Exploring the Emotional Appeal of Taylor Swift's Breakup Ballads
Discover the allure behind Taylor Swift's heart-wrenching breakup songs in her latest album. Uncover the reasons why listeners are drawn to these emotional tunes and the valuable insights they offer on love and loss.
Fans eagerly awaited the emotional turmoil they expected from Taylor Swift's 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department." And she did not disappoint, delivering a double album.
After Swift's six-year relationship ended, she announced her first release, "The Tortured Poets Department." This song captured the emotions of anger, sadness, longing, and confusion that fans appreciate in a breakup song.
In the song, Swift sings about holding her breath since her love left, feeling her heart break when he pretended to put a ring on her wedding finger, and realizing that he was the loss of her life. These lyrics portray a type of pain that listeners may avoid in real life but sometimes seek out in music.
Listening to sad music is considered normal and can actually be beneficial, according to experts. Taylor Swift also expressed her thoughts on this in an Instagram post discussing her album.
In her post, she shared, “I believe that when we write about our sorrow, it transforms into something sacred on the page. By expressing our deepest pain, we can eventually release ourselves from it.”
Something bad, but why does it feel so good?
If you’ve seen a performance of “All Too Well,” you know that Swifties take great joy in scream singing the most heartbreaking parts.
Catharsis and validation are the reasons why it feels so good, according to Arianna Galligher. She is the director of the Gabbe Well-Being Office and the Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR) Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
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It's comforting to have a space to delve into difficult emotions and know that it's normal because others have gone through them as well, she mentioned.
Even if you're not currently going through a breakup, reflecting on past experiences can be beneficial, according to Dr. Jaryd Hiser, a psychologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Dr. Hiser mentioned, "Many of us tend to avoid dealing with these emotions. However, revisiting them can actually help us process that period of time."
That process may lead to more acceptance of those experiences and that it is OK if you never fully feel OK about them, he added.
Music bringing peace
Music can help people feel safe when facing difficult experiences and emotions, according to Hiser. He sees it as a simple way to practice mindfulness, which is not always easy to do consistently.
He enjoys helping patients practice mindfulness by combining it with activities they love. According to him, staying in the present moment is much simpler when engaging in enjoyable tasks.
Hiser mentioned, "Engaging in activities that captivate us allows us to fully experience our emotions in that specific moment."
Heartbreak is Swift’s national anthem
Swift’s success when it comes to her breakup songs may come from the nuance that she holds in her writing, Galligher said.
While there may be grief and loss in her writing, there also tends to be themes of empowerment in her work, she added.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Taylor Swift attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Taylor Swift was spotted attending the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on February 4, 2024. She looked stunning as always in her outfit for the event. The photo was captured by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.
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Taylor Swift has released a new album. One of the songs in the album, titled "Fresh Out the Slammer," talks about her journey from constantly seeking glimpses of someone's smile to realizing her freedom and the lessons she has learned.
Galligher mentioned that she doesn't always conform to the stereotype of a scorned ex who writes vengeful breakup songs.
She added, "Many of her songs contribute to a more balanced dialogue. While some may emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, there are also lyrics that reflect personal growth, self-discovery, and lessons learned, along with thoughts on what could have been done differently."
Galligher believes that a balanced exploration is a positive approach. Swift also explained on Instagram that the emotions expressed in the songs do not necessarily involve a villain and a hero.
“There is nothing to avenge, no scores to settle once wounds have healed. And upon further reflection, a good number of them turned out to be self-inflicted,” she wrote.
How much is too much?
Breakup songs can be comforting, empowering, and connecting, but according to Galligher, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
She explained that if we immerse ourselves in breakup songs for too long, it can start to affect our daily functioning. This could be a sign that it's time to take a break and listen to other types of music.
If you are finding it difficult to start, remember to talk to your loved ones and yourself about how you are feeling, Hiser suggested. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, reach out to your therapist or call 988, he advised.
"Music often serves as a pathway to connecting with our emotions and working through them," Galligher explained. "It is crucial to create room for these emotions and music can assist us in exploring them."
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the cathartic nature of Taylor Swift's breakup songs, exploring how her raw and emotional lyrics resonate with listeners. By expressing pain through music, Swift transforms it into something sacred, allowing listeners to connect with and release their own emotions. Experts suggest that listening to sad music can be beneficial, providing a space to process difficult experiences and find solace.
Moreover, Swift's songs offer a nuanced exploration of heartbreak, balancing grief and loss with themes of empowerment and self-discovery. Her lyrics encourage listeners to reflect on past relationships, accept their experiences, and learn from them. While breakup songs can be comforting and connecting, it's essential to avoid excessive immersion that may affect daily functioning. By combining music with mindfulness, listeners can fully experience their emotions in the present moment and navigate heartbreak with greater self-awareness and resilience.
