This past year, Taylor Swift has made history with countless achievements, ranging from her record-breaking Eras Tour to being named Time’s Person of the Year for 2023. Her masterfully crafted lyrics, catchy melodies, and positive social media presence have established her as a standout songwriter, musician, and role model across generations. This week, The Phillipian interviewed students on their favorite Taylor Swift songs.
Cade Rutkoske ’26: “Lover” from Lover by Taylor Swift
“My favorite Taylor Swift song is ‘Lover’ because at my cousin’s wedding, that was the song that they walked out to, and so when I think about the song, I have the image of them walking to the altar or walking into the venue. I’m very close with that cousin as we’ve grown up together, so it was a special moment. When I think about this moment, it’s the epitome of love and marriage, so I think that’s my favorite song.”
Shea Freda ’24: “Illicit Affairs” from Folklore by Taylor Swift
“My favorite Taylor Swift song is ‘Illicit Affairs’ because I really like the bridge… Taylor Swift just sings it with such emotion, and every time it comes on, I like to sing it very loudly… I usually listen to it when I’m driving by myself in the car.”
Julia LaMarche ’25: “Clean” from 1989 by Taylor Swift
“[My favorite Taylor Swift song to listen to now is] ‘Clean’… I like the way that it sounds [and how] the lyrics are all about new beginnings, starting over, and starting fresh. And I really like that, especially in the new year. Also, the whole album is good… I listen to Taylor Swift on my way to school, especially with my mom because my mom and I are big Swifties. We listen to her music all the time. And when we were driving, before I had my license, we would play my playlist all the time.”
Naomi Oberweger ’24: “New Year’s Day” from Reputation by Taylor Swift
“One of my favorites is ‘New Year’s Day’… I like the lyrics a lot, like ‘Please don’t ever become a stranger, whose laugh I could recognize anywhere,’ and also the piano, because it starts with just the piano, and then she starts singing, and then it ends with just the piano… I listen to it at night, when I’m winding down and getting ready to go to sleep. Or when I’m doing homework or doing tasks that I want some background music for… The lyrics really stick to you and the piano’s…catchy but not in a traditional pop song way of super upbeat, but it’s still very catchy, and I really enjoy that about it.”
Sami Tokat ’26: “…Ready For It?” from Reputation by Taylor Swift
“My favorite Taylor Swift song is ‘…Ready For It?’… It gets me hyped before pre-meets, and it’s a nice song to get in the right headspace… My favorite part is the beat drop in the middle.”
