To the Taylor Swift songs we can’t listen to anymore

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For me, most of Taylor Swift’s albums are uninterrupted listening experiences. I can play them repeatedly while working, about a dozen times or more, especially her latest releases called “Taylor’s Versions”. However, as the artist has produced more music over time, and as I’ve experienced various life events that come with growing older, my list of tracks I rarely skip has expanded unintentionally.

We’re discussing no more than five songs in this case, and if you’re a Taylor Swift fan, chances are you’re familiar with at least one of them already. Here’s the thing: If you can listen to “Ronan” repeatedly without feeling overwhelmed by sadness – and yet you continue to do so – I’m not sure what advice I can offer. This song is on my list, but it’s a charity single dedicated to the memory of a real-life child named Ronan (be prepared if you’re unfamiliar with the story before clicking that link). However, there are other songs as well. You might have others too.

Following my grandmother’s demise in 2024, I found solace in understanding that “Marjorie” provided me a sense of security and brought closure, instead of ending up on my playlist of Taylor Swift songs to skip. However, I will never again immerse myself in songs like “Soon You’ll Get Better” or “Bigger Than the Whole Sky.” One reason why Taylor Swift’s music resonates with countless individuals is also its primary weakness: It’s frequently so relatable that it becomes difficult to separate yourself from it. The song becomes an extension of your feelings, sharing its sorrow as your own, and no matter how much I may cherish the songs themselves, I can no longer connect with them.

Occasionally, I grapple with feelings of guilt when I click ‘skip’, as isn’t music produced to be enjoyed? Yet, it seems counterproductive to aggravate old hurts in our quest for “no skips.” For nearly two decades, Taylor Swift’s tunes have captivated me, and I believe she would recognize that her writing can be so profound at times that not every listener can connect with it consistently.

Here are some heartfelt, impactful, crucial Taylor Swift songs that truly warrant affection and admiration. A few of them might not resonate with me personally, but I’m learning to embrace the occasional skip, one song at a time.

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2025-03-11 02:03