Decoding Taylor Swift's '1989 (Taylor's Version)' Lyrics: Unveiling Vault Tracks and Meaning

Taylor Swift performs during her ‘1989’ World Tour. Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Taylor Swift has released another album featuring previously unheard songs, and as is typical, her fans wasted no time dissecting the lyrics for hidden meanings.

The 33-year-old singer revealed during her final concert in Los Angeles for the Eras Tour in August that a re-recorded version of her album "1989" was in the works. The much-anticipated album was released on October 27, and includes five new tracks called "From the Vault".

"I made my debut in 1989, underwent a transformation in 2014, and a part of me was rediscovered in 2023 when this beloved album was re-released," she expressed in a social media message, commemorating the record. "I never could have fathomed the enchantment you have brought into my life all these years."

She proceeded, "This moment encapsulates the journey we have embarked on together, and the enduring love that still radiates even in the darkest times. With deep appreciation and boundless awe, I proudly present to you my rendition of '1989'. It has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

The original edition of 1989 was released on October 27, 2014, marking a significant departure from Swift's country roots. She worked with producer Jack Antonoff on three songs, including "Out of the Woods," and his influence is even more evident on the rerecorded version. (The 2023 rendition of "Style" has generated differing opinions among fans.)

Swift's 1989 (Taylor's Version) delves into her whirlwind relationship with Harry Styles and addresses her reputation. See below for an explanation of the vault lyrics.

‘Slut!’ (Taylor’s Version)

Prior to the album's launch, there was curiosity among fans regarding whether "Slut!" would take on a vibrant and energetic pop sound or a poignant and heart-wrenching ballad. As it turned out, the latter prevailed. Certain listeners have even likened it to "Blank Space," as both songs touch upon the intense public scrutiny surrounding Taylor Swift's romantic relationships.

Fans have also speculated that Styles served as the inspiration for this previously unreleased song. Singing, "Everyone desires him, that was my mistake / Being in the wrong place at the right time," Swift expresses, "And I emotionally collapse, then he effortlessly draws me in / In a world of immature boys, he stands out as a true gentleman."

In a voice recording shared on Tumblr Music last Friday, Swift revealed that she had to make difficult choices regarding whether to include "Slut!" or "Blank Space" in the original track list of 1989. Describing "Slut!" as a "dreamy" melody with a California vibe that didn't align with the New York City-centric theme of 1989.

Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. David Krieger/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version)

The melody of the second vault track, co-written by Oscar nominee Diane Warren, shares a remarkable resemblance to the beloved fan favorite "Clean." It captures the same sentiments of anxiety that Swift has openly discussed as the inspiration behind her original 1989 hit, "Out of the Woods," which is widely believed to be about her relationship with Styles.

Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version)

Singing, she expresses, "Alone, I am balancing on a tightrope / A little longer I hold my breath."

As she stands halfway out the door, refusing to close it, she clings to the hope of hearing you say, "Don't go."

If you were to utter those words, she would remain with you indefinitely, as she pleads, "Don't go."

Swift described "Now That We Don't Talk" as one of her favorite songs that didn't make it onto the original recording. Despite its short length of under two minutes and 30 seconds, she believes it still has a strong impact. In the song, Swift observes her ex moving on and seeks comfort from her mom. She sings about the ex's changes, including growing out their hair and adopting new interests. These changes were reminiscent of Harry Styles in 2014, when her album 1989 was first released.

She adds, "I long for the previous norms / There was no need for alteration / Yet, I suppose my opinion doesn't matter / I reach out to my mother, who assures me it was advantageous / I remind myself that the more I offered, the less you desired me."

Taylor Swift and Harry Styles Humberto Carreno/startraksphoto.com

Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version)

Swift reminisces about a past romance that received an overwhelming amount of attention, drawing parallels between her life in the public eye and high school. The lyrics express a sense of being destined for fame and mention the hope of rekindling the relationship, followed by a kiss that has a lasting impact. References to astrology and a gathering akin to a class reunion further enhance the nostalgic tone.

During her Red Tour in 2013, Swift wrote numerous songs for her 1989 album, which primarily focused on her relationships from the preceding year. While Harry Styles is widely believed to have served as inspiration, some fans speculate that the mention of "national treasures" could hint at her brief fling with Conor Kennedy in 2012, who is known for his famous family lineage as the grandson of the late Robert F. Kennedy.

Listeners have also drawn comparisons to the Midnights songs “Mastermind” and “Midnight Rain.”

Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version)

In another recorded message, Swift refers to the final 1989 secret song as being similar to both "Out of the Woods" and "I Wish You Would." Fans have already analyzed clues about her relationship with Styles (including their well-known snowmobile accident).

In the song, she sings, "If she has blue eyes, I can assume that you will probably date her / You fantasize about my lips before they called you a dishonest traitor / You search for something better in the bed of every model." (Styles was linked to model Paige Reifler after breaking up with Swift, who fans believe is the person referred to as the "clone" in the song's lyrics elsewhere.)

Swift also alludes to a viral photo from 2013 where she is seen sitting alone on a boat in the Virgin Islands, often referred to as a "blue dress on a boat." It is believed by some listeners that this reference relates to an incident during the trip when Swift and Styles had an argument, causing her to leave the vacation by herself.