The 2022 VMAs saw the announcement of Taylor Swift’s 10th studio album, Midnights, which represents a return to her previous release schedule. Her autobiographical approach has returned with this album, which broke records as the largest pop album on Apple Music and became the most-played album on Spotify. Thirteen sleepless nights spread across Swift’s life are captured in the record, which was published on the same day that she became 12,000 days old. “Anti-Hero,” the lead track, talks about her deepest fears and problems with stardom. The remaining seven tracks on the album, which are a return to her previous release patterns, have an equally intimate vibe.

The songs

With the release of her latest album, Midnight’s Mayhem With Me, Swift has returned to addressing more intimate themes. The 13 insomniac nights that Swift experienced are chronicled throughout the record, with a focus on nightmares and lovely dreams. “Anti-Hero” delves into Swift’s anxieties and her feelings of not feeling like a human. Her six-year relationship with actor Joe Alwyn served as the inspiration for the album’s first tune, “Lavender Haze,” while the “cataclysmic, fated moment” that she experiences when she realises she is falling in love at the same time served as the inspiration for the fourth track, “Snow on the Beach,” starring Lana Del Rey.

About The Songs

Lavender Haze

Swift’s song “Midnights” seems to be about the “lavender haze” experience of being in love, as well as her six-year-old beau Joe Alwyn. Swift expresses her discontent with the inquiries and her need to be seen as more than just a wife or girlfriend in the song, which responds to rumours and inquiries over their engagement. Swift appears to be sick of being questioned and wants to be recognised for more than just her relationship or marriage, according to the lyrics.

Maroon

Taylor Swift’s song “Lavender Haze” alludes to a brief romance that she may have had in 2016 with Tom Hiddleston. The song makes references to their Met Gala rendezvous and a doomed relationship. Still unknown, though, is Swift’s roommate’s choice of inexpensive screw-top rosé.

Anti-Hero

Swift tackles her doubts and self-hatred in the music video for her debut track, “Midnights,” which features her in a ’70s lair. The song makes references to 30 Rock and her obsession with food, as well as examining her height, narcissism, and despair.

Snow on the Beach

This song is cheerful, even if Lana Del Rey isn’t even very prominent! The “weird but fuckin’ beautiful” experience of falling in love while someone else is falling in love with you is described in “Snow On the Beach.” A playful reference to Janet Jackson’s well-known 2001 song “All For You” (which means “Now I’m all for you like Janet”) may also be heard.

You’re On Your Own, Kid

Swift’s song “You’re On Your Own, Kid” tells the story of a girl who waits for a male to notice her before rushing off to play music. She understands that even with her wealth and celebrity, she is still alone. The song’s reassuring conclusion assures listeners that they have nothing to be scared of.

Midnight Rain

Taylor Swift’s song “Midnight Rain” makes parallels to both the quest for celebrity and heartache. While there is some distortion in the song’s opening, Taylor’s voice shines throughout, hinting at the heartache of shattering someone else’s heart. The song is an attempt as well as a tribute to going back to bygone midnights and old memories. According to theories, the two guys who haven’t changed are Hiddleston and Taylor Lautner.

Question …?

The phrase “Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room?” and other frequent usage of Swift’s pronouns suggest that the song “Question…?” may be a jab at her former best friend and potential kissing partner, Karlie Kloss. The song also has a traditional Swiftian tribute to the hue of emotions, with lines evoking memories of earlier songs like “Illicit Affairs” and “Red.”

Vigilante Shit

Rumoured to be a part of Taylor Swift’s Reputation album cycle, “Vigilante Shit” makes allusions to Scooter Braun. The song pays homage to Princess Diana while having a strong bass line and a bad-girl image. Swift’s song “Rip a Man for Revenge” is her second about damaging a man after “No Body, No Crime.” After the video is released, further information will become available.

Bejewelled

The song “Bejewelled” tells the story of a lady in a relationship who feels that her boyfriend is undervaluing her despite her brilliance. Given that Swift’s ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris is named in the Reputation lyric, it seems possible that the song is about him. The significance of self-worth and the brilliance of a diamond’s got to shine are emphasised in the song.

Labyrinth

Swift’s romantic ballad “Last Kiss” symbolises the conflicted feelings and dread of falling out of love as it examines her amazement and nervousness at falling in love. She performs the song “Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out” to calm her fears and promote fortitude in the face of adversity.

Karma

Taylor Swift’s song “Karma” was previously included on her album Karma, which some speculate would have been published had Kim Kardashian not revealed her rivalry with Kanye West. According to Swift, the song is about being content and glad with life, and it’s a reward for doing the right thing. Swift’s long-term career strategy and resolve are further validated by the bridge. The lyrics of the song could be Taylor Swift’s best.

Sweet Nothing

Taylor Swift’s love ballad “Sweet Nothing” describes the warmth of being with someone who makes you feel at home. This is the sixth song that Swift co-wrote with Alwyn, and although the lyrics admit that Swift feels like she’s being exploited for attention and money, they also imply that Alwyn doesn’t cause her any more worry. Folklore enthusiasts and wedding playlists will enjoy this tune.

Mastermind

Taylor Swift’s song “Mastermind” is a potent song that delves into introspection and self-reclamation. It seems like an accident from the lyrics, which are reminiscent of Lover’s “Paper Rings.” The song implies that Swift’s motivations are anxiety-driven, but it also draws attention to her previous public accusations of being a manipulator. The song makes references to timeless Swift themes like stars and youth, implying that she may be a genius.

The Great War

For the first time, Swift has likened her relationship to a battle—World War I. The song examines the difficulties of being in a relationship, the need to avoid letting the past destroy it, and the satisfaction that comes from getting through even the roughest arguments. In her song “I will always be yours ’cause we survived the Great War,” Swift alludes to a historical link.

Bigger Than the Whole Sky

Taylor Swift’s song “Bigger Than the Whole Sky” is a potent one that stirs up strong emotions for people who have passed away too soon. The song’s lyrics, which could allude to a miscarriage, speak to people who have suffered an unexpected loss. The song is the most goosebump-inducing tune on her record.

Paris

In her early romances, Swift paints a picture of the city of love, capturing the enchanted sensation of falling in love as well as the delightful flavour of the union. She highlights how romance is richer when it is kept all to oneself and, in a nod to “Mastermind,” expresses her desire to brainwash someone into loving her unconditionally.

High Infidelity

On April 29, 2016, Taylor Swift and Rihanna released a song that Calvin Harris, Swift’s then-boyfriend, subsequently revealed to have been written by Swift using the pen name Nils Sjoberg. The song was seen as the “breaking point” in their relationship as Swift felt Harris was treating her disrespectfully. She could have met Tom Hiddleston when she subsequently went to the Met Gala in New York City.

Glitch

The song “Glitch” by Swift is inspired by her relationship with Alwyn, which has lasted for the longest time—six years, or 2,190 days—during a love blackout. Swift has received criticism in the past for dating several men, and in “Glitch,” she internalises that criticism and questions whether her current relationship is real or just a glitch. Their romance seems to have lasted longer than anticipated, according to the song.

Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve

John Mayer is the Swifties’ new number-one enemy. Fans think that Mayer is the topic of the song “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve.” Swift, then 19 years old, and an older guy, then 32, are mentioned in the song. Swift expresses remorse for the past and acknowledges that she is afraid of ghosts and memories.

Dear Reader

A heartfelt apology and disclaimer, “Dear Reader” is Taylor Swift’s way of telling people not to believe her music, which is rapidly breaking apart. The song is a reflection of her messy life and her battle with fame. It reminds fans that Swift is essentially just a regular person and acts as a throwback to her retrospective album.

Collaborator

Swift tackles themes of self-loathing, thoughts of retaliation, curiosity, falling in love, and coming apart in her concept album Midnights. Eleven songs written by Swift with contributions from Jack Antonoff, Zoë Kravitz, Sam Dew, Jahaan Sweet, Soundwave, and Keanu Beats are included on the album. “Snow on the Beach” features vocals by Lana Del Rey as a guest. Antonoff and Aaron Dessner contributed to the expanded 3 am Edition, which featured seven tracks written by Swift. Swift’s reflections on her life and self-criticism during the after-hours are explored throughout the album. Although Alan Light of Esquire feels that the tracks compose a coherent record, some claim that Midnights is a loose concept album due to its vast lyrical topics.

Conclusion

Midnights, Taylor Swift’s tenth studio album, was revealed during the 2022 VMAs. Swift’s album, which is the most popular pop album on Apple Music and the most streamed album on Spotify, includes 13 tracks from her insomniac evenings, such as “Anti-Hero” and personal topics like “Lavender Haze.” Songs like “Bejewelled,” “Last Kiss,” “Karma,” “Sweet Nothing,” “Mastermind,” and “The Great War” examine relationships, love, and self-worth.