Hi all!

Welcome to a new segment on my blog! Each month, I will rank Taylor Swift’s track #1’s, #2,’s, #3’s etc – finishing with track #12’s in December. However, once TS13 is released, I will do a dedicated post ranking her track #13’s and so on. A quick disclaimer, I am going to be including The Anthology, as it is a full album. I will not be including vault tracks. If you wish to see my vault rankings for Fearless, Speak Now, Red & 1989 TV, click here.

Today I will be tackling Taylor’s track #8’s. This was a struggle! It’s okay if you disagree. It’s just my opinion. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) August

In first place, I have one of Taylor’s best songs to ever exist – August from Folklore. I mean, what do I even need to say? She put that month on the map! Kidding! But in all seriousness, when it rolls around to that time of year now, it’s such an event for Swifties – that’s how iconic it is. When the album was first released, fans believed the story about the fictional love triangle. However, now that we know who Cardigan was really about, I would implore listeners to look deeper. There are a lot of lyrics that fit the same tragic subject from The Tortured Poet’s Department. Back when Taylor was still with Joe, she was “living for the hope of it all.”

Favourite lyric: “Wanting was enough. For me, it was enough.” 

2.) Florida!!!

This might be surprising but in second place, I have Florida!!! from The Torured Poet’s Department. In this track, Taylor explores escaping to Florida, in order to forget her problems. She wants to use the place like a drug; burying her regrets in the swamp. My favourite part is the bridge, where her and Florence blend their voices together in perfect harmony. It’s so good. When we finally break free from a long-term situation, it’s only natural to go a little wild. This number encompasses that feeling effortlessly. Personally, I deeply relate to this song. I also escaped to forget. That’s why it’s so high on my list. 

Favourite lyric: “I have some regrets; I’ll bury them in Florida.” 

3.) Dorothea 

In third place, I have Dorothea from Evermore. I am always in the mood to listen to it. It’s such an instant vibe booster. If you didn’t know, it’s from the perspective of Dorothea’s old flame (that we learn about in Tis The Damn Season). He is in awe of her glamorous life, yet also knows her as the simple country, hometown girl he grew up with. She can always be herself with him. Selena Gomez has since confirmed it was written about her. I love her friendship with Taylor and just how wholesome the song is.

Favourite lyric: “And if you’re ever tired of being known for who you know, you know, you’ll always know me.” 

4.) Wi$h Li$t 

In fourth place, I have Wi$h Li$t from The Life of a Showgirl. The message is quite simple, but also very revealing. In the verses, Taylor outlines all the different things people desire, in order to make them happy. In the chorus, she shares what she wants – Travis and a future family. With him, it’s possible to have it all. I love the dreamy melodies and breathy vocals. It reminds me of Glitch, but better. Out of all the songs off the album, this one has climbed the most for me. I want to listen to it on repeat. 

Favourite lyric: “I thought I had it right, once, twice, but I did not. You caught me off my guard. I hope I get what I want. Cause I know what I want.” 

5.) We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together 

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together from Red is one of Taylor’s most successful singles. It goes all the way off! I had the most fun singing along to this song at the Era’s Tour. I remember when it first came out, I played it to a girlfriend who had just ended things with her toxic ex. It really helped the healing process. I believe Tay wrote this about Jake Gyllenhaal – who was very much an on-again, off-again flame during that period of her life. It’s such an empowering number and the music video still stands the test of time.

Favourite lyric: “I used to think that we were forever, ever. And I used to say, “never say never.”

6.) Gorgeous 

In sixth place, I have Gorgeous from Reputation. This song has really grown on me. I love the melodies and pre-choruses. Taylor wrote this track about the beginning stages with Joe. She captured that feeling of being so in lust with someone, it makes you angry. How dare a person look that good! At the time, he felt unattainable to her. That very thought was ruining her life! It’s a very relatable experience for most people. 

Favourite lyric: “Ocean blue eyes, looking in mine. I feel like I might, sink and drown and die.” 

7.) Never Grow Up 

Never Grow Up from Speak Now would be a lot higher if I didn’t cry every single time I heard it! The last time I played it, I had tears in my eyes watching my daughter frolic outside. She’s growing up so fast! If you’re a parent, this song is definitely going to hit hard. You just want to protect your child from all danger. You want to keep tucking them in at night. It’s such a beautiful track. Taylor actually wrote it about moving out of her childhood home and into her Nashville apartment. It’s not until you do something very adult, that you suddenly feel small again; wishing you could preserve your innocence for a little bit longer. 

Favourite lyric: “I just realised everything I have is someday gonna be gone.” 

8.) Tell Me Why 

In eighth place, I have Tell Me Why from Fearless. This is a very angry, cathartic song about a boy that was getting under Taylor’s skin at the time. She went into a recording session with former producer, Liz Rose, full of pent-up energy. Liz asked her to share how she feeling in the moment, so Taylor replied: “I’m sick and tired of your attitude. I feel like I don’t know you.” Thus, the track was born! I LOVE the opening chords. In my opinion, it sounds even better re-recorded. Not a number I listen to all the time but one I enjoy when it comes on. 

Favourite lyric: “And I need you like a heartbeat. But you know you got a mean streak.” 

9.) Stay Beautiful 

There are some songs off of Debut that I just know will be even more perfect once re-recorded. Stay Beautiful is one of them. In this track, Taylor croons about former highschool crush, Cory. She recognises that they will probably never end up together, but he’s nice to dream about all the same. It’s such a light, feel-good number addressing unrequited love. Watch it become a new favourite very soon!

Favourite lyric: “I hope your life leads you back to my front door.” 

10.) ThanK you aIMee 

Lower down on my list, I have ThanK you aIMee from The Anthology. This song hearkens back to the Reputation era and one Kim Kardashian. Taylor changed her name, but the clues are very obvious! She takes a more mature angle, declaring that without all the drama, she wouldn’t have built a legacy that cannot be undone. I’m frustrated because as someone who has been bullied, I thought this track would be one of my favourites. After all, it is so relatable. However, the songwriting is quite clunky. Not to mention, the subject matter has been covered extensively at this point. 

Favourite lyric: “That there wouldn’t be this, if there hadn’t been you.” 

11.) Bad Blood 

Third last, I have Bad Blood from 1989. I need to clarify that I enjoy the Kendrick version far more than the original. His verse really elevates the energy. Having said that, this is my least favourite song off the album. I think it’s a bit cringe in hindsight. Taylor didn’t need to amass an army of female models to go against former nemesis, Katy Perry. It was definitely blown way out of proportion. I’m just glad they’ve made up since. When this track comes on now, I remember my excitement at knowing the ‘surprise song’ set was coming next!

Favourite lyric: “If you live like that, you live with ghosts.” 

12.) Vigilante Shit 

In second last place, I have Vigilante Shit from Midnights. This is Taylor’s only self-written song on the album, plus the shortest track. She comes in, spills some delicious tea and leaves in a puff of smoke. It’s the ultimate middle finger. Aside from the epic chair choreography we received on the Era’s Tour, I tend to forget about it.  The production is dynamic but it always leaves me wanting more. 

Favourite lyric: “While he was doing lines and crossing all of mine.” 

13.) Paper Rings

In last place, I have Paper Rings from Lover. It’s very catchy but I literally never listen to it. I don’t think I even know all the words. In hindsight, it’s a very delusional and sad song from Taylor. Listen to You’re Losing Me and you’ll know why. She would’ve married Joe Alwyn with paper rings, yet he did not share the same sentiment. I hate how many years she wasted on him, only to get nowhere. I actually get angry when it comes on for that reason. Thank heavens our girl found her happily ever after with Travis! 

Favourite lyric: “I hate accidents, except when we went from friends to this.” 

Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank Taylor’s Track #8’s?

Peace & Love xoxo