Exploring Taylor Swift's Relationship with Joe Alwyn Through Her Music: Did Comfort Ever Prevail?

Did Taylor Swift Ever Feel Comfortable in Romance With Joe Alwyn Her Past Music Hints Maybe Not 454

Taylor Swift, Joe Alwyn. Getty Images (2)

Taylor Swift's recent albums initially depicted a fairytale love story with ex Joe Alwyn. However, a closer look at some of the singer's lyrics suggests that their relationship hit rocky waters long before their breakup.

In 2016, Swift, 34, fell in love with Alwyn, 32, and took a step back from the public eye. She made a comeback in 2017 with her album "Reputation," which was perceived as a revenge record. Despite this, songs like "Gorgeous," "Delicate," "Call It What You Want," and "New Year's Day" offered a peek into the early stages of her romance with Alwyn.

Swift's 2019 album, Lover, seemed like a natural progression from her previous work. Gone were the dark themes and snakes, replaced with a softer, more romantic vibe featuring pastel pink and butterflies. The title track, in particular, was hailed as one of her most enchanting songs yet.

In an interview with The New York Times in 2019, Swift shared her inspiration for the album. She revealed, "I had always dreamed of creating a song that captures the essence of a slow dance between two people deeply in love. The image of the last couple on the dance floor at 3 a.m., swaying together, had always stuck with me."

Swift acknowledged that while her lyrics may seem light and romantic on the surface, there is also an underlying tension present. She explained that the chorus of her songs pose simple existential questions that we often ponder when we are in love. Questions like "Can I go where you go?" and "Can we always be this close?" carry heavy emotions and fears.

In another track from the album, "Cornelia Street," Swift delves into a similar theme of anxiety. Initially thought to be a passionate love song dedicated to her relationship with Alwyn, the song reveals a sense of unease. Swift describes her lover as a "card shark playing games" and accuses him of leading her on before eventually catching her just in time.

Lover's fifth track, "The Archer," delves into Swift's inner struggles while also hinting at a glimmer of hope that she has finally found someone who will stand by her. Despite this, she poses these thoughts as questions rather than statements, such as "Who could ever leave me darling / But who could stay? / You could stay?" in the chorus.

In her subsequent album, 2020's Folklore, much of the content is based on fictional scenarios. However, one of the final tracks, "Peace," once again touches on Swift's personal anxieties about finding a partner who can handle the challenges of her highly publicized life.

Did Taylor Swift Ever Feel Comfortable in Romance With Joe Alwyn Her Past Music Hints Maybe Not 453

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During the making of Folklore, Taylor Swift delved into themes of escapism and romanticism. She revealed in a November 2020 interview with Paul McCartney that she imagined herself as a pioneer woman in a forbidden love affair while writing the songs. She also shared that the track "Peace" was more personal compared to the other songs on the album.

Throughout their nearly six-year relationship, Swift and Alwyn made a conscious effort to avoid the public eye. They never made a red carpet appearance together, even when attending the same events. The couple would often be seen rushing to their cars to avoid being photographed together. Despite being credited as a cowriter on multiple tracks, Alwyn was not present at the Grammys when Swift won Best Album for Folklore in 2021.

In 2020, Swift shared with McCartney that being in her current relationship has led her to make decisions that make her life feel more authentic, rather than just a story for tabloids. She mentioned choices like where to live, who to spend time with, and when to prioritize privacy. The concept of privacy may be hard to explain, but it's about seeking moments of normalcy, as reflected in her song 'Peace.' She wonders if achieving the normalcy they both desire would be enough.

After Swift and Alwyn ended their relationship in April 2023, a source revealed to We that their split was influenced by the singer's celebrity status. Following the breakup, Swift started appearing at public events in New York City and L.A. after years of keeping a lower profile. (She has since moved on with Travis Kelce, and the couple frequently support each other in public.)

In 2022, Taylor Swift's album "Midnights" raises questions about her anxieties. The songs depict 13 sleepless nights in her life and hint at relationships that are on the verge of falling apart. For example, "Maroon" explores a romance that one person can't seem to let go of, while "Bejeweled" describes a partner who prefers to stay out of the spotlight while Swift wants to be visible.

In the chorus of one song, Swift sings, "Familiarity breeds contempt / Don’t put me in the basement / When I want the penthouse of your heart." The verses express her feelings further: "I made you my world, have you heard? / I can reclaim the land / And I miss you / But I miss sparkling."

Its Been 1 Year Since News Broke Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn Split Everything Thats Happened Since

Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn Blitz Pictures/INSTARimages.com

There are also songs like “Midnight Rain” and “Question.” These tracks focus on past relationships that might have been surprising for fans who realized Swift was still with Alwyn when she wrote them. The Vault Track “You’re Losing Me,” however, could be the most revealing.

Written in December 2021, over a year before she ended things with Alwyn, this emotional ballad describes a relationship where Swift is pleading with her partner to understand her pain.

She asked in the first verse, "How can you say that you love someone you can't tell is dying?" Her eyes filled with storms as she glared at you. She sent signals and nervously bit her nails, her face turning gray. But you refused to admit that there was something wrong.

In the bridge, Swift touches on the same themes as "Bejeweled," feeling frustrated with being with someone who doesn't appreciate her.

Swift sings about not being a good partner and always trying to please others. She questions if her partner will choose her, as she feels like she has nothing to offer unless they choose her.

Fans can expect to learn more about Swift's relationship with Alwyn when her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, is released on April 19.

At a February show in Melbourne, Australia during the Eras Tour, she shared with the audience how important it was for her to create her latest album. Songwriting has always been a lifeline for her, helping her navigate through life's challenges. With Tortured Poets, she felt a deep connection to her songwriting, using it as a way to express herself like never before.

Editor's P/S:

The article explores the complexities of Taylor Swift's relationship with Joe Alwyn, delving into the nuances of her lyrics to uncover hidden