A Comparative Analysis of the Literary Values Imbued in Taylor Swift’s Song Lyrics in Two Albums Folklore and Evermore

Abstract

Music and song lyrics have long been acknowledged as powerful forms of artistic expression par excellence, serving as personal and collective reflections of human experiences. In the contemporary music industry, Taylor Swift has emerged as a global icon whose sui generis literary artistry has received recognition from academics, fans, and music critics alike. Her exceptional ability to write song lyrics that resonate deeply with millions of listeners worldwide is a sine qua non of her success. The release of Folklore and Evermore during the COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant metamorphosis in Swift’s songwriting, representing both an artistic evolution and a departure from her previous autobiographical approach. The two albums, widely acclaimed for their emotional depth and intricate storytelling, provided a poignant response to the collective isolation and introspection of the lockdown era. This study explores the overarching themes of Folklore and Evermore and how they are reflected, representing Swift’s artistic reflections of isolation and introspection during the pandemic. This study offers a structured approach to understanding Swift’s creation of recurring motifs throughout the songs in Folklore and Evermore to construct immersive and emotionally resonant narratives, reflecting the overarching themes of the two albums. Moreover, this study explores how Folklore and Evermore exhibit their distinctive features, which helps explore the thematic and narrative evolution between the two albums. This also highlights Taylor Swift’s progressive literary artistry during the maelstrom of the COVID-19 pandemic. Concertedly, in addition to highlighting that song lyrics, inter alia, merit studying as literary works, this study contextualises Folklore and Evermore within the broader context of literary expression, thereby contributing to discussions upon the song lyrics of contemporary music as a form of literary expression and reinforcing the legitimacy of song lyrics as a medium for profound emotional and existential exploration.