Wednesday, 03 November 2010
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The T-Swift Approach to Love Songs: Refreshing or Rude?
Let me begin this by saying I am not a fan of Taylor Swift.
Before you all get your panties in a twist, let me explain. I don't dislike her altogether. It's nice to see a young musician coming across so graciously at award shows. And in a music world that is quickly becoming a world without pants (see Lady Gaga and Rihanna for proof) it's nice to see a girl with some friggin' clothes on.
I just don't like country music, and ultimately, I don't think she's a very good singer. But, to each their own taste.
However, in her new commercial promoting her album at Target stores, listen to Taylor's plug of her new record.
Naming names? Really? Isn't that... um... kind of rude of you?
Now of course there are tons of great songs about scorned lovers out there. Specifically, rumor has it that Alanis Morrisette's pissed off chick classic "You Oughta Know" was written about her ex Dave Coulier (yes, it's true-- Joey from Full House!!).
But what made the song great was how ambiguous it still was... you rocked out because you could relate, but there was also the mystery... did this really happen to Alanis? Is this just the stuff of a great writer's imagination? The mystery was part of the fun of it all.
T-Swizzle seems to have taken the imagination part of song writing completely out of the picture. So why is this coming across as more talented to her fans instead of less? Isn't it a little less than creative to speak only about the things that actually happen in your real life, without fictionalizing anything whatsoever for your songs?
And not for nothing, would you want to date someone who is willing to call you out in public if the relationship fails? I know, Taylor is young. But she sounds to me like someone who has a lot of growing up to do before she starts calling out other people's mistakes.
Of course, my 17 year old sister harshly disagrees with me. A big Swifty fan, she tells me it's nice to hear a girl sing about the things she's going through. I agree that realistic songs are one thing, but calling specific people out about personal events seems, well, a little bit bitchy to me.
The way I see it, naming names in song writing is just as mean spirited as mud slinging in a political campaign. Can't you talk about your love life without dragging a real person's reputation into it? We were all supposed to feel bad for Tay Tay when Kanye ruined her moment, but she can't cut Joe Jonas a break? You were kids and it didn't work out, sing about that issue, don't tell the world exactly what went down!
Check out this "cute" clip below where she mocks Joe with his doll. Not really a great example for your young fans of how to maturely handle a break up without gossip, Tay.
Can we say rude?
Does anyone else agree? Do you think Taylor's approach to songwriting is refreshing or rude?
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About the Author
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- From: KerrSull
- About Me: I'm a 24 year old serial monogamist who oddly thinks she knows everything while continuing to have tons of questions about that crazy little thing called love.
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Comments (134)
you realize that joe jonas clip happened like, 3 years ago?
Who cares? A lot of songwriters use experiences and names, not just Taylor Swift. Also, who knows if she's using people's real names? She could just make them up and put them into real life situations. I'm sick of everyone hating on Taylor. She's probably one of the most level-headed celebrities out there. Just look at Miley or Taylor Momsen.
@X3forgetregrets@xanga - does that make it cease to exist? haha, it was just something short to prove a point.
"T-Swizzle seems to have taken the imagination part of song writing completely out of the picture.So why is this coming across as more talented to her fans instead of less? Isn't it a little less than creative to speak only about the things that actually happen in your real life, without fictionalizing anything whatsoever for your songs?"
oh my goodness, THANK YOU. i honestly can't believe the world cares so deeply about her love life. how the fuck is she so revolutionary when there are bajillions of songs about love and break-ups already out there? (and much better ones, too.) give me a break already.
"This one comes with a phone, so he can break up with other dolls." Really? Doesn't that sound a little petty?
I never really liked Taylor Swift to begin with, but I like it when songs have an ambiguity to them -- I like having to look up the meaning, what sparked the lyrics. Haven't heard any songs from her new album, but I"ve heard from several places that her lyrical style is a little too obvious.
I totally agree with you. She needs stop pointing fingers and finally get over it. UGH! Thank you for this post! I thought I was the only person who thought she was being rude/immature.
Refreshing! Do i think she is the most talented vocalist...no, but do i think people who spell their names with $ and/or are produced by disney are anymore musically talented no, i do not. The world has and will continue to do a lot worse than T SWIZZLE. Today's industry is not clearly not about talent anyways. Either you have catchy beats or you get a gimmick. I can get behind the angsty girl digitizing her diary to music. She say all the things that girls like me wish they could say out loud and be unapologetic about. At least thats why she got my $13.99!
@planetlovee@xanga - Agreed
It's a shame that people hate on her and still don't know her personally. I hate no celebrity or musician. And honestly, it's just a song.
she's doing what every teenager does, put their dirty laundry out for everyone to see.
I find it amazing how gracious she is when accepting awards, but her songs aren't gracious at all. She always paints herself as a victim. She's got some growing up to do.
More like repetitive.
It's a love-hate thing. I like her songs cause it's catchy, but then the lyrics are sometimes immature.
Can't ask for much now that we're living in the 21st century - music has gone downhill for awhile now.
@Losertastic@xanga - agreed.
while i don't hate taylor swift, and was a die hard fan before she became famous, i don't really care about her love life. i really don't. but the tunes are catchy, so i'll listen. but she's definitely not one of the best musicians out there..
somebody's bitter...
I think on of the main reasons i strongly dislike country music is because its is SO literal.
word for word.
so i cant say im surprised.
I could not care less.
She's 17. Of course she's immature. But she makes a shit ton of money so obviously she's doing something right.
I'd give her a break, she's still just a teenager.
this is why I don't listen to her but my little sister loves her.... loves to sing LOUDLY every FRIGGEN morning -.-''
to be honest, she doesn't actually name names in her lyrics-she just refers to specific moments in the relationship and people put the puzzle pieces together and try and guess who the song is about.
I don't really care about celebrities this dearly. It is her personal life -- let her do her thing. If she wants to be rude and outspoken, let her. If Lindsay Lohan wants to get shitfaced all the time -- let her. Who cares.
It was nice at first, but her songs are very similar, so it is starting to get trite.
I would love to see you write a song that's better than one of hers......
ANYWAYS
Firstly she names names in a lot of her songs, good & bad, not just ones bashing guysSecondly, the reason she said it in the video was because she has a rep for it not to be catty, it's supposed to be cuteThirdly, her songs are totally relatable, excuse me but I don't need to hear about people getting drunk, going to clubs and hooking up in every song
I really don't get why people feel the need to bash her, seriously out of all the terrible singers out there right now, you chose to bash Taylor Swift?
K enough with my rant but people need to stop writing bad stuff about her, it really just sounds petty
People do realize she isn't a teenager anymore right? Anyway I liked her music at one time you know back in high school when I could actually relate to her love sick music. But you know people kind of get older and mature. Its just annoying she's the same age as me and she has yet to mature and become a better song writer. I mean you aren't a teenager anymore I think maybe you should grow up and stop using diary entries as songs.