16 Shades of Red: Taylor Swift’s ‘Red’ DECODED
Hey there all you Swifties! If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’ve counted down the minutes until you got your hands on Taylor Swift‘s fourth album, Red, today! I feel like with each album, Taylor raises the bar and keeps getting better. Here’s my review of Red, my favorite lyrics and what those hidden messages are in the CD booklet!
1. “State Of Grace” [10/10]
Hidden message: I love you doesn’t count after goodbye.
“…and I never saw you coming and I’ll never be the same.”
My first thought when I heard this song for the first time was that it reminded me of something truly epic, like one of those U2 songs that just sweeps you away. I get a good feeling whenever I listen to it.
2. “Red” [8/10]
Hidden message: Sag.
“Fighting with him was like trying to solve a crossword and realizing there’s no right answer.”
Classic Taylor Swift. Her way with words and metaphors never ceases to astound me.
3. “Treacherous” [6/10]
Hidden message: Won’t stop till it’s over.
“I can’t decide if its a choice, getting swept away.” “This daydream is dangerous.”
It seems to me like this girl loves danger. That’s okay…it makes for great writing material. I love the lyrics but its a bit too slow for me.
4. “I Knew You Were Trouble” [9/10]
Hidden message: When you saw me dancing.
“…pretends he doesn’t know that he’s the reason why you’re drowning.”
This song really proves that Taylor is not “one dimensional” and that she really can break out of her comfort zone. Co-written by Max Martin and Shellback, (Britney Spears, Katy Perry) Taylor shows us that there’s really nothing she cannot do. Plus I just really love hearing a synthy hook in a Taylor Swift song.
5. “All Too Well” [9/10]
Hidden message: Maple lattes.
“I’d like to be my old self again but I’m still trying to find it.”
I think we all have an idea who this song might be about. I love how she never talks about her personal life in interviews but she pours it all out in her writing. These are the only versions that we should know about because they’re the truth.
6. “22” [8/10]
Hidden message: Ashley Dianna Claire Selena
“We’re happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time.”
I read somewhere that someone said this is the closest to Ke$ha Taylor will ever get! The sad part is that most of us think our teens are hard but being in your twenties is just as confusing but its a lot clearer…if that makes sense. I love that she’s talking about “ditching the whole scene” and just having fun.
7. “I Almost Do” [6/10]
Hidden message: Wrote this instead of calling.
“I bet you’re sitting in your chair by the window looking out at the city and I hope sometimes you wonder about me.”
Sometimes we wonder if the ones who left us are thinking about us. I almost do…sometimes..
8. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” [7/10]
Hidden message: When I stopped caring what you thought.
“You would hide away and find your peace of mind with some indie record that’s much cooler than mine.”
I gotta be honest: the first time I heard this song I was like “…WHAT is she doing?!” but then once I found out her strategy I was like “Ahhhh….I see what you did there!” Plus its super catchy and it grew on me really fast. Who doesn’t like telling their exes that they’re pathetic?
9. “Stay Stay Stay” [8/10]
Hidden message: Daydreaming about real love.
“Before you I’d only dated self-indulgent takers who took all of their problems out on me.”
This song is adorable! Proof that there can be true love out there if you’re willing to work at it.
10. “The Last Time” (Featuring Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol) [9/10]
Hidden message: LA on your break.
“This is the last time I’m asking you this. Put my name at the top of your list.”
Sometimes when you’re not a priority to someone you care about, its time to walk away. I find myself relating to this one lately, not exactly in a romantic sense but that’s the beauty of music. Gary and Taylor’s voices blend so beautifully together.
11. “Holy Ground” [8/10]
Hidden message: When you came to the show in SD.
“…and I see your face in every crowd.”
The beat of this song is so addicting! Perfect for driving.
12. “Sad Beautiful Tragic” [10/10]
Hidden message: While you were on a train.
“In dreams, I meet you in warm conversation. We both wake in lonely beds, different cities.”
This song is appropriately titled…in the best possibly way. I can’t even begin to describe how chilling this song is.
13. “The Lucky One” [6/10]
Hidden message: Wouldn’t you like to know.
“…and they tell you that you’re the lucky one but you’re so confused cause you don’t feel pretty, you just feel used.”
What is she trying to tell us? This song deserves an investigation!
14. “Everything Has Changed” (Featuring Ed Sheeran) [10/10]
Hidden message: Hyannis Port.
“All I knew this morning when I woke is I know something now I didn’t before.”
How does this girl do it? How does she know everything I’ve been going through for the past two years? This song is perfect. I’ll be quoting it forever.
15. “Starlight” [7/10]
Hidden message: For Ethel.
“Don’t you see the starlight? Don’t you dream impossible things?”
This song is happy and fun. Its going to sound amazing live. Can you guess who its about? 😉
16. “Begin Again” [9/10]
Hidden message: I wear heels now.
“I think its strange that you think I’m funny cause he never did.”
Love begins and ends everyday…you just have to be open to those new beginnings, and realize that those lost loves that hurt and put a damper on your self-esteem were in fact, not love at all.
Red is available now!
What do you think of Red?
