Taylor Swift’s music has always been known for its storytelling and emotional depth, but for some college students, her songs go beyond just catchy tunes – they are works of literary art.
During a recent virtual class discussion, students at a prestigious university shared their thoughts on how Swift’s songs relate to famous literary works. Makenna Walko, a 19-year-old student, drew parallels between Swift’s song “Clara Bow” and Willa Cather’s novel “The Song of the Lark,” which follows the journey of a young opera singer trying to make it big in Manhattan.
“Lola DeAscentiis, a sophomore student, focused on the song ‘But Daddy I Love Him,’ comparing it to Sylvia Plath’s poem ‘Daddy.’ DeAscentiis, 20, expressed how both works touch on themes of sadness, depression, and mental health.
Ana Paulina Serrano, a 21-year-old neuroscience major, raised the question of whether Swift could be considered a confessional poet, citing the song “Mastermind” from Swift’s album “Midnights” as evidence of her introspective and calculated approach to relationships.
The students’ insightful analysis sparked a lively debate among their peers, with many drawing connections between Swift’s lyrics and classic literary works. As they continue to explore the intersection of music and literature, it’s clear that Swift’s impact goes far beyond the realm of pop culture.
