful source of inspiration.
In “Fifteen,” from her “Fearless” album, Taylor fondly recalls the early days of friendship, perfectly capturing the giddy excitement of forming those first deep bonds. The lyrics, “Soon enough you’re best friends. Laughing at the other girls who think they’re so cool,” are a nostalgic nod to the inside jokes and shared experiences that solidify young friendships. This song is a classic for anyone reminiscing about the carefree days of teenage camaraderie.
Taylor Swift and Abigail Anderson's friendship
“22,” a high-energy track from “Red,” embodies the joyous and sometimes chaotic nature of friendships in your early twenties. Lines like “Everything will be alright if you keep me next to you” and “We’re happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time / It’s miserable and magical,” perfectly encapsulate the rollercoaster of emotions and shared experiences that define friendships during this vibrant period of life. It’s an anthem for navigating the ups and downs of young adulthood with your best friends by your side.
“You’re On Your Own, Kid,” from “Midnights,” offers a more mature reflection on friendship, emphasizing the importance of savoring the present moments. The lyric “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it,” became a viral sensation, highlighting the tangible expressions of friendship and the significance of cherishing shared experiences. This song speaks to the enduring value of friendship and the beauty of creating lasting memories together.
Taylor Swift’s Lyrics on Loyalty and Unwavering Support in Friendship
Beyond the celebratory anthems, Taylor Swift also delves into the deeper aspects of friendship – loyalty, support, and having someone who has your back through thick and thin.
“no body, no crime,” featuring HAIM, from “evermore,” showcases the ride-or-die aspect of female friendships. Starting with “Este’s a friend of mine,” the song tells a dark narrative of loyalty and revenge, highlighting the lengths friends will go to for each other. It’s a testament to the fierce protectiveness and unwavering support that defines true friendship.
Taylor Swift performing with Este Haim
“This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things,” from “reputation,” directly addresses the importance of real friends amidst drama and negativity. The toast, “Here’s a toast to my real friends. They don’t care about the he said, she said,” is a clear declaration of valuing genuine connections over superficial gossip and external opinions. This lyric resonates with anyone who has navigated the complexities of social circles and appreciates the grounding presence of true friends.
Songs like “dorothea” (“evermore”) with the lyric “And if you’re ever tired of being known for who you know, you know you’ll always know me,” and “peace” (“folklore”) with “The devil’s in the details but you got a friend in me,” offer quieter, more introspective perspectives on friendship. They emphasize the unconditional acceptance and steadfast support that true friends provide, regardless of external pressures or internal struggles. These songs highlight the comfort and security found in knowing you have someone who truly sees and understands you.
“Stay Stay Stay” (“Red”) with the heartwarming line, “You took the time to memorize me, my fears, my hopes and dreams. I just like hanging out with you all the time,” speaks to the simple joy of companionship and the deep understanding that develops in close friendships. It’s a celebration of the everyday moments and the comfort of being completely known and accepted by a friend.
Celebrating Joy and Deep Connection in Taylor Swift’s Friendship Songs
Friendship, in Taylor Swift’s world, is also a source of immense joy, connection, and shared experiences. Her songs capture the magic of these bonds and the unique happiness they bring.
“invisible string” (“folklore”) beautifully portrays the feeling of destined connection in friendships with the lyric, “Isn’t it just so pretty to think all there was some invisible string tying you to me?” It speaks to the serendipitous nature of some friendships and the feeling that certain people are meant to be in your life.
Taylor Swift performing with guitar
Uplifting tracks like “Jump Then Fall” (“Fearless”) with “Every time you smile, I smile,” and “New Romantics” (“1989”) with “The best people in life are free,” celebrate the infectious joy and liberating feeling of being with your friends. They capture the simple happiness of shared laughter and the freedom to be yourself in the company of those who truly get you.
“Long Live” (“Speak Now”) is a powerful ode to unforgettable memories created with friends. The line “Long live the walls we crashed through. I had the time of my life, with you,” evokes a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for shared adventures and the enduring bonds forged through those experiences. It’s a perfect anthem for celebrating the legacy of cherished friendships.
“I Know Places” (“1989”), with the lyric “Let them say what they want, we won’t hear it,” touches upon the loyalty and secrecy within close friendships, highlighting the comfort of having a safe haven and someone to confide in amidst external pressures.
Taylor Swift: A Voice for Female Empowerment and Squad Goals
Taylor Swift’s impact extends beyond just celebrating friendship; her songs also champion female empowerment and the strength found in female solidarity. Many of her lyrics encourage women to support each other, rise above negativity, and embrace their power.
“Vigilante Sh*t” (“Midnights”) with “Ladies always rise above,” and “Bejeweled” (“Midnights”) with “Best believe I’m still bejeweled. When I walk in the room, I can still make the whole place shimmer,” are bold declarations of female resilience and self-confidence. They encourage women to own their power and shine brightly, together.
“marjorie” (“evermore”), a tribute to her grandmother, imparts the wisdom, “Never be so polite you forget your power,” a powerful message about female agency and assertiveness.
Taylor Swift in a sparkly outfit
Songs like “Ours” (“Speak Now”) with “Don’t you worry your pretty little mind. People throw rocks at things that shine,” and “New Romantics” (“1989”) with “Baby I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me,” encourage resilience against negativity and the strength found in self-belief and mutual support. They empower women to rise above criticism and build their own empires, together.
Even in songs about navigating criticism and public scrutiny, Taylor Swift often subtly reinforces the importance of her female friendships. Tracks like “Shake It Off” (“1989”) with “But I keep cruising,” and “You Need To Calm Down” (“Lover”) with “But we figured you out / We all know now, we all got crowns,” while addressing broader themes, can also be interpreted as celebrating resilience and finding strength in her girl squad amidst external pressures. These songs, in their own way, underscore the importance of having a supportive network to navigate life’s challenges.
“Look What You Made Me Do” (“reputation”) with “I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time,” and “The Man” (“Lover”) with “I’m so sick of them coming at me again, ’cause if I was the man, then I’d be the man,” showcase Taylor’s evolution and assertiveness, implicitly highlighting the journey she has undertaken, likely with the support of her close female friends.
Taylor Swift performing on stage in a sparkly outfit
In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s songs offer more than just catchy melodies and relatable lyrics; they provide a powerful testament to the enduring value of female friendship. From celebrating the carefree joys of youthful camaraderie to highlighting the strength and support found in mature bonds, her music resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes their girl squad. Taylor Swift’s discography serves as a continuous anthem to the power of female friendship, making her not only a musical icon but also a voice for girl’s girls everywhere.
