Taylor Swift Songs to Fit Your Quarantine Mood
Because the world is ending, what else are you going to listen to?
By Amanda Curtis and Pierre-Philippe Falcone
Quarantine has us all going through it; even Miss Swift. NYU Local’s resident fangirls, Amanda and Pierre-Philippe, came together and compiled the ultimate Taylor Swift quarantine playlist for all of your listening needs. Whether you need a good cry or a reminder of how powerful you are, Taylor Swift has your back.
A Place in this World (Taylor Swift)
This is the perfect song for when your quarantine first begins, just like Taylor’s discography with her self-titled album. You are hit with the reality that you are alone and “Oh, [you’re] just a [person] trying to find a place in this world.” A true coming of age, main character song, “A Place in this World” lets you vibe with classic country Taylor, while still mainly letting you be sad.
All Too Well (Red)
One of the greatest songs for both remembering a past that makes you emotional or envisioning a future that just might happen, “All Too Well” from Taylor’s groundbreaking fourth album is the pinnacle of “sad teen artsy.” I used to listen to this song all the time, daydreaming about what could be by reminiscing on what happened. Quarantine has obviously made everyone think about these things, and this is the song if you want to have a bittersweet evening.
betty (Folklore)
Although the exact theme and moral of this song is constantly being debated, is it easy to see the queer subject at hand. Because of all of the time spent alone and (for most) in pajamas, many people have been able to question their true identity, gender, and sexuality. After dissociating during quarantine and wearing clothing that might not necessarily reflect who you are, this song is an emo jam of self-discovery to try new things and be open to the possibility of learning who you are.
Come In With The Rain (Fearless)
This song can be summed up with one word: yearning. It’s even more heart wrenching listening to the lyric, “Just know I’m right here hoping / That you’ll come in with the rain,” because most places don’t experience rain during the summer. You can yearn and miss that special someone with this rainy romance, even though they might not miss you. Listening to Fearless now brings back all of Taylor’s country roots and this song satisfies all your yearning needs.
Cruel Summer (Lover)
Need I say more? This summer has been wack for everyone. So many relationships went up in the air during quarantine and if you’re sad that you can’t be with your special someone and feel “blue,” this is the song for you.
Delicate (Reputation)
Being alone isn’t easy. You have to face thoughts that you avoid and confront problems that you can’t run from anymore. Although “Delicate” is primarily about the fear of fragility in relationships, listening to this during quarantine lets you sink into your feelings about the possibility that maybe you are more delicate than you thought. Lyrics like, “Is it cool that I said all that? Is it chill that you’re in my head?” show the validation that we’re all searching for, and if anything, goes against the entirety of the “Reputation” album. But of course, queen Taylor pulls it off.
I Did Something Bad (Reputation)
Nothing makes us feel more powerful than listening to this song. Genuinely, few things other than “I Did Something Bad” make us feel like we can dismantle the patriarchy in one day. A complete departure from the bright and happy beats of 1989, “I Did Something Bad” goes for a darker, more vengeful sound and we love it.
Mary’s Song (Oh My My My) (Taylor Swift)
“Mary’s Song (Oh My My My)” is the perfect song for when you’re feeling in love and nostalgic. This song, which focuses on growing up and falling in love with your childhood crush, and takes you back to Taylor’s country roots. It’s the kind of song that makes you wish you fell in love with your childhood best friend, and, honestly, it’s just incredibly cute.
Mean (Speak Now)
One of Taylor’s greatest “shrugging off the haters” songs, “Mean” is a delicate anthem to bop to. Whether you’re calling yourself out for being your OWN hater, or whoever you have been quarantining with, this is a song to make you believe in who you are. NYU students can especially relate to the lyric, “Someday I’ll be living in a big old city, and all you’re ever gonna be is mean,” and listening to this during the middle of quarantine was a reminder of who we are, how far we’ve come, and how far we’ll go.
Never Grow Up (Speak Now)
“Never Grow Up” brings us back to our first night away at college. Listening to this song in our respective dorm rooms just hits different. While still paying homage to her country roots, Taylor goes through the different stages in her life and how her relationships with her parents changed. If you see us crying to this around campus, just mind your own business.
Out Of The Woods (1989)
For many, quarantine became a limbo of never-ending questions for the future. With so much uncertainty and fear, listening to a song like “Out Of The Woods” lets us channel that energy and reminds us that we are not alone. The constant wondering of “when this will all be over” is perfectly encapsulated by the chorus of this song. However, Taylor’s use of memories and an upbeat drumline are what really make this song; the only way to get through this is by remembering the good times, hoping for more, and that you are not alone.
peace (Folklore)
If you’re ever feeling down listen to “peace”. What’s more comforting than knowing you’re not the only one going through what you’re going through? “Peace” does exactly what the song title says; it puts you at peace with yourself. Always remember, you are good enough.
Starlight (Red)
If any song could encapsulate the feeling of a new relationship, it would be “Starlight”. Listening to “Starlight” makes me want to dance around my bedroom while falling in love all over again. A departure from her country roots, Taylor goes for a more rock sound and sings about a wild and free summer romance. Even though you might not have had a typical summer romance, this song is for all of the quaran-flings. This is our favorite song off the album, so all we’re gonna say is: thank you, Conor Kennedy.
Superstar (Fearless)
Whether it’s Harry Styles, Taylor Lautner, or Justin Bieber, we all have that heartthrob who has a special place in our heart, even Taylor Swift. This song makes us think of being thirteen and being totally obsessed with One Direction. Nothing is more relatable than Taylor saying, “So dim that spotlight, tell me things like ‘I can’t take my eyes off of you’” because that’s definitely what Amanda thought would happen to her at the One Direction concert she went to in 2015.
The Man (Lover)
A close second to “I Did Something Bad” is the “The Man”. This song just screams feminism from the top of its lungs in the best way. It’s one of our favorites off of the Lover album because of its empowering message. This song is for any young woman who feels like they deserve more.
Welcome to New York (1989)
Another song that was our freshman year anthem was “Welcome to New York”. When we got our acceptance letters, we both immediately played this song and scream-sang along. 1989 is Taylor’s first fully-pop album and one of our favorite albums of all time. This song is upbeat, energetic, and perfect for anyone who is new to the city. While not everyone is back in the city, “Welcome to New York” will help fill the concrete jungle shaped void.
Check out the playlist we made here!
