I love music that makes me feel a type of way. A good type of way! A good, cozy, warm, special, even sensual type of way. A way where I am taken to a special place in my mind and heart where I feel seen and understood. A place similar to a private, magical garden where I am able to dig deep, loosen up, and be inspired. This is what the album, 1989 (Taylor’s Version), does for me. Theee 1989 album written by theee wonderful and gifted genius Taylor Alison Swift (who of course was born in 1989).
So, where do I begin? This album… I always knew there was something special about this album. At the time when it came out I didn’t know exactly how to explain why it resonated with me but now, years later, in May 2025 I’ve figured it out. ‘1989’ came out in the beautiful year of 2014, which is my absolute favorite year of life thus far. The first half of the 2010’s were an extremely impactful time (or should I say… ‘era’) in my life!! My high school years were between 2010 and 2014, which now in hindsight I think is perfect. I wouldn’t want it any other way. This era in time was filled with fun, versatile, youthful aesthetics, ‘Style’ :), unique subcultures, and memories I’ll hold forever. The creative, cultural influences that I cherish now riddle me with beautifully meaningful nostalgia.
The 2010’s just scream to me: Tumblr, hipster clothes, indie music, the early days of Instagram; Peter Pan collars, skater skirts, Rihanna, Halsey, Marina and the Diamonds, Lana Del Rey, Hip-Hop, VSCO, One Direction, Doc Martens, American Apparel, twee fashion, cat ears, mustaches, & Taylor Swift, of course, and so on and so on. This 22 track album (including “new” music from “The Vault”) is a teenage, pop music dream! It hits different as an adult now since it came out when I was a teen, because I realize now that the songs are really and truly for the girlsss, literally. Just your average girl who thinks she’s falling in love, or whose actually experienced her first major love or heartbreak and betrayal. But in all seriousness, this album is filled with dream-like states, warmth, vulnerability; lyrical expressions of ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’; fun, wittiness, joy, sadness, anger, and of course, sass!!!
My top songs on the album are: You Are In Love, Wildest Dreams, I Know Places, Say Don’t Go, Out of the Woods, All You Had To Do Was Stay, Blank Space, Is it Over Now?, etc. So, basically every song, lol. When I hear people talk about this album, the consensus I always hear is that, it’s an AMAZING, true Pop album. One that is filled with retro sounds of the synth, an 80’s pop staple. It’s pretty much a modern, 80’s style album. Today I could see it being reinvented into an 80’s inspired aesthetic for sure! I can picture in my mind young girls and women playing this album on a cassette tape, driving in their car with the top down on a warm, sunny day in spring or summer (the summer of 1989, obviously). This album is also extremely monumental because it marked Taylor’s official metamorphosis into the Pop music genre, as she was previously known for being a Country music superstar. She broke through many ceilings and was able to fearlessly step out of the boxes that people tried to keep her in, like the living legend she is. All while earning her fortune, breaking records, and stealing the hearts of fans/writers/story-tellers all over the world, including me.
My top favorite song on the album, ‘You Are In Love’ (Taylor’s Version), is the song I will discuss today. If you’d like me to dive into more songs on the album, leave a comment down below 🙂 This song is perfect and oh so sweet to me. It’s a love song and story that takes the listener through the exact, gorgeous moment(s) of two individuals realizing that they’ve fallen in love with one another and how it made the story teller (the girl) feel. It triggers such a warm, cozy, awe filling, and elating feeling deep within me. It’s the lyrics, pace, and beat of the song for meee. Sonically, the song is exceptional as well. There are these light/airy percussions, along with a quick, harmonious, yet subtle piano tune playing in the background that conveys soft, gentle, peaceful, and still emotions to me.
This song inspires one to imagine deep, private, and intimate moments that some couples may experience that no one else gets to see behind the scenes. The loveliest inside peak into the beginning of potentially forever for two people. This story reminds me that genuine, wholesome, sweet, and peaceful love still actually exists. A real love where you feel safe, understood, fearless, and accepted for who you are, as a man or woman. A relationship where you both deeply know and cherish one another. My favorite lines from the song are the chorus, “You can hear it in the silence…you can feel it on the way home… you can see it with the lights out, you are in love, true love…”, and verses including: “Morning, his place, burnt toast, Sunday. You keep his shirt, he keeps his word, and for once, you let go of your fears and your ghosts; One step, not much but it said enough”; “You kiss on sidewalks, you fight, then you talk”; “One night, he wakes, strange look on his face, pauses, then says “You’re my best friend”, and you knew what it was, he is in love”. Plus the beautiful bridge: “And so it goes; You two are dancing in a snow globe ‘round and ‘round; and he keeps a picture of you in his office downtown, and you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars, and why I’ve spent my whole life trying to put it into words, ‘cause you can hear it in the silence…”
This is love. The wholesomeness, gratitude, cherishing attitudes & loving actions, despite what potentially could’ve been…tension, insecurities, lack of maturity, pain, or chaos influenced by negativity. So, focusing on and striving for what matters—love and positivity— is always the answer in relationships. Although, this is not always easy by any means, I believe it is more of a possibility than skeptics of love probably think. This song and album as a whole has played a significant part in healing old wounds that I needed to let go of as an ever so evolving woman, but best of all, this is how I have always imagined falling in love would feel like all in all. I have never fallen in love before, yet I pray that this is how it’ll feel. Feminine, soft, safe, peaceful, genuine, healthy, and wholesome (in Jesus’ name, Amen.) <3
Now in 2025, ‘1989’ has revitalized me; brought me joy and gifted me with a warm, reassuring, and compassionate maternal or big sister-like hug & hold. Not only for current 28 year old me but also little me inside (who today is still known as, Ti Caro, to family and close friends). She feels extremely seen and VALIDATED in this season, which has been a “long timeee cominggg…”—another Taylor reference lol… (I had to). It’s been rewarding to say the least. Recognizing this reward and milestone is healing, especially as I take the time to reflect on the past eras of life that were extremely challenging for me. I didn’t always understand how to reinforce intentional care and fun for my inner child but I’ve found it, or should I say rediscovered it? The how… It’s in part been through music, again, where I am able to feel a good, pleasant, and satisfied type of way in my journey. It’s always when you least expect it too… (the how). Being able to recognize and accept what comforts you & makes you feel seen, especially when you may not always receive the exact comfort and validation you desire day to day, is a part of the how, in my opinion. It appears that what sticks the most is not forcing or searching so hard for that ‘thing’. It’s truly about comforting and validating YOURSELF, unapologetically. Forming and maintaining self-love. It’s sounds cliché but it cannot be more true.
As you release the need to control every single thing and fully allow yourself to gravitate towards what your soul & heart really love/yearn for (something you ACTUALLY enjoy, are curious about, and/or are even passionate about…not just what’s popular/trendy or “socially acceptable”), the balance, self care, and self love will likely stick.
This is vital, not only for your inner child but also your current young adult/adult-self, who matters just as much. Theee most invigorating part of this season for me has been the huge emotional and mental release from the restraints I used to enforce on myself, along with the return back to my true self that was suppressed. I have returned back to my natural feminine nature, unapologetically & unabashedly and it reflects in my work life, personal life, and within my mind, most importantly. I see and feel the actual physical evidence of it, unlike earlier in the year, when my essence seemed, at times, to be slipping away from me. This was due to not knowing how to balance or utilize my feminine energy with the stressors that came in life, plus the subconscious restraints that used to try to suffocate me and hold me back, but don’t anymore (and never will again), thank God.
All in all, I gently but highly encourage you all to take your time rediscovering what truly brings you joy, fun, passion, comfort, and lightheartedness via mediums that are best for you! Maybe it’s via music, writing, dance, painting, designing… whatever! I pray for release from creative block(s) upon all of you reading this, if that is something you need. Not just for women but men too… a creative, personal, smooth release that teaches you lessons that will tremendously benefit you, even if they are very challenging in the moment. I promise, all the hard times and lessons ARE worth it in the end, trust me. Love sincerely, Caroline (Caro) xo <3
Credits:
Photo by Beth Garrabrant / [https://www.bethgarrabrant.com/] | ©2023 Taylor Swift
’You Are In Love’ by Taylor Swift Copyright © Taylor Swift (2023) Written by: Jack Antonoff & Taylor Swift