“Too impaired by my youth to know what to do”…I think she was talking about his drug addiction and not knowing how to handle it, so she deserted him instead of trying to help him deal with it.
She, probably, realized now that there was nothing she could have done to help him, because nobody can help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. She lived for a long time with some guilty and regret for nothing. She finally can go on with her life now, more enlightened and more in control of herself.
I know she went through hell last year with what he did to her, but I imagine she's now glad it happened, to answer those what ifs and give her closure on that relationship, so she could move on without that "Wonder" in the back of her mind.
Agree that the bully line is likely about Calvin.. I can’t see her saying the bully line about Travis as it’s unflattering (even if she say that he seems like he would bully, not that he does bully). Her rare comments about Calvin are not friendly- I think she dislikes him a lot. I’m betting/ hoping we get more Calvin content on the Rep vaults that may give us more context🤞🏻 I view this as a reflection on that time period where they had something happening but went their separate ways for many reasons. She’s thinking of the what ifs before their recent relationship happened. I think this was probably one of the first songs she wrote for the album- or she wrote it prior to the album and it was sitting in the vaults waiting for its moment. I’m so thankful she released it as it’s one if my top 10 Taylor songs This one and Peter give us a lot of context- they really helped me understand TTPD (and some of her earlier songs on folklore, evermore, midnights)
I agree, I think she truly dislikes Calvin now and he was the last recent ex to go speak out against her in public like he did in his Twitter rant in 2016 I believe. I wonder what songs could have been other “vault songs” too and I definitely think we will be eating well and sipping tea when those Rep Vault tracks drop. I’ll have to take off from work. 🤣🤣
I’m waiting for you to blow up girl 😊 One of the best Swiftie channels I have come across with your lyrical breakdowns and deep knowledge of the lore. So happy to have found you!
Awww thank you so much! I’m so happy you’re enjoying! Honestly I’m just so happy to see people want to discuss these lyrics because when I say I have no one in my real life… I mean it. 🤣🤣
My theory is that this is a Folklore vault song that could not be released while she was with Joe. I lean this way because most of TTPD is written in the context of AFTER she and Matty got together finally in 2023, and Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus she continues to 'wonder' about them eventually connecting. I still hold that Folklore and Evermore were her reaching out to Matty in 'code'. This song is a heartbreaker - explaining that she was too young and inexperienced to deal with his drug use and had to walk away and the pain of him just watching her with other men, time passing and wondering why he did not try harder to be with her.
I love this deep dive! I keep begging you to do HOAX, I think it is just so heartbreaking. And could have a lot of meanings. I LOVE all of your analyses, I so appreciate your takes because your literary background allows you to shine a light on things from a perspective we may not all have seen. I think Taylor uses literature, both specific pieces and common themes in general, to inspire her phrasing and her writing and makes her such an amazing story teller!
Also, I know this is all speculative and we do not know Taylor or Matty or Joe IRL, but man, if we are correct in our suppositions, MH is a total narcissistic jerk. Especially now that he subtly downplays everything as so casual when in reality he was likely stringing her along and probably found ways to pop up on her radar any time it seemed like she was moving on.
I always took "changed... rules" to mean that she changed the boundaries of what she would accept in a relationship. She bent the rules to allow for the fact that she wanted stability but was drawn toward chaos.
My little 2¢ to add is I don’t think Joe was a “good” or “great” boyfriend. I think the idea of him (much like Matty) was a lot better than the actual man. Quite a few songs made it obvious to me that he (in my opinion of course lol) was emotionally unavailable. She writes things such as Full of quiet resentment, immature about communication (he wasn’t upfront about his true longterm intentions/goals for them, her friends watched her while as she disappeared, stating she had a cruel summer hiding who she was and hiding physically, She watched him tolerate it when she tried, she carried them up the hill that she later died on waiting for him to marry her to name a few lol
Nina-thanks for this analysis. Taylor is so intriguing and incredibly talented writing these beautiful songs. I love to hear what the words mean from someone who knows so much about her. It really helps me understand her songs and enjoy listening more to them. Taylor Swift CD’s stay in my CD player in my car and when I hear a song you have explained I remember your explanation and have a greater appreciation of the song by understanding the words. Thanks for your hard work. I really appreciate it! I hope you have a fabulous day today and EVERYTHING goes your way! ♥️💕❤️🥰😍👍🌸
From what I gather... he did "crash" into her when they first met.. accidentally spilling his red wine onto her (Maroon). Maroon is definitely about Matty. Yeah. She's explaining their first meeting was a meteor strike of instant connection via the literal boom of him crashing into her. But he was on drugs and she was just really building her career with the shift to pop music. And I believe she was out with Matty the night she met Calvin Harris. Matty even has a music video of the girl he likes running off with some jock that beats him up. I think the "hologram" is her memories over the course of the decade. Them both dating other people... distraction dating when they are the real deal for each other & they both just sat back and watched it happen to each other. The decade played them for fools by believing time would force them to get over each other. It didn't.
This is what I believe too, there was definitely some meteor strike, “the burgundy on my Tshirt when you splashed your wine into me” moment with them. I believe Calvin Harris was also at the Brit Awards in 2015 where Taylor and Matty were both at the after party, I look to that night heavily as I think it was that party where she met Calvin. Hologram could 100% be referring to memories or pictures in her mind too!
@NinasNook It really is fascinating. I like your review of the music from a love of literature perspective. I've been researching from a psychology perspective. I think Taylor really wants her fans (especially the open letter fans) to get what they did when they kept calling Matty "rebound" and demanded she break-up with him in what scared him off. She's saying: "Hey, Swifties! Calvin, Tom, & Joe were the rebounds. They were the Forget Him pills. Matty was the loml... the One...the Question I can't stop asking...the Ivy that covers me." She's really wanting people to get this! So, you're doing a very good thing by helping people to understand. ❤👍
loml must have been something they said to each other bc around the time they broke up she played I don’t want to live forever and started crying specifically at the part “lost the love of my life”
I honestly think she is still wondering. I'm sure she knows why the relationship ended and I think the ghosting was all about Swifties being unhinged. These two will give us season 3 eventually.
@@NinasNookI know people thought Matty was a rebound from Joe but I think Travis is the actual rebound. She was devastated by Matty ghosting her and what happened. Yet supposedly when she went to Travis’s game in Sept she Alaina that they were already a couple by then 🧐 ? Travis offered the exact opposite of Matty and exactly what she needed to forget Matty. And it’s been good but I worry… she falls FAST and each one is the forever guy (she has always gotten families involved 2 weeks into every relationship). Also, granted I don’t know Trav, he comes a cross as someone who does want a queen in his arm and I wonder if he would have wanted her when she was ‘canceled’ the way Joe did. Both of them right now are at professional peaks… but if things get lopsided? I am glad she seems happy but I am also cautious.
Clarification/correction- the woman he is engaged to, Gabriette Bechel, is NOT a past girlfriend. Similar name. His past girlfriend is named Gabrielle Brooks. He was seen out with her for dinner or something post-Taylor but that is all. Gabriette was introduced to Matty by Charlie XCX who is engaged to George, fellow ‘75 band member. She cast Gabriette in a video she did with a girl group she formed called Nasty Cherry.
No, they won’t. People like her, once they decide something, there is no going back, and she saw a part of him that really disgusted her, and erased the fantasies she created in her mind about him. Not only that, she found someone sane, with the same energy, who she can can really rely on, and have as a friend, and as a partner. She seems to be truly happy. I think Travis can give her peace, something she’s never really had with anyone.
@@aaarcgRight That's why she was dreaming of him this whole time and gave him a second chance She dated him once in 2013, she decided that it won't work, put an end to it but 10 years later she went back to him So clearly it's not exactly like you say I think this time he hurt her a lot and she felt very betrayed but that doesn't mean she's moved on There is no closure on TTPD, there is no acceptance, no "I have now moved on from that person" song Unlike on other albums where you have songs like "Begin Again", "Clean", "I Forgot That You Existed" and so on The closest we have to an acceptance song on TTPD in my opinion is "So Long, London" and maybe "Peter" to some extent but not completely, for me the constant repeating of the chorus - "You said you're gonna grow up and you're gonna come find me" expresses a lot of anger, sadness and disappointment which would suggest she is not entirely passed it Now I'm not saying they will necessarily get back together, they may never do that again I'm just saying that it doesn't seem like Taylor has entirely and completely moved on and it doesn't seem like Matty has done so either hence the song "I'm gonna get you back" on TTPD As somebody else had written somewhere the opposite of love is not hate, it's apathy and she clearly still feels something for him
“All to outrun my disertion of you” I think she’s saying she threw herself into her work to avoid her feelings for Matty and the guilt she may have felt that she “abandoned” him, when his addiction was at its peak.
I think this too! That she just threw herself into creating to keep her mind away from it and channel it in other ways. I think she did try with Joe and I honestly think maybe her and Joe could have worked in another life, but she finds joy in creating and “bejeweling.” I think she was just in the motions of it all for a while wondering, “what if…” but not acting on it.
Love your analysis. I do disagree with a couple of points. I believe that it was almost definitely written after the more recent break-up. Maroon is a call BACK. So it must have been written late after Midnights. Also you may have mixed up Matty's ex's? He's been with Gabriette since August/Sept 2023, they are now engaged and is possibly the 'Internet Starlet' referred to. Also Taylor and The 1975 (Matty's band) were both recording in Electric Lady Studios in New York at around the same time - Midnights & The 1975's BFIAFL were released a week apart - and Jack Antinoff produced both. Matty admitted they worked on "a version" of Midnights together. Probably meaning a remix. It does all help explain why she was so devastated when things didn't work out. It wasn't just a fortnight. They were friends for almost 10 years
I think it was written around the same time as Midnights and that’s why we have the use of Maroon. Yeah it gets confusing with Gabriette because I see reports of texts from prior but it definitely could have been Meredith only prior for sure! I think they had a lot of contact while working with Jack for their albums, I think that is when a lot of these feelings are originating.
I definitely think MNTS needs a review if you haven’t already…. If viewed from the perspective now of … am I tired of Joe… (plane is going down, all you.want is nothing, bejeweled, you’re losing me, midnight rain, the Great War, dear reader and hits different)…. I’m thinking of Matty (maroon, SOTB, labyrinth, YOYOK, question and glitch)…. They all hit differently now I think….
Wow, I appreciate you interpreting this song because it is perhaps my favourite out of The Anthology. It is REALLY good regarding lyrics, sounds, topics, and themes. I actually initially thought that this might be written in Taylor and Matty’s post-breakup period especially because of the line “with somebody new who seemed like he would’ve bullied you in school”. This line made me think of Travis. I like your interpretation. I didn't think of things this way. And I'm really excited to watch what you will make later. 🖤
I always kinda interpreted the line "Your hologram stumbled into my apartment" as in She is in her apartment, but there's no "holohgram", what there is are phantoms of memories, she is reliving her memories and flashbacks, and from her imagination, there is his holohgram stumbling into her apartment Idk, I'm kinda confusing when I explain😭😭😭
Could be. I think a lot of 1975 fans take it as video clips because there were so many videos and live streams of him kissing various people during his shows, including some men, even his band mate with his hands in his hair (the lore is deep)😂 And then he and Gabriette had a very public make out session which everyone watched almost in real time. Taylor went out the next day in almost the same outfit as Gabriette. It was crazy.
Love your videos! Keep going for sure I do disagree that the problem with Joe was just boredom. He clearly had long lasting depression, which is an illness certainly. I know. I have the sense that he did not seek the help he needed. It takes special effort for the depressed partner to give as much as they can to a relationship. She wasn't just bored. She loved Joe but he was not showing love back. She was carrying the relationship on her back. Also, Joe was controlling. Things had to be done his way. He had her locked up. Do not give him credit that he does not deserve. Clearly they did not belong together with their differing temperaments, but my sense is there was lack of communication on Joe's part and that he did just tolerate her for years. Taylor indicates it was a sexless relationship toward the end. He withheld love from her in many ways. That she stayed with him so long is a mystery. It was not an equal partnership.
You are doing a great job. I’m trying to understand Taylor Swift more after being a bit too judgemental. I was probably too judgey until finding 10 min version and exile. I finally understood why good friends are swifties. Your explanations of lyrics are amazing. I’d definitely watch yours along with others who talk about the musicality. Both together are good balance. Your explanations are also lovely as NOT sassy, judgey and “snakey” I have so many questions about the fans obsessions online of fan tenure,real fans, family small business fans etc vs the feedback of her concerts being safe inclusive places. Strangers exchanging bracelets and sharing fun times vs online where everyone’s justifying their tenure, their level of fandom. It’s such a strange culture juxtaposition to me.
Yay! I’m happy you’re enjoying the lyric break downs! I’ve been a Swiftie since 2006 and have always found it to be a loving and welcoming community. I really want to show how her songs are art as well, truly she uses incredible literary devices to get about meaning. Thanks for watching! 🥰
I think the apartment might be the same one referenced in the 1975 song When we are together, where he sings "we were searching New York for a fancy new apartment"
@@NinasNook since TTPD I've been listening to some of the 1975's music and it's really interesting to see the connections, also when we are together is a song I like very much!
I hope that my instincts are very wrong but she will NEVER get over Matty even if she is the happiest she’s been with Travis… Travis is awesome and they complement each other. 🎉 the Sagittarius cynic in me thinks that Travis will eventually bore her… I hope he keeps this relationship interesting and edgy ❤😂 😊
@@mayiilau4175 It all depends on her therapist and if he does his work well. She had an idea about Matty and build that idea out into what I would call a persona. They played games together but while for him that just seemed to be about having fun to her it was a lifeline in boredom. But what she build around Matty all those ideas and feelings were not Matty. He showed that to her by getting out of Dodge without so much as saying goodbye. If i were her therapist and based on the limited knowledge I have of this relation (I don't know for instance if she did something to actively drive him away ala big fight) I would hammer down on the difference between the persona and the real person that was Matty. If her therapist is able to make her see and accept the difference it could be the best thing that happened to Travis or any future romantic relationship. The "what if" person that could interrupt her wedding is gone. I think that TTPD is therapy, hammering down for herself that he was not what she thought he would be. I think she is, with Travis help, still working on that. She is actively starting to attach some of the Matty persona songs to Travis, think Cowboy Like Me but also songs like The Prophecy and mash that up with Long Story Short, totally changing the song. Also, and I used this in a conversation that I had with a good friend of mine Travis is showing her, but also a lot of other people, that excitement in a relation does not only come from bad boys. Now what the future will bring between those two I do not know. He is close to a life altering event in his profession where his retirement is rather close. Football has dominated his life since high school so it will be interesting to see what comes next for him and them.
I disagree. I think in I Can Fix Him and from the TTPD title track, she's telling us that she now finally sees him for who he really was the whole time. She's telling us that now that he ripped the rose coloured glasses from her eyes, she sees how ugly his behaviour was towards others and towards her. "The jokes were revolting and far too loud" and "were you making fun of me with some esoteric joke". On TTPD she tells us that she inky realises now what a total poser he is. Like she used to think his obsessions with typewriters was cute and deep. Now she sees that he was always pretending to be some sort of modern poet, but is just really a liar, a self-indulgent child. A con man. A coward. A performative brat, a fkboi (*you said normal girls were boring, but you were gone by the morning), a cheater, physically reckless with his addiction, and a malicious, love bombing, gaslighting, ghosting AH and The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived. Who she will never forgive. I think she was pretty explicit, actually 😂
@@elizabethfletcher5599 Yeah but with an open end like in your statement you could be right when they are both in their 90's and one of them does not recognize the other anymore and you could say: See! I was right after all!
Well, hold on a minute there! When she says "Saw my bones out", does she mean "Saw" as in the past tense of "See"? Because I thought she meant "Saw" like a literal tool from a garden shed or something. Which does sound vicious, I know, especially when you put the whole sentence together. But she does seem angry on this album, so I guess my brain went there. Anyway, okay, then. I learn something new every day. 🤷♀️
It’s possible! I think she’s talking about the past though because she’s no longer wondering as of smallest man who ever lived, so I do not believe this song was written post the relationship in 2023. I think this was more of the “should we, should we not” time period for her.
Thank you. You are the first person I have listened to analyzing this song that did not make the lazy assumption that the "bully" reference relates to Travis based on appearances. There are so many reasons why it doesn't, the most important being that Taylor would never describe someone she cares deeply about and highly respects in such a way in a song.
@NinasNook I really do think she wrote this song before they got together. This feels very close to the one, like, very close to when they got together but they were barely interacting. I think their fling in 2015 deeply haunted her, she went through so many relationships and just as everything came crashing down after any of them it was either Harry or Matty she thought about. I also found that some parts of this song have a similar melody to Dancing With Our Hands Tied... I'm pretty much convinced it's about Matty. "Oh, 25 years old, oh, how we're we to know" and "If I could dance with you again" being parallel to "But you were 25" and "Will I always wonder?" It's very interesting when you think about it, she really did swirl him into all of her poems.
@ yes I think this too! I am so torn on Dancing With Our Hands Tied. The lyrics fit so well but at secret sessions she told people it was about Joe, but of course she wouldn’t have said it was about Matty. I just am just questioning what she said… it would make so much sense if it was about Matty. So many mentions of dancing, New York, etc…
“Too impaired by my youth to know what to do”…I think she was talking about his drug addiction and not knowing how to handle it, so she deserted him instead of trying to help him deal with it.
That was my take too
She, probably, realized now that there was nothing she could have done to help him, because nobody can help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. She lived for a long time with some guilty and regret for nothing. She finally can go on with her life now, more enlightened and more in control of herself.
Completely my take
I know she went through hell last year with what he did to her, but I imagine she's now glad it happened, to answer those what ifs and give her closure on that relationship, so she could move on without that "Wonder" in the back of her mind.
I would think so as well. They were officially, publicly together so that has to answer some questions for her.
This and loml are two of her most interesting songs - she’s a genius songwriter
I’d also add How did it end, TSMWEL & Peter…
Both 2 you mentioned and those I did, are my top 5, for sure 🫠🤍
Agree that the bully line is likely about Calvin.. I can’t see her saying the bully line about Travis as it’s unflattering (even if she say that he seems like he would bully, not that he does bully). Her rare comments about Calvin are not friendly- I think she dislikes him a lot. I’m betting/ hoping we get more Calvin content on the Rep vaults that may give us more context🤞🏻
I view this as a reflection on that time period where they had something happening but went their separate ways for many reasons. She’s thinking of the what ifs before their recent relationship happened. I think this was probably one of the first songs she wrote for the album- or she wrote it prior to the album and it was sitting in the vaults waiting for its moment. I’m so thankful she released it as it’s one if my top 10 Taylor songs
This one and Peter give us a lot of context- they really helped me understand TTPD (and some of her earlier songs on folklore, evermore, midnights)
I agree, I think she truly dislikes Calvin now and he was the last recent ex to go speak out against her in public like he did in his Twitter rant in 2016 I believe.
I wonder what songs could have been other “vault songs” too and I definitely think we will be eating well and sipping tea when those Rep Vault tracks drop. I’ll have to take off from work. 🤣🤣
I’m waiting for you to blow up girl 😊
One of the best Swiftie channels I have come across with your lyrical breakdowns and deep knowledge of the lore. So happy to have found you!
Awww thank you so much! I’m so happy you’re enjoying! Honestly I’m just so happy to see people want to discuss these lyrics because when I say I have no one in my real life… I mean it. 🤣🤣
My theory is that this is a Folklore vault song that could not be released while she was with Joe. I lean this way because most of TTPD is written in the context of AFTER she and Matty got together finally in 2023, and Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus she continues to 'wonder' about them eventually connecting. I still hold that Folklore and Evermore were her reaching out to Matty in 'code'. This song is a heartbreaker - explaining that she was too young and inexperienced to deal with his drug use and had to walk away and the pain of him just watching her with other men, time passing and wondering why he did not try harder to be with her.
Ooo I like this theory
I love this thought! It’s absolutely possible!
I love this deep dive! I keep begging you to do HOAX, I think it is just so heartbreaking. And could have a lot of meanings. I LOVE all of your analyses, I so appreciate your takes because your literary background allows you to shine a light on things from a perspective we may not all have seen. I think Taylor uses literature, both specific pieces and common themes in general, to inspire her phrasing and her writing and makes her such an amazing story teller!
Also, I know this is all speculative and we do not know Taylor or Matty or Joe IRL, but man, if we are correct in our suppositions, MH is a total narcissistic jerk. Especially now that he subtly downplays everything as so casual when in reality he was likely stringing her along and probably found ways to pop up on her radar any time it seemed like she was moving on.
Also, I’m definitely doing HOAX! One of my all time favorites EVER!
Love everything about this!
I always took "changed... rules" to mean that she changed the boundaries of what she would accept in a relationship. She bent the rules to allow for the fact that she wanted stability but was drawn toward chaos.
My little 2¢ to add is I don’t think Joe was a “good” or “great” boyfriend. I think the idea of him (much like Matty) was a lot better than the actual man. Quite a few songs made it obvious to me that he (in my opinion of course lol) was emotionally unavailable. She writes things such as Full of quiet resentment, immature about communication (he wasn’t upfront about his true longterm intentions/goals for them, her friends watched her while as she disappeared, stating she had a cruel summer hiding who she was and hiding physically, She watched him tolerate it when she tried, she carried them up the hill that she later died on waiting for him to marry her to name a few lol
I totally agree.
Absolutely agree!
You got my thumbs up when you nailed it with Calvin Harris, it's clear that period was murky.
“Did your realize, out of time, she was on your mind with some meathead guy That you saw that night, but you were on something.”
SO MURKY. 👀👀
I want the tea. 🫖 😂
Nina-thanks for this analysis. Taylor is so intriguing and incredibly talented writing these beautiful songs. I love to hear what the words mean from someone who knows so much about her. It really helps me understand her songs and enjoy listening more to them. Taylor Swift CD’s stay in my CD player in my car and when I hear a song you have explained I remember your explanation and have a greater appreciation of the song by understanding the words. Thanks for your hard work. I really appreciate it! I hope you have a fabulous day today and EVERYTHING goes your way! ♥️💕❤️🥰😍👍🌸
From what I gather... he did "crash" into her when they first met.. accidentally spilling his red wine onto her (Maroon). Maroon is definitely about Matty.
Yeah. She's explaining their first meeting was a meteor strike of instant connection via the literal boom of him crashing into her. But he was on drugs and she was just really building her career with the shift to pop music.
And I believe she was out with Matty the night she met Calvin Harris. Matty even has a music video of the girl he likes running off with some jock that beats him up.
I think the "hologram" is her memories over the course of the decade. Them both dating other people... distraction dating when they are the real deal for each other & they both just sat back and watched it happen to each other. The decade played them for fools by believing time would force them to get over each other. It didn't.
This is what I believe too, there was definitely some meteor strike, “the burgundy on my Tshirt when you splashed your wine into me” moment with them. I believe Calvin Harris was also at the Brit Awards in 2015 where Taylor and Matty were both at the after party, I look to that night heavily as I think it was that party where she met Calvin.
Hologram could 100% be referring to memories or pictures in her mind too!
@NinasNook It really is fascinating. I like your review of the music from a love of literature perspective. I've been researching from a psychology perspective. I think Taylor really wants her fans (especially the open letter fans) to get what they did when they kept calling Matty "rebound" and demanded she break-up with him in what scared him off.
She's saying: "Hey, Swifties! Calvin, Tom, & Joe were the rebounds. They were the Forget Him pills. Matty was the loml... the One...the Question I can't stop asking...the Ivy that covers me."
She's really wanting people to get this! So, you're doing a very good thing by helping people to understand. ❤👍
loml must have been something they said to each other bc around the time they broke up she played I don’t want to live forever and started crying specifically at the part “lost the love of my life”
I honestly think she is still wondering. I'm sure she knows why the relationship ended and I think the ghosting was all about Swifties being unhinged. These two will give us season 3 eventually.
It’s definitely possible! I think she’s currently happy with Travis but never say never!
@@NinasNookI know people thought Matty was a rebound from Joe but I think Travis is the actual rebound. She was devastated by Matty ghosting her and what happened. Yet supposedly when she went to Travis’s game in Sept she Alaina that they were already a couple by then 🧐 ? Travis offered the exact opposite of Matty and exactly what she needed to forget Matty. And it’s been good but I worry… she falls FAST and each one is the forever guy (she has always gotten families involved 2 weeks into every relationship). Also, granted I don’t know Trav, he comes a cross as someone who does want a queen in his arm and I wonder if he would have wanted her when she was ‘canceled’ the way Joe did. Both of them right now are at professional peaks… but if things get lopsided? I am glad she seems happy but I am also cautious.
Clarification/correction- the woman he is engaged to, Gabriette Bechel, is NOT a past girlfriend. Similar name. His past girlfriend is named Gabrielle Brooks. He was seen out with her for dinner or something post-Taylor but that is all. Gabriette was introduced to Matty by Charlie XCX who is engaged to George, fellow ‘75 band member. She cast Gabriette in a video she did with a girl group she formed called Nasty Cherry.
No, they won’t. People like her, once they decide something, there is no going back, and she saw a part of him that really disgusted her, and erased the fantasies she created in her mind about him. Not only that, she found someone sane, with the same energy, who she can can really rely on, and have as a friend, and as a partner. She seems to be truly happy. I think Travis can give her peace, something she’s never really had with anyone.
@@aaarcgRight
That's why she was dreaming of him this whole time and gave him a second chance
She dated him once in 2013, she decided that it won't work, put an end to it but 10 years later she went back to him
So clearly it's not exactly like you say
I think this time he hurt her a lot and she felt very betrayed but that doesn't mean she's moved on
There is no closure on TTPD, there is no acceptance, no "I have now moved on from that person" song
Unlike on other albums where you have songs like "Begin Again", "Clean", "I Forgot That You Existed" and so on
The closest we have to an acceptance song on TTPD in my opinion is "So Long, London" and maybe "Peter" to some extent but not completely, for me the constant repeating of the chorus - "You said you're gonna grow up and you're gonna come find me" expresses a lot of anger, sadness and disappointment which would suggest she is not entirely passed it
Now I'm not saying they will necessarily get back together, they may never do that again
I'm just saying that it doesn't seem like Taylor has entirely and completely moved on and it doesn't seem like Matty has done so either hence the song "I'm gonna get you back" on TTPD
As somebody else had written somewhere the opposite of love is not hate, it's apathy and she clearly still feels something for him
This is a wonderful breakdown! Thank you!
Thank you so much! I’m so happy people are enjoying! I definitely love doing it and thinking about all of the possibilities. 🥰
“All to outrun my disertion of you” I think she’s saying she threw herself into her work to avoid her feelings for Matty and the guilt she may have felt that she “abandoned” him, when his addiction was at its peak.
I think this too! That she just threw herself into creating to keep her mind away from it and channel it in other ways. I think she did try with Joe and I honestly think maybe her and Joe could have worked in another life, but she finds joy in creating and “bejeweling.” I think she was just in the motions of it all for a while wondering, “what if…” but not acting on it.
Love your analysis. I do disagree with a couple of points. I believe that it was almost definitely written after the more recent break-up. Maroon is a call BACK. So it must have been written late after Midnights.
Also you may have mixed up Matty's ex's? He's been with Gabriette since August/Sept 2023, they are now engaged and is possibly the 'Internet Starlet' referred to.
Also Taylor and The 1975 (Matty's band) were both recording in Electric Lady Studios in New York at around the same time - Midnights & The 1975's BFIAFL were released a week apart - and Jack Antinoff produced both. Matty admitted they worked on "a version" of Midnights together. Probably meaning a remix. It does all help explain why she was so devastated when things didn't work out. It wasn't just a fortnight. They were friends for almost 10 years
I think it was written around the same time as Midnights and that’s why we have the use of Maroon.
Yeah it gets confusing with Gabriette because I see reports of texts from prior but it definitely could have been Meredith only prior for sure!
I think they had a lot of contact while working with Jack for their albums, I think that is when a lot of these feelings are originating.
I definitely think MNTS needs a review if you haven’t already…. If viewed from the perspective now of … am I tired of Joe… (plane is going down, all you.want is nothing, bejeweled, you’re losing me, midnight rain, the Great War, dear reader and hits different)…. I’m thinking of Matty (maroon, SOTB, labyrinth, YOYOK, question and glitch)…. They all hit differently now I think….
Scarlet for Scarlet Letter, perhaps? Also ‘maroon’ is a term for a castaway, as well as a colour.
I love this thought! It could definitely refer to Scarlet Letter!
U R Killing it
Madaline (The Lizzard) has some great analysis on this also. ❤
I'm a huge Madeline and Zach fan and just listened to her podcast revisiting this song a couple of hours ago!🫶🏼
Yess! I listen to Madaline!
Yes! I agree, I watch Madeline and Zach!
Wow, I appreciate you interpreting this song because it is perhaps my favourite out of The Anthology. It is REALLY good regarding lyrics, sounds, topics, and themes. I actually initially thought that this might be written in Taylor and Matty’s post-breakup period especially because of the line “with somebody new who seemed like he would’ve bullied you in school”. This line made me think of Travis. I like your interpretation. I didn't think of things this way. And I'm really excited to watch what you will make later. 🖤
I think “I look in people’s windows” is good to look into
Scarlet Maroon - I read the Scarlet reference to the Scarlet Letter (she has referenced in both Love Story and New Romantics).
I love this thought! I can completely see Scarlet letter too! 👀👀
Chloe and Peter together hold the keys
They absolutely do!
Matty did not meet Gabriette until AFTER he broke up with Taylor! (He had a girlfriend named Gabrielle prior…similar names….)
Yes! I think I may have misread Gabriette with Gabrielle! 🫣
I agree with this interpretation.
I always kinda interpreted the line "Your hologram stumbled into my apartment" as in
She is in her apartment, but there's no "holohgram", what there is are phantoms of memories, she is reliving her memories and flashbacks, and from her imagination, there is his holohgram stumbling into her apartment
Idk, I'm kinda confusing when I explain😭😭😭
No I could definitely see that! Like the hologram is a mental image or memory!
That’s how I took it too that he keeps coming to mind. I agree this song was so for the fans!!
Could be. I think a lot of 1975 fans take it as video clips because there were so many videos and live streams of him kissing various people during his shows, including some men, even his band mate with his hands in his hair (the lore is deep)😂 And then he and Gabriette had a very public make out session which everyone watched almost in real time. Taylor went out the next day in almost the same outfit as Gabriette. It was crazy.
@@ssalas7374 I think Matty is a closet gay, and that is, probably, one of the reasons he was into drugs, and one of the reasons he left her stranding.
I saw someone say the names are actually used instead of the drugs they represent. Marcus: marijuana and I can’t recall the others sited lol
Chloe is cocaine, Sam is meth, Sophie / Sophia is Heroin.
Love your videos! Keep going for sure
I do disagree that the problem with Joe was just boredom. He clearly had long lasting depression, which is an illness certainly. I know. I have the sense that he did not seek the help he needed. It takes special effort for the depressed partner to give as much as they can to a relationship. She wasn't just bored. She loved Joe but he was not showing love back. She was carrying the relationship on her back.
Also, Joe was controlling. Things had to be done his way. He had her locked up.
Do not give him credit that he does not deserve. Clearly they did not belong together with their differing temperaments, but my sense is there was lack of communication on Joe's part and that he did just tolerate her for years. Taylor indicates it was a sexless relationship toward the end. He withheld love from her in many ways. That she stayed with him so long is a mystery. It was not an equal partnership.
I just assumed hologram was a ghostly apparition in her mind
I think it could represent memories or just general thoughts too for sure!
💜
Absolutely shes too fampus- she can do nothing without SOMEONE being there- it must be so exhausting
What if i told you Chloe/Sam/Sophia/Marcus are brands of wine and Matty loves his red wine (on stage) 😉
I’d love to hear names! Hahaha
Only one that is missing is Josh
You are doing a great job. I’m trying to understand Taylor Swift more after being a bit too judgemental. I was probably too judgey until finding 10 min version and exile. I finally understood why good friends are swifties. Your explanations of lyrics are amazing. I’d definitely watch yours along with others who talk about the musicality. Both together are good balance. Your explanations are also lovely as NOT sassy, judgey and “snakey” I have so many questions about the fans obsessions online of fan tenure,real fans, family small business fans etc vs the feedback of her concerts being safe inclusive places. Strangers exchanging bracelets and sharing fun times vs online where everyone’s justifying their tenure, their level of fandom. It’s such a strange culture juxtaposition to me.
Yay! I’m happy you’re enjoying the lyric break downs! I’ve been a Swiftie since 2006 and have always found it to be a loving and welcoming community. I really want to show how her songs are art as well, truly she uses incredible literary devices to get about meaning. Thanks for watching! 🥰
I think the apartment might be the same one referenced in the 1975 song When we are together, where he sings "we were searching New York for a fancy new apartment"
Oooh I’ll look into this! Thank you! I am definitely more of a Taylor fan than a 1975 fan so I’m still learning all of these connections!
Have you checked out the song by The 1975 ‘about you’ ? Some very good mixes with Guilty as sin! And the comparison of videos from Fortnight ❤
@@NinasNook since TTPD I've been listening to some of the 1975's music and it's really interesting to see the connections, also when we are together is a song I like very much!
@@elizabethfletcher5599 I've listened to it but not as much, maybe I'll go back ;)
Peter!
I 100% will be doing Peter! Likely in the next couple of weeks!
I hope that my instincts are very wrong but she will NEVER get over Matty even if she is the happiest she’s been with Travis… Travis is awesome and they complement each other. 🎉 the Sagittarius cynic in me thinks that Travis will eventually bore her… I hope he keeps this relationship interesting and edgy ❤😂 😊
She couldn't get over him in 10 years and having Joe, I don't know if she can with Travis😢
@@mayiilau4175 It all depends on her therapist and if he does his work well. She had an idea about Matty and build that idea out into what I would call a persona. They played games together but while for him that just seemed to be about having fun to her it was a lifeline in boredom. But what she build around Matty all those ideas and feelings were not Matty. He showed that to her by getting out of Dodge without so much as saying goodbye.
If i were her therapist and based on the limited knowledge I have of this relation (I don't know for instance if she did something to actively drive him away ala big fight) I would hammer down on the difference between the persona and the real person that was Matty. If her therapist is able to make her see and accept the difference it could be the best thing that happened to Travis or any future romantic relationship. The "what if" person that could interrupt her wedding is gone. I think that TTPD is therapy, hammering down for herself that he was not what she thought he would be. I think she is, with Travis help, still working on that. She is actively starting to attach some of the Matty persona songs to Travis, think Cowboy Like Me but also songs like The Prophecy and mash that up with Long Story Short, totally changing the song.
Also, and I used this in a conversation that I had with a good friend of mine Travis is showing her, but also a lot of other people, that excitement in a relation does not only come from bad boys. Now what the future will bring between those two I do not know. He is close to a life altering event in his profession where his retirement is rather close. Football has dominated his life since high school so it will be interesting to see what comes next for him and them.
I disagree. I think in I Can Fix Him and from the TTPD title track, she's telling us that she now finally sees him for who he really was the whole time.
She's telling us that now that he ripped the rose coloured glasses from her eyes, she sees how ugly his behaviour was towards others and towards her.
"The jokes were revolting and far too loud" and "were you making fun of me with some esoteric joke".
On TTPD she tells us that she inky realises now what a total poser he is. Like she used to think his obsessions with typewriters was cute and deep. Now she sees that he was always pretending to be some sort of modern poet, but is just really a liar, a self-indulgent child. A con man. A coward. A performative brat, a fkboi (*you said normal girls were boring, but you were gone by the morning), a cheater, physically reckless with his addiction, and a malicious, love bombing, gaslighting, ghosting AH and The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.
Who she will never forgive.
I think she was pretty explicit, actually 😂
I’m sitting back and watching the movie play out 😂
@@elizabethfletcher5599 Yeah but with an open end like in your statement you could be right when they are both in their 90's and one of them does not recognize the other anymore and you could say: See! I was right after all!
Well, hold on a minute there! When she says "Saw my bones out", does she mean "Saw" as in the past tense of "See"? Because I thought she meant "Saw" like a literal tool from a garden shed or something. Which does sound vicious, I know, especially when you put the whole sentence together. But she does seem angry on this album, so I guess my brain went there. Anyway, okay, then. I learn something new every day. 🤷♀️
I think she wrote this song right after their most recent break up. I dont think Calvin would've bullied Matty in school but Travis...
It’s possible! I think she’s talking about the past though because she’s no longer wondering as of smallest man who ever lived, so I do not believe this song was written post the relationship in 2023. I think this was more of the “should we, should we not” time period for her.
Thank you. You are the first person I have listened to analyzing this song that did not make the lazy assumption that the "bully" reference relates to Travis based on appearances. There are so many reasons why it doesn't, the most important being that Taylor would never describe someone she cares deeply about and highly respects in such a way in a song.
@ yeah and I think she really doesn’t like Calvin, I think he’s also the “meathead guy” that she mentions in Question too! The shade is apparent. LOL
@NinasNook I really do think she wrote this song before they got together. This feels very close to the one, like, very close to when they got together but they were barely interacting.
I think their fling in 2015 deeply haunted her, she went through so many relationships and just as everything came crashing down after any of them it was either Harry or Matty she thought about.
I also found that some parts of this song have a similar melody to Dancing With Our Hands Tied... I'm pretty much convinced it's about Matty.
"Oh, 25 years old, oh, how we're we to know" and "If I could dance with you again" being parallel to "But you were 25" and "Will I always wonder?"
It's very interesting when you think about it, she really did swirl him into all of her poems.
@ yes I think this too! I am so torn on Dancing With Our Hands Tied. The lyrics fit so well but at secret sessions she told people it was about Joe, but of course she wouldn’t have said it was about Matty. I just am just questioning what she said… it would make so much sense if it was about Matty. So many mentions of dancing, New York, etc…
I mean it’s a pure speculation, but she could still wondering, even after tsmwel if you look into ilipw song or lyrics to “black dog” 😢
I think his girlfriend is not the same girl
This was 🤌. Now, who can explain why the piano is from the outro of Champagne Problems… coincidence? I would love to know
Yes!!! Ive never seen anyone else point this out. And when I have people are like "meh, idk"
We know. It's the sammmmmme 😂