"Maroon" IS ABOUT JOE ALWYN

In this detailed analysis, the host passionately dissects Taylor Swift's song "Maroon," relating it to the singer's personal relationships, particularly with Joe Alwyn. They explore the song's lyrics, literary devices, and emotional undercurrents, theorizing that "Maroon" symbolizes a mature, yet dying love, contrasting with the vibrant red of past passions. The host suggests that Swift's albums, from "Reputation" to "Midnights," reflect her legacy with Alwyn, highlighting a relationship that's both intimate and troubled. They also touch on the song's musical composition, noting how the bridge signifies the convergence of past and present emotions. The host's fervor for the subject is evident as they connect the song to broader themes of Swift's discography and personal life, concluding that "Maroon" is a retrospective on a complex, significant relationship.

• Taylor Swift discusses the analysis of her song "Maroon," which is thematically linked to Joe Alwyn.
• She wears blue as a contrast to the song's title, referencing Joe Owen from "Miss Americana" with her hat.
• Swift describes her emotional response to the song's lyrics, particularly the vivid imagery of wine, blood, and the color scarlet.
• She talks about the initial impact of her songs "Lavender Haze," "Maroon," and "Anti-Hero" on her.
• The discussion includes her personal activities, such as analyzing the song in her free time and designing a Lana Del Rey-themed denim jacket.

"If you're analyzing a song named maroon why are you wearing all blue because Joe Allen is blue [...] and maroon is about Joe Alwyn so also I'm referencing um Joe Owen Miss Americana with this hat."

This quote explains the deliberate choice of wearing blue while discussing "Maroon," linking the color to Joe Alwyn and referencing Joe Owen.

• Swift speculates on the song "Maroon" being about Jake Gyllenhaal due to the association with the color red.
• She considers the possibility of the song being about other ex-boyfriends like Harry Styles, Calvin Harris, and Tom Hiddleston.
• Swift leans towards Joe Alwyn as the subject of "Maroon," aligning with Madeline's theory that the song is not fictional.
• She reflects on the emotional timeline of the album "Midnights" and where "Maroon" fits within it.

"Maroon had a lot of controversy is this about Jake Gyllenhaal because you know maroon and red and stuff [...] but now I'm like. okay this is like literally the only one who fits every single detail or like almost every single detail is Joe Allen."

Taylor Swift shares her thoughts on the fan theories about "Maroon" and her rationale for believing Joe Alwyn fits the song's narrative the most.

• Swift talks about the initial confusion regarding the cohesiveness of the "Midnights" album.
• She describes how additional information, such as a breakup, can alter the perception of an album.
• Swift compares "Midnights" to her previous work and how it gained appreciation post-breakup.

"But now I'm like retrospectively looking back on midnights seems like really cool to see how like when midnights first came out we were all like what the [ __ ] is this music [...] but then once this breakup happened it's like you saw a link between all of the songs."

Taylor Swift reflects on how the perception of the "Midnights" album evolved after a breakup, highlighting the interconnectedness of the songs.

• Swift sees "Maroon" as a deeper and more mature version of red, symbolizing a more mature phase of a relationship.
• She suggests that Joe Alwyn shares qualities with Jake Gyllenhaal, which may have influenced the album's themes.
• Swift believes her album "Folklore" was influenced by her desire to impress Alwyn and show her lyrical prowess.

"I actually think maroon is like a deeper red it's more Brown. it's more old it's more mature."

Taylor Swift interprets the color maroon as representing a more mature and possibly fading phase of a relationship, contrasting it with the vibrant red of past passions.

• Swift discusses the evolution of her songwriting, noting an increase in sexual explicitness and maturity in her relationship with Joe Alwyn.
• She compares the subtlety of sexual references in earlier songs to the more direct language in later works.

"But I feel like her relationship with Joe was definitely her most mature one which kind of makes sense with like the maroon but also it was definitely her most most like sexually explicit."

This quote highlights Taylor Swift's view on the progression of her songwriting, correlating the maturity and sexual explicitness of her lyrics with her relationship with Joe Alwyn.

• Swift analyzes the lyrics of "Maroon," focusing on the use of past tense to convey the end of a relationship.
• She interprets the song as a reflection on a relationship that is already over, with the protagonist still processing the breakup.
• Swift connects the lyrics to the emotional stages of the relationship and the album's narrative.

"And I think maroon is a song that if we're thinking about the emotional timeline of midnights I think maroon came towards you're losing me territory [...] but maroon is like you already lost me."

Taylor Swift explains how the lyrics of "Maroon" suggest a point in the emotional timeline of "Midnights" where the relationship is effectively over, despite the protagonist still being involved.

• Taylor Swift describes a relationship that is still ongoing but effectively over, with emotional distance and resentment.
• The everyday interactions are filled with unspoken tension and negative emotions.
• She uses the metaphor of storms in her eyes to convey her inner turmoil.

"I can't be here anymore. but I'm still in the relationship. and I see you every day now it's giving me I glared at you every morning with storms in my eyes."

This quote illustrates the contradiction of being physically present in a relationship while emotionally disconnected, highlighting the pain and resentment felt by Taylor Swift.

• Taylor Swift suggests Joe Alwyn is the subject of the song due to specific references that align with his lifestyle and their relationship.
• The mention of cheap wine and a roommate implies a more modest living situation, contrasting with her other relationships.

"Joe Alwyn is the guy who traumatized her on red... he's like struggling actor Vibes... he's the only one who would like have a roommate or that they'd be drinking like cheap wine."

The quote connects the lyrics to Joe Alwyn, contrasting his less affluent lifestyle with her other high-profile relationships, implying that the song's details are uniquely applicable to him.

• The song uses flashbacks to provide context and contrast between the past and present state of the relationship.
• These memories serve to show the progression from a passionate beginning to the current sense of loss and confusion.

"The whole thing this whole verse is a flashback and flashbacks reveal something about a character or an event and it signals a change in situation."

The quote explains the narrative technique of using flashbacks in the song to enrich the storytelling and highlight changes in the relationship dynamics.

• Taylor Swift uses color imagery, specifically shades of red, to symbolize different stages and emotions in the relationship.
• The colors transition from vibrant to dark, mirroring the shift from love to loss.

"So Scarlet it was maroon a lot of imagery a lot of flashbacks a lot of memories and this kind of gives this whole sense of like... it's like the [__] like that's like their whole like is you're going through the whole relationship."

This quote demonstrates how Taylor Swift uses color imagery to evoke emotions and depict the evolution of the relationship over time.

• Taylor Swift frequently revisits the beginning of her relationships in her music, avoiding the present.
• The focus on past memories may serve as a distraction from current issues or unresolved feelings.

"She focuses a lot on the beginning of the relationship she never talks about what's going on their relationship now."

The quote highlights Taylor Swift's lyrical tendency to dwell on the past rather than addressing the present state of her relationships.

• The song "Maroon" is seen as a mature evolution of the themes from her album "Red."
• The color maroon represents a deeper, more complex version of the emotions associated with red, reflecting on past experiences to understand the present.

"I think it's genius that she named it maroon because like a mature version of red."

This quote suggests that the song "Maroon" represents a mature reflection on past relationships and emotions, building upon the themes established in the album "Red."

• Wine is used as a symbol of maturity and adult experiences.
• The mention of wine in the lyrics ties into Taylor Swift's transition from her younger years to a more adult phase of life.

"Wine is something adult or at least like she didn't show that she was drinking when she was younger... wine is very reputation you know it's also like folklore but reputation like that's like her drinking alcohol."

The quote connects the symbol of wine to Taylor Swift's personal growth and the thematic maturation in her music, particularly during the "Reputation" era.

• The song addresses the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance relationship, with physical and emotional separation leading to a sense of disconnection.
• References to telephones and rust symbolize the decay of communication over distance.

"The rust That Grew between telephones... they had times when they were long distance because Joe is always like filming in London and you know she's touring."

This quote discusses the strain that distance can put on a relationship, using the metaphor of rust to represent the gradual deterioration of connection when partners are apart.

• Taylor Swift's song lyrics suggest a deep personal connection with Joe Alwyn.
• The lyrics imply that they live together and have shared intimate moments, symbolizing a mature relationship.
• References to her home, warmth, and shared experiences on New Year's Day and Cornelia Street are indicative of a significant and settled partnership.
• Lyrics from "Cowboy Like Me" and "Mastermind" suggest a complex relationship with themes of permanence, deception, and emotional distance.
• "Scarlet" is used to describe the relationship, indicating a sense of scandal, forbidden love, and a departure from Taylor Swift's usual character.

"but it makes sense with Joe Allen they live together. they've been dating for six years on and off the only other one I could talk about is Calvin Harris but like I said this song is not about Calvin Harris and also there's so many times like call it what you want he built a fire just to keep me warm we'll we're building tents or whatever she says and call it what you want like he's her home now like New Year's Day like you'll be I'll be picking up bottles with you on New Year's Day Cornelius Street like we bless the Reigns on Cornelia Street like memorize the creaks on the floor like years ago we were just inside like that they live together it's giving more of like a mature like this is my home."

This quote discusses the evidence in the song lyrics that suggest Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn's relationship is significant and home-like, with shared living and intimate moments, contrasting with the notion of a relationship with Calvin Harris.

• The lyrics portray a relationship that has experienced emotional turmoil and repeated breakups.
• Descriptions of silence, shaking, and being blind and hazy suggest moments of realization and confrontation with reality.
• The use of past tense and the word "again" indicate a pattern of recurring issues within the relationship.
• References to "Lavender Haze" and "Murphy's Law" suggest a preference for a love bubble and the shock of dealing with relationship problems.
• The imagery of carnations mistaken for roses symbolizes misunderstandings and miscommunication.

"when the silence came we were shaking blind and hazy how the hell did we lose sight of us again T sobbing with your head in your hands ain't that the way [ __ ] always ends you were standing hollow-eyed in the hallway carnations you had thought were roses that's us I feel you no matter what the rubies that I give up."

This quote reflects on the moments of clarity and disillusionment in a relationship, where silence leads to a realization of loss and emotional distress, represented by the metaphor of carnations (miscommunication) mistaken for roses (love).

• Taylor Swift reflects on past relationships and their impact on her identity.
• The color "maroon" is used to symbolize the end of a relationship and the lingering presence of a former partner.
• The lyrics suggest a comparison between past relationships with other public figures and the current one with Joe Alwyn.
• References to dancing and partying align more with her relationship with Joe Alwyn than with previous partners like Jake Gyllenhaal or Tom Hiddleston.
• The lyrics convey a struggle with accepting the end of a relationship and the persistence of memories.

"I lost you the one I was dancing with in New York no shoes looked up the sky. and it was maroon the burgundy on my t-shirt when you splashed her one into me and how the blood rush into my cheeks so Scarlett it was maroon maroon the mark they saw in my collarbone The Rustic group between telephones the lips I used to call home so Scarlett it was maroon."

This quote illustrates the emotional weight of a lost relationship, using the color "maroon" to express the end and the difficulty of moving on from intimate moments shared with a former partner. The persistent memory of these moments is likened to a song stuck in one's head, unavoidable and ever-present.

• Taylor Swift reflects on the complexities of a relationship's end, acknowledging mutual responsibility.
• She uses the metaphor of "the rest that grew between telephones" to signify communication breakdown.
• The artist contemplates her role in the relationship's demise, questioning if she's the problem.
• Swift points out that the end of a long-term relationship is rarely one-sided and hints at underlying issues beyond the apparent reasons for a breakup.
• The use of flashbacks in songwriting can be seen as irritating or confusing, yet Swift intentionally employs this technique to convey the chaotic and overwhelming emotions associated with a breakup.

"the rest that grew between telephones and that's kind of like they're both. they've both given up and when talking about their the ending of their relationship it's kind of like she's admitted that it was both of them like ini are losing me."

This quote indicates that both parties in the relationship have given up trying to maintain their connection, symbolized by the growing silence between phone calls.

"but she's using um too many flashbacks and I read somewhere that if you use too many flashbacks it can be irritating or confusing which both of these songs are. but that's the whole point the whole point is like it's confusing and it's scary and it's irritating."

The explanation here is that the use of excessive flashbacks in the songs is a deliberate choice to mirror the disorienting feelings that come with the end of a relationship.

• Swift discusses breaking conventional rules of literary devices for artistic effect.
• She uses the structure of lists and the repetition of "or" to emphasize a point in her lyrics.
• The song is described as a series of "fast flashes" representing the artist's desperate attempt to cling to a failing relationship.
• The sensation of "gushing" is used to describe the overwhelming flow of thoughts and emotions.

"and I think this is just an example of how like you can like all these rules that can be broken and they're supposed to be broken when it's the right time."

This quote highlights the idea that rules in writing and songwriting are meant to be broken to convey a particular emotion or message effectively.

"it's I think the word when I was analyzing this the word that kept coming up to me was gushing like it's just this wave this Cascade of like thoughts and things."

The term "gushing" captures the intense and uncontrollable outpour of emotions and thoughts that Swift is trying to portray in her music.

• Swift describes a moment of sudden clarity following a gradual buildup of realization about the relationship's fate.
• The color "maroon" is symbolic, representing a vivid and clear understanding of the relationship's end.
• She notes that the realization can come abruptly after a slow accumulation of signs.
• The song captures the artist's internal struggle and the haunting nature of memories.

"it's like slowly building which is giving me you're losing me and then adjusts like in like one second you're like so clear."

This quote describes the process of slowly coming to a realization and then suddenly having a moment of absolute clarity.

"so Scarlet it was maroon and that's like the first time the maroon is like vocal."

The mention of "Scarlet" transitioning to "maroon" signifies a shift from a state of uncertainty to a definitive understanding of the relationship's conclusion.

• Swift reflects on the legacy left by a past relationship and its influence on her music.
• She considers the lasting impact of a relationship through the albums that were inspired by it.
• The concept of "legacy" is tied to the persistent memories and the emotional residue of the relationship.
• The use of the word "legacy" in the song serves as a powerful, climactic moment, encapsulating the end of the relationship and its enduring effect.

"Legacy Legacy also like the last four or five albums are about this one man so that's a legacy I mean like think about it folklore won a Grammy."

This quote connects the idea of "legacy" to the body of work Swift has created, which has been influenced by her past relationship.

"so you know how I said earlier like in the first chorus maroon saying maroon for the first time is the impact word of that entire course like the course was all building up to even the verse like it's building up to when she first says narun and the bridge I think it's like Legacy to leave it's done like I think she's really scared to say that this whole time and this is kind of like the impact line of the entire song."

The explanation here is that the term "legacy" serves as the emotional climax of the song, representing the artist's fear and hesitation to acknowledge the end of the relationship.

• Swift's songwriting illustrates the merging of past memories with the present moment.
• The verses of the song are characterized as reflections on the past, while the chorus brings those memories into the present context.
• The bridge of the song is where the past and present meet, culminating in the realization that the relationship is over.
• The song's structure mimics the process of coming to terms with the end of a relationship, as memories and current emotions collide.

"so I say the verses are very like past. and then the chorus is yes she's talking about the past. but it leads to the present first of all and second of all it's kind of like her Cascade of thoughts right now."

This quote explains how the song's verses and chorus serve different narrative purposes, with the verses focusing on the past and the chorus connecting those memories to the artist's current state of mind.

"and now she's just realizing like it was maroon. so. yeah. it's reflecting how the past and the present meet in the bridge."

The realization expressed in the bridge signifies the intersection of past experiences and present understanding, encapsulating the song's emotional journey.

• Swift's vocal delivery and musical choices reflect the emotional tone of the song.
• The verses are sung in a lower register, conveying a sense of introspection and sadness.
• The chorus lifts musically but maintains the emotional weight of the lyrics.
• The repetition of certain phrases and the use of background vocals add to the haunting nature of the song.
• Swift's breathless and tired vocal delivery in the bridge underscores the emotional exhaustion of reliving past memories.

"and she's singing the course in that register but in the chorus it's like still the chorus lyrics so that's why I mean when like the past and the present meet up because the past or the verses meet like that musicality goes with the chorus lyrics."

This quote describes how the musical elements of the verses and chorus blend to symbolize the convergence of past memories and present emotions.

"it's she's like it's like she's jamming the words out trying to hold on to the memories. and it's just gushing out of her like she's just trying to like like cling on to something."

The explanation here is that Swift's vocal performance is intentionally strained and rushed to convey the desperation and intensity of clinging to fading memories.

• Swift shares her thoughts on the album "Midnights" and its place within her discography.
• She acknowledges the differing opinions on whether "Midnights" is her best work but respects the album for what it represents.
• The songs "You're Losing Me" and "Hits Different" are highlighted for changing the perception of the album.
• Swift discusses the fan debates over which songs are about which past relationships, asserting her belief in the subject of "Maroon."

"and it's different it's crazy how you're losing me just that one song and even hits different those two songs completely changed how we see midnights like I just think that that's such a concept and that's why I really like midnights."

The quote reflects on how specific songs can alter the overall interpretation of an album, emphasizing the significance of "You're Losing Me" and "Hits Different" in understanding "Midnights."

"I feel like we have debates about who is who are each of these songs about and like we're debating like is maroon about y'all is remembering about Calvin Harris or Tom Hiddleston or Jake gyllenhaaler we're pointing all these or Harry Styles or pointing all these fingers I'm like it's about Joe Allen."

This quote delves into the fan speculation surrounding the subjects of Swift's songs, with the speaker asserting their belief about the inspiration behind "Maroon."