Speak Now
Album Notes
In this album, Swift draws the connection between self-authorship and autonomy/adulthood.
Mine
You learn my secrets and you figure out why I'm guarded
You say we'll never make my parents' mistakes
Related Readings:
Gheaus, Anca (2021). The Best Available Parent. Ethics 131 (3):431-459. (link)
Commentary:
Sparks Fly
Lyrics (Here)
Drop everything now, meet me in the pouring rain
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Back to December
Lyrics (Here)
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Speak Now
Dear John
Lyrics (Here)
And I look back in regret how I ignored when they said "Run as fast as you can"
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Mean
Lyrics (Here)
And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big, loud opinion
But nobody's listening
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumblin' on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
Related Readings:
Heesen, Remco & Bright, Liam Kofi (2021). Is Peer Review a Good Idea? British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 72 (3):635-663. (link)
Commentary:
The Story of Us
Lyrics (Here)
This is looking like a contest
Of who can act like they care less
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Better than Revenge
Lyrics (Here)
She's not a saint and she's not what you think She's an actress, woah
She's better known for the things that she does On the mattress, woah
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Innocent
Lyrics (Here)
Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything
And everybody believed in you?
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Haunted
Last Kiss
Lyrics (Here)
You can plan for a change in the weather and time
But I never planned on you changing your mind
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Long Live
Lyrics (Here)
But if, God forbid, fate should step in
And force us into a goodbye
If you have children some day
When they point to the pictures
Please tell 'em my name
Tell 'em how the crowds went wild
Tell 'em how I hope they shine
Long live the walls we crashed through
I had the time of my life with you
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Ours
Lyrics (Here)
So don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
If This Was a Movie
Superman
Lyrics (Here)
He's got his mother's eyes, his father's ambition
Related Readings:
here" (link)
Commentary:
Discussion Questions
Why do people find self-authorship and authenticity so appealing?
Is it morally better to speak in your own voice? Is it aesthetically better for an artist to work alone?