Taylor’s Tunes That Missed the Mark: 5 Songs She Could’ve Skipped

Ah, Taylor Swift. The pop sensation who’s captured hearts, sold out arenas, and amassed a staggering number of awards. But even the brightest stars have their dim moments, and Taylor is no exception. We’re diving into the fascinating area of her discography to uncover those songs that, well, maybe should have stayed in the drafts folder.

From awkward lyrics to melodies that just didn’t hit the mark, these tracks might make you scratch your head and wonder what she was thinking. So, buckle up, Swifties and casual listeners alike. Let’s embark on this trip through the songs Taylor Swift probably wishes she hadn’t recorded.

“Picture to Burn”

Starting off with a bang, “Picture to Burn” is one of those tracks that might make you cringe in retrospect. Released as a single from her debut album, this song is a fiery breakup anthem aimed at an ex-boyfriend. While the raw emotion is palpable, the lyrics are, to put it mildly, a bit petty. Lines like “So go and tell your friends that I’m obsessive and crazy” are more reminiscent of high school drama than the sophisticated storytelling Taylor is known for today.

Moreover, the original lyrics included a line that was later changed due to its controversial nature. Initially, Taylor sang, “That’s fine, I’ll tell mine you’re gay,” which was replaced with “That’s fine, you won’t mind if I say.” While she made the right move by altering the lyrics, the damage was already done. The song remains a relic of her early, less polished work.

Despite its catchy tune and relatable angst, “Picture to Burn” feels out of place in Taylor’s otherwise refined catalog. It’s a reminder that even the most talented artists have their growing pains.

“Better Than Revenge”

“Better Than Revenge” from the album “Speak Now” is another track that showcases Taylor’s knack for holding grudges. This song targets another girl who allegedly stole her boyfriend. With lyrics like “She’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress,” it’s clear that Taylor was not in a forgiving mood when she penned this tune.

While it’s understandable that heartbreak can lead to some bitter feelings, this song crosses the line into mean-spirited territory. It’s a far cry from the mature, introspective songs we’ve come to love from Taylor. The track has faced criticism for its slut-shaming undertones, which don’t align with the more feminist, empowering messages she promotes today.

In hindsight, “Better Than Revenge” is a misstep in Taylor’s discography. It’s a song that likely wouldn’t see the light of day if written now, given her evolved perspective and more thoughtful approach to songwriting.

“Innocent”

“Innocent” from the album “Speak Now” is a song that Taylor wrote in response to Kanye West’s infamous interruption during her 2009 VMA acceptance speech. While the intention behind the song was to forgive and move on, the execution fell flat. Lyrics like “It’s okay, life is a tough crowd / 32 and still growing up now” come off as patronizing rather than conciliatory.

The song attempts to take the high road but ends up sounding more condescending than compassionate. It’s a delicate balance to strike, and unfortunately, “Innocent” misses the mark. The melody is also somewhat lackluster, lacking the emotional punch that Taylor’s best ballads deliver.

Given the highly publicized nature of the incident, it’s understandable that Taylor felt compelled to address it. However, “Innocent” feels more like a misfire than a meaningful resolution. It’s a song that could have benefited from a bit more finesse and a lot less finger-wagging.

“Bad Blood”

When “Bad Blood” was released as a single from the album “1989,” it was accompanied by a star-studded music video featuring a who’s who of Hollywood. The song is rumored to be about Taylor’s fallout with fellow pop star Katy Perry. While the track is undeniably catchy, its lyrics and overall message are, to be frank, a bit childish.

With lines like “Did you have to ruin what was shiny? Now it’s all rusted,” the song feels more like a diary entry than a polished piece of pop artistry. The melodramatic tone and vindictive lyrics don’t do justice to Taylor’s talent for nuanced storytelling. It’s a track that, despite its commercial success, doesn’t hold up well under scrutiny.

In a career filled with songs that showcase her growth and maturity, “Bad Blood” stands out for all the wrong reasons. It’s a reminder that even pop queens can have their off days.

“ME!”

“ME!” featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco, was the lead single from Taylor’s album “Lover.” The song was intended to be a fun, upbeat anthem celebrating individuality, but it quickly became one of her most polarizing tracks. Critics and fans alike were divided over its overly sugary lyrics and bubblegum pop sound.

Lines like “Hey, kids! Spelling is fun!” were widely mocked, and the song’s simplistic message felt out of place in Taylor’s otherwise sophisticated discography. While it’s clear that the intention was to create a feel-good, welcoming anthem, the execution left much to be desired. The track’s reception was lukewarm at best, and it didn’t quite achieve the timeless appeal of her other hits.

Despite its catchy chorus and lively music video, “ME!” is a song that many feel missed the mark. It’s a reminder that even seasoned artists can sometimes stumble when trying to capture the magic of a perfect pop song.

So there you have it, a dive into the tracks that Taylor Swift might wish she had never recorded. While these songs may not be her finest work, they are part of her trip and growth as an artist. Each misstep is a stepping stone that has led her to where she is today—a global icon with a catalog of music that resonates with millions.

In the grand scheme of things, these tracks are mere blips on the radar of an otherwise stellar career. They serve as a reminder that even the most talented artists are human and that sometimes, the path to greatness is paved with a few misfires.

References

1. Taylor Swift on Billboard
2. as a swiftie, here is why taylor swift should NOT have won album of …
3. Taylor Swift — For years I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my…
4. Is anyone else’s Spotify wrapped just totally wrong? : r/spotify