I admit it: I jumped on the Taylor bandwagon – or train – late. But I am on it now and I just want to say a few words about this amazing woman.
First, oh yes, I have known about Taylor Swift for years. I loved her very first song on country radio called “Tim McGraw” for obvious reasons. I mean, writing a song about a Tim McGraw song…. Well, yes, it got my attention. And then I loved “Teardrops on my Guitar” that followed it. Then came a fun song and video called “Our Song.”
I watched her videos on CMT and learned about how this young girl went up and down Music Row in Nashville to sell her songs. She had the whole package: pretty, young, daring, some musical ability, and being her own epic songwriter.
When she decided to ‘branch out” and leave country music radio I admit I was a little annoyed. What? Country music is not good enough for you? So, I put her on my back burner, and I really didn’t invest my time in knowing her songs for awhile. My daughters were huge fans and I was fine with it because Taylor was such a good role model. Her words spoke to teenage girls and I liked that she wrote without crude language and she didn’t act shockingly on stage. You know what I mean.
I still heard her hits on the radio. I liked them.
It wasn’t until she became more of a woman, a self assured one, not afraid to speak her mind, and always doing it with kindness, did I check in with her again. I googled, and started watching some interview shows where Taylor appeared, and I listened to how intelligent, and how funny, she was. I liked what she said. I liked how she looked. Beautiful – and never trashy.
I admired how Taylor was someone who spoke and wrote as an ‘open book’ with nothing to hide. She became relatable. To me and to so many.
When the ERAS tour started and I started hearing about the love fest each concert was, I watched as stadiums full of young women bonded together, and how they knew all her words. They dressed in era clothes, and those beaded bracelets took on a life of their own. The concerts were all a celebration of girlhood and womanhood.
Taylor has always been philanthropic. She is an empathetic person who cares deeply about her fans. She does quirky things for them. She relates just as one of them because she has fandom for other performers. She gets it. Taylor gives back in more ways than we know. But, the ways we do know are huge! And she is never pompous about her giving.
When she was touched by Travis Kelce’s attention (he wanted to give her a beaded bracelet) she responded like a normal young woman would. A bit giddy. She loves being in love – and she shows it. And, she writes about it. She started following him to watch his football games. Her fans did too. It was really very cute.
They seem like a good couple. Both are tops in what they do, and both had great childhoods, good family values, and handle stardom with some humor. I hope it works out because I think they both want the same thing going forward. But we shall see.
I am really glad that Taylor Swift is so big right now. She has done it her way, with lots of talent, hard work, smarts, and always with grace. It’s very awe inspiring really. She is such a wonderful role model to girls and to women everywhere, in America and around the world.
I’m on board. I am riding the Taylor train now. I have watched her ERAS movie – and was blown away by it. The beauty of it. The amazing ‘show’ with scenes (eras), dancing, and of course ALL the music!! But, I have some catching up to do with listening to all her music. I love lyrics and she is famous for hers. It’s going to take a deep dive, especially now with even more music just released.
So, here I go.
Marla’s Musings 