Picture this: a cozy evening, your favorite beverage in hand, and you’re ready to dive deep into the multifaceted world of Taylor Swift. But instead of her iconic love ballads, you’re seeking a tour of her lesser-explored lyrical landscape.
Voila. You’ve come to the right place.
Join us as we count down the 10 best Taylor Swift songs that venture beyond matters of the heart. Get ready to be captivated by her wit, storytelling prowess, and hypnotic beats as we unveil a side of Taylor that might just become your newest obsession.
Trust us; you don’t want to miss this exhilarating exploration!
1. “august” (2020)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: folklore
📅 Release Date: 2020
🕒 Song Duration: 4 minutes 22 seconds
Ah, “august” – the standout track from Taylor Swift’s 2020 album “folklore”. Although many might interpret it as a quintessential love song, its true beauty lies in its portrayal of nostalgia and the passage of time.
With evocative lyrics like “Whispers of are you sure?“, Swift transports us to the wistful memories of summers gone by. The ethereal melody immerses us in the fleeting nature of youth and desire.
Through “august”, Taylor masterfully expresses the inevitability of change and the tender emotions tied to our most cherished moments. A true number 1 on my list of non-love songs!
2. “The Man” (2019)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: Lover
📅 Release Date: 2019
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 10 seconds
Settle in, music lovers, because “The Man” from Taylor Swift’s 2019 album Lover is coming in at number 2 on our best-non-love-songs list! With its catchy melody and powerful lyrics, it’s no wonder everyone’s grooving to it. The track cleverly portrays gender inequality by imagining how Swift’s life would be different if she were a man.
Lines like “I’d be a fearless leader. I’d be an alpha type.
When everyone believes ya: What’s that like?” showcase the unfair double standards existing in today’s society. This pop anthem is a punchy reminder that it’s time for equal treatment and respect for everyone, regardless of gender.
3. “Look What You Made Me Do” (2017)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: reputation
📅 Release Date: 2017
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 32 seconds
In “Look What You Made Me Do“, Taylor Swift embraces her darker side, crafting a catchy revenge anthem. The song sees Taylor reinventing herself following criticism and public feuds, taking charge of the narrative and standing up to the scrutiny.
The alter ego theme is underlined through lyrics like “I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now… cause she’s dead“.
It’s a powerhouse track highlighting the resilience and reinvention one can accomplish in the face of adversity, placing it deservedly at number 3 of our top Taylor Swift songs not about love.
4. “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” (2019)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: Lover
📅 Release Date: 2019
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 54 seconds
When listening to “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” by Taylor Swift, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disarray and disillusion with the traditional American Dream. Set to a backdrop reminiscent of classic high school films, Swift explores themes of lost innocence and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world.
The chorus, “Boys will be boys then, where are the wise men?”, reflects a growing frustration and yearning for progress. Ranking number 4 on our list, this powerful song takes a step away from Swift’s typical romance narratives, making it a poignant and unforgettable track on her 2019 album Lover.
5. “Blank Space” (2014)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: 1989
📅 Release Date: 2014
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 52 seconds
Ah, the ever-catchy “Blank Space” from Taylor Swift’s 2014 smash-hit album, “1989”! At its core, this playful anthem is a tongue-in-cheek take on the media’s portrayal of Swift’s dating life. The lyrics cleverly detail the exaggerated romantic exploits the singer is known for, but with a wink and a nudge.
Taking on the role of a femme fatale, Swift invites her next victim into her rollercoaster world of love – it’s a satirical celebration of her own image, making “Blank Space” a standout among her discography.
6. “my tears ricochet” (2020)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: folklore
📅 Release Date: 2020
🕒 Song Duration: 4 minutes 16 seconds
The haunting melody of “my tears ricochet” from Taylor Swift’s much-praised 2020 album, folklore, stands out as one of her strongest non-romantic tracks. This song’s narrative revolves around a heart-wrenching tale of betrayal and the echoes of a shattered relationship.
Swift’s evocative lyricism paints a vivid picture of a stifling atmosphere as she sings about the aftermath. Key lines such as, “If I’m on fire, you’ll be made of ashes too” showcases her raw emotional intensity, underlining the dark inevitability of the song’s central conflict.
A captivating song that deserves its spot in our top 10.
7. “ME!” (2019)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
🧑 Featured Artist(s): Brendon Urie, Panic! At The Disco
💿 Album: Lover
📅 Release Date: 2019
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 13 seconds
“ME!” is a delightful and empowering song that sees Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie (Panic! At The Disco) celebrating individuality and uniqueness. Released as the lead single of Taylor’s album “Lover” in 2019, this catchy pop tune encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and be proud of who they are, without worrying about what others think.
With the chorus declaring, “I’m the only one of me, baby, that’s the fun of me!”, the duo reminds us that there’s no need to fit into any mold because the real magic of life lies in our own authenticity.
8. “I Did Something Bad” (2017)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: reputation
📅 Release Date: 2017
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 58 seconds
Ah, “I Did Something Bad” – a track that showcases the unapologetic fierceness of Swift embracing her darker side! This irresistible empowerment anthem revels in smashing through expectations and flipping the script on the patriarchy. Taylor takes full control with fearless lyrics, echoing the sentiment: if they say you did something bad, own it, and use their own flames to burn brighter.
With a dramatic mix of seductive strings and edgy electronic beats, “I Did Something Bad” masterfully demonstrates the versatility and fearlessness of Swift’s multidimensional musical persona.
9. “mirrorball” (2020)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: folklore
📅 Release Date: 2020
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 29 seconds
Ah, coming in at number 9 on our list of the best Taylor Swift songs not about love, we have the mesmerizing “mirrorball” from her 2020 album, “folklore.” Taylor Swift brilliantly uses the imagery of a dancing disco ball to represent her ongoing adaptability and desire to please her listeners. Amidst the imperfect world, she shines like a mirrorball, constantly reflecting her audience’s emotions.
Taylor finds a fascinating way to question her identity and adaptability, making this track a powerful standout in her illustrious career.
10. “Shake It Off” (2014)
🧑 Artist: Taylor Swift
💿 Album: 1989
📅 Release Date: 2014
🕒 Song Duration: 3 minutes 39 seconds
Coming in at number 10 on our list of best Taylor Swift songs not about love is the undeniably infectious hit “Shake It Off.” Released in 2014 from her groundbreaking album “1989,” this song captures Swift’s ability to rise above negativity with its catchy beats and upbeat message. The lyrics encourage listeners to ignore the haters and criticism, and just “shake off” any doubts or negative vibes.
Taylor’s contagious energy in this anthem is a reminder for us all to practice a little self-love and confidence, making it a timeless pop classic and one of Swift’s most memorable tunes.
Alexandra loves playing the piano and guitar. She has always been a music lover, but it wasn’t until she was in high school that she realized how much she loved to play. It allowed her to express herself without having to be verbally expressive, which is something she found very empowering.
Mario Montgomery
Saturday 20th of May 2023
Yeah Taylor Swift does reflect, I believe not the audiences but my own feelings. I talk to her sometimes in my dreams and telepathically. Recently a rumor was started that I raped someone, a child at that, it was about my baby cousin. Though it's completely untrue the lines of anti hero. "Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby And I'm a monster on the hill" I feel as though the first line was poking at the people saying it, and was sarcasm. But maybe she reflected my feelings or I'm just crazy...