SwifTEA: Taylor Swift's "5 Stages of Heartbreak" Playlists

In the latest episode of "13," a Taylor Swift fan podcast, hosts Nick Adams, Anna Zabo, Amy Nichols, and Lacy G delve into Taylor Swift's categorization of her discography into five Apple Music playlists, each representing a stage of heartbreak: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. They discuss the emotional impact and the surprising song placements within these playlists, highlighting Swift's ability to reinterpret her songs with new experiences and the testament it serves to her songwriting skills. Additionally, they touch on Swift's savvy business acumen, exemplified by her strategic marketing that keeps fans engaged and her music streaming continuously. The hosts also share their anticipation for Swift's upcoming album "Tortured Poet" and promote their live listening party and upcoming fan event, "Swifties in the Park."

• Nick Adams, Anna Zabo, Amy Nichols, and Lacy G host the podcast.
• The podcast focuses on Taylor Swift's music, discussing songs, Easter eggs, eras, and fan theories.

"Welcome to 13, a Taylor Swift fan podcast."

The quote introduces the podcast, indicating its focus on Taylor Swift and its intention to delve deeply into her work.

• Taylor Swift has created five new playlists on Apple Music.
• The playlists correspond to the five stages of heartbreak: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
• The hosts discuss how Swift's songs can be seen in new lights within these categories.

"Taylor Swift has five new playlists on Apple music and they are the five stages of heartbreak."

This quote outlines the new playlists curated by Taylor Swift, each representing a different stage of heartbreak.

• The playlists demonstrate Swift's ability to write poignant songs that capture specific emotions.
• Swift's songs evolve over time, gaining new interpretations and meanings.
• The hosts admire Swift's talent in songwriting and her ability to adapt her music.

"Taylor Swift as a songwriter is just one of the best of the best of the best."

The quote praises Taylor Swift's exceptional songwriting skills, placing her at the top of the industry.

• Swift's reorganization of her discography into these playlists shows her reflective approach to her own music.
• The hosts discuss how songs can gain new significance years later, highlighting the adaptability of Swift's music.

"She can write a song in that moment in that feeling and feel some kind of way. but then years pass and she experiences other things. and she can look back at that those songs in her own words and interpret them differently."

This quote captures the idea that songs can take on different meanings as time passes and experiences change, emphasizing the dynamic nature of music interpretation.

• Swift's playlists were inspired by fan theories about the five stages of grief.
• The hosts discuss their own experiences with fan theories and Swift's engagement with her fan base.

"She did this based on fan theories because fans were saying she was doing the five stages of grief."

The quote indicates that Taylor Swift listens to her fans and sometimes incorporates their theories into her work, showing a reciprocal relationship between artist and audience.

• The hosts share personal stories and jokes, such as the escalator analogy and the slip and slide horse.
• They speculate humorously about future song lyrics that might include these personal references.

"Nick. but that's all about you you are the one with the escalator."

This quote is part of a humorous exchange between the hosts, showcasing their camaraderie and playful speculation about Swift's songwriting.

• Taylor Swift is recognized not only for her artistry but also for her strategic business decisions.
• The hosts discuss how Swift's marketing encourages repeated listening and engagement with her music.
• Swift's direct deal for the "Reputation" tour movie is cited as an example of her business savvy.

"What I love about Taylor and just her method of marketing to her her fans is the way she does things encourages listening on repeat and listening to songs more and more and more."

The quote highlights Taylor Swift's marketing genius, which promotes fan engagement and boosts streaming numbers through interconnected storytelling and Easter eggs.

• The hosts reflect on Taylor Swift's influence and success in real-time.
• They emphasize her generosity and humility despite her massive success.
• Swift's living legend status is acknowledged, with a focus on her business and artistic achievements.

"She's a she's a living legend. and I think it's really really cool to witness in real time like as as she makes her moves we're getting to experience it."

This quote expresses admiration for Taylor Swift's ongoing impact on the music industry and her fans, highlighting the unique experience of witnessing her career unfold.

• The first playlist discussed is "I love you, it's ruining my life," which represents denial.
• The hosts analyze the playlist and the selection of songs, noting the emotional resonance and thematic connections.

"So the first playlist is I love you it's Runing my life and that's denial."

The quote introduces the first playlist and its association with the denial stage of heartbreak, setting the stage for further analysis of the songs included.

• Lover is a song that Taylor Swift wrote during a specific time in her life due to her feelings at that time.
• Taylor Swift expressed a desire for "Lover" to be associated with the memories of being at the eras tour rather than the inspiration behind the song.
• The inclusion of "Lover" on the denial playlist is surprising, especially since it's a song that signifies a deep phase of love.
• "Lover" being on the denial playlist suggests a shift in meaning post-breakup, highlighting ignored red flags.

"Lover being on the denial playlist to me was one of the biggest. Like oh my god."

This quote indicates the shock and significance of "Lover" being categorized under denial, suggesting a stark contrast between the song's original love-filled meaning and its placement on a playlist associated with denial and ignored warning signs in a relationship.

• "Lavender Haze" was a song inspired by Taylor Swift's effort to protect her relationship.
• The presence of "Lavender Haze" on the denial playlist implies a past ignorance of red flags within the relationship.
• "Sweet Nothing" is a song about appreciating love in small moments and its inclusion on the denial playlist points to a change in perception post-breakup.
• The songs' meanings have evolved for Taylor Swift, possibly due to significant events that changed her feelings.

"So lover being on the denial playlist to me was one of the biggest. Like oh my god um also lavender haze is on this which before lavender haze came out she said that was a song inspired by... her relationship that she kept trying to like protect and so to put lavender haze on a denial like I was ignoring the red flags like that's really that's really something."

The quote explains the initial inspiration behind "Lavender Haze" and how its placement on the denial playlist suggests a retrospective acknowledgment of previously overlooked problems in the relationship.

• Taylor Swift has stated that her songs are not just her story but also the listeners' stories.
• Fans and listeners can interpret songs based on their personal experiences and stories.
• Even though the meanings of songs may change for the artist, they can remain unchanged for fans.
• The personal connection to songs allows for a diverse range of emotional responses and attachments.

"I think that's what that's also another part of what makes songwriting so awesome too is because you interpret it for yourself and for your life and your stories and things like that."

This quote emphasizes the personal aspect of song interpretation, where listeners apply their life experiences to understand and connect with the music, making each song uniquely meaningful to them.

• "Cruel Summer" and "Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince" on the denial playlist can be seen as having dual meanings, both upbeat but also indicative of sadness.
• "False God" and "Style" being on the denial playlist suggest early stages of a relationship where red flags may have been ignored.
• The inclusion of "Wildest Dreams" suggests a shift from reminiscing fond memories to acknowledging a flawed relationship.
• "Untouchable" is mentioned in relation to a solar eclipse, metaphorically aligning the song with a moment of darkness and change.
• "Superman" and "Bejeweled" being on the denial playlist is unexpected as they are upbeat songs that could be seen as belonging to the acceptance stage.

"Cruel Summer being on the denial playlist you know I guess I can kind of see it I can kind of see it. Right. I mean she's in the. I'm drunk in the back of the car crying coming home from the just because it's upbeat doesn't right doesn't mean it's doesn't mean it's happy we've learned that."

This quote reflects on the complex nature of music where an upbeat tune can mask underlying themes of sadness or denial, as seen with "Cruel Summer" being on the denial playlist despite its lively sound.

• The song "Lover" may have been written during a time of denial, as suggested by its placement on the denial playlist.
• Reflecting on "Lover" with hindsight, there may have been unintentional indications of absence or issues within the relationship.
• The act of writing "Lover" could have served as an emotional bandaid for Taylor Swift.
• Fans have reevaluated the song's lyrics in light of new information about Taylor Swift's personal life.

"I love you it's ruining my life I'm in denial playlist since then I've seen a lot of fans go back and say listen to what she's saying she's asking can I go where you go can I can I be with you."

This quote captures the fans' reexamination of "Lover" in the context of denial, suggesting that the lyrics may have foreshadowed relationship issues that were not initially apparent.

• Taylor Swift introduces her "You Don't Get to Tell Me About Sad Songs" playlist, explaining that the songs were written while feeling anger.
• The playlist includes songs that deal with themes of cheating, anger, and breakups.
• Songs like "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" demonstrate that an upbeat rhythm can still convey anger and sadness.
• The playlist reflects Taylor Swift's use of songwriting as a healthy outlet for processing anger.

"Hey Apple music welcome to my you don't get to tell me about sad playlist these songs all have one thing in common I wrote them while feeling anger over the years I've learned that anger can manifest itself in a lot of different ways but the healthiest way that it manifests itself in my life is when I can write a song about it and then often times that helps me get past it."

Taylor Swift's quote explains the unifying theme of the playlist, which is the expression of anger through songwriting, and how this creative process aids in her emotional healing.

• Taylor Swift's music often channels her anger, as seen in songs like "Dear John" and "Better Than Revenge."
• She has expressed regret over some of the lyrics and has made changes to them over time.
• Songs like "I Bet You Think About Me" and "Mr. Perfectly Fine" are also mentioned as examples of her angry bops.
• The discussion includes whether certain songs would fit better in different thematic playlists.

"I perform it like babe. yeah there's so much head moving back and forth when she saying babe um there's so much just anger when she says babe. yeah. love it uh we get the finger in the music video music video for I bet you think about me. so that's a little bit anger uh Dear John better than revenge. I mean she was so angry she kind of regrets it now change the lyrics uh tell me. why yeah. you're not sorry Forever and Always. and Mr perfectly fine. yeah those are all um."

This quote reflects on the physicality and emotion Taylor Swift brings to her performances, particularly when she's expressing anger in her songs. The mention of specific tracks highlights how her music can encapsulate strong feelings of anger and sometimes regret.

• The speakers discuss the organization of Taylor Swift's songs into thematic playlists.
• They consider the appropriateness of song placements within the "anger" and "depression" playlists.
• The song "tolerate it" is specifically mentioned as fitting for the anger playlist, though initially thought to belong to the depression playlist.
• The discussion reveals personal listening habits and preferences, including a focus on Swift's album "Evermore."

"yeah like would you have put any of those songs in different playlists and different spots I so not for me that works. yeah man Angry Bops MH is there something that you think should be on there that isn't I guess when I think about it. yes it does make sense that tolerate it is on here."

This quote discusses the subjective nature of categorizing songs into emotional themes, noting that while some placements are surprising, they can make sense upon reflection. It shows how personal interpretation plays a role in how listeners relate to music.

• The speakers comment on the stage production during Taylor Swift's performances, particularly the way props are handled.
• They express admiration for the simplicity and effectiveness of the stage production, likening it to a high school play but in a positive, endearing way.
• A humorous comparison is made between Swift's action of knocking off stage props and a cat's behavior.

"it's so funny because you see Taylor Knocking off kind of like a cat you know she like knocks off the flowers and everything. and then you kind of just see them like sliding like under it it truly makes a 100,000 hundred million doll production look like a High School production and that's not a bad thing."

This quote highlights the behind-the-scenes aspects of a live performance that audience members might not typically notice. It illustrates the charm found in the simplicity and candidness of stage production, even in large-scale concerts.

• Taylor Swift's "Am I Allowed to Cry" playlist is analyzed, focusing on the bargaining stage of grief.
• The playlist features songs where Swift is trying to salvage failing relationships or situations.
• The speakers appreciate Swift's explanation of bargaining and how it has improved their understanding of the concept.
• Songs like "The Great War," "This is Me Trying," and "Peace" are discussed in the context of bargaining and desperation.

"this playlist takes you through the songs that I've written when I was in the bargaining stage times when you know you're trying to make deals with yourself or someone that you care about you're trying to make things better you're often times feeling really desperate."

This quote is Taylor Swift's explanation of the bargaining theme in her playlist, which involves making deals and feeling desperation to improve a situation. It provides insight into the emotional depth and intention behind her songwriting.

• The "Old Habits Die Screaming" playlist is discussed, which explores themes of depression in Swift's music.
• Taylor Swift is recognized for her ability to write deeply sad songs, and the playlist is a curated collection of such tracks.
• The playlist includes "My Tears Ricochet," "Hoax," and "Champagne Problems," among others.
• The speakers share their personal connections to the songs and their anticipation for Swift's new music.

"this is about depression here's what Taylor has to say about it. hi Apple music welcome to my old habits die screaming playlist where we're going to be exploring the feelings of depression that often lace their way through my songs."

Taylor Swift describes her "Old Habits Die Screaming" playlist as a journey through the feelings of depression that are woven into her songs. This quote conveys the emotional weight of the playlist and the therapeutic nature of songwriting for Swift.

• The "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" playlist focuses on the theme of acceptance.
• Taylor Swift's songs about acceptance help listeners move forward from loss or heartbreak.
• The playlist is seen as a testament to Swift's resilience and her ability to continue loving after experiencing pain.
• The speakers admire Swift for not becoming bitter or untrusting despite her heartbreaks.

"hey Apple music you've made it to my. I can do it with a broken heart playlist where we finally find acceptance and can start moving forward from loss or heartbreak these songs represent making room for more good in your life making that choice because a lot of time when we lose things we gain things too."

This quote by Taylor Swift explains the acceptance theme in her playlist, highlighting the duality of loss and gain. It reflects the healing process and the choice to make space for positivity in life after heartbreak.

• Taylor Swift writes songs to process her feelings and move on.
• Her lyrics often reflect a journey of self-acceptance and resilience.
• The song "You're on your own, kid" depicts a message of self-reliance and hope.
• Taylor Swift is likened to a Phoenix, always rising from the ashes.

"You can decide that this isn't for me and she still deals with it writes her songs and moves on and writes Beautiful you're on your own kids speaking of our listening party I mean the first time hearing that a blood soaked gown and it's just. like. oh she started off that song. and it's like you're on your own kid. and it sounds so scary. and then she ends it with. but you always have been you always have been you'll be okay."

The quote reflects on Taylor Swift's ability to confront difficult emotions through her music, using it as a means to empower herself and her listeners. The specific song mentioned illustrates a narrative of facing challenges alone but ultimately finding strength in that solitude.

• Taylor Swift has organized her songs into playlists corresponding to stages of grief.
• Songs like "Midnight Rain," "Labyrinth," and "August" are noted for fitting this theme.
• "Invisible String," "Happiness," and "Long Story Short" also resonate with this concept.
• "Closure," "Evermore," and "It's Time to Go" are additional examples of songs that align with the stages of grief.
• "I Forgot That You Existed" and "Daylight" are highlighted as excellent examples of this theme.

"Also on that list uh midnight rain. mhm. Labyrinth the one which I think is just perfect example of that. yeah you have August Invisible String happiness that one makes so much sense too and so does long story short."

This quote identifies specific songs that Taylor Swift has categorized into a playlist that correlates with the stages of grief, demonstrating how her music encompasses a range of emotions and experiences associated with loss and recovery.

• Taylor Swift's music was put back on TikTok, coinciding with the release of new music.
• She may have negotiated her own deal with TikTok due to owning her masters and publishing rights.
• The strategic timing of her music's availability on TikTok is seen as a smart business move.
• The music industry adjusts release dates to avoid competition with Taylor Swift's releases.

"But she did um put her music back back on Tik Tok now now her music is back on Tik Tok. and um I don't know what it what negotiations happened but she has new music coming out in a week. and so what a great time to have her music back on Tik Tok so people can use it."

The quote discusses the strategic return of Taylor Swift's music to TikTok, which aligns with the release of her new music, showcasing her business savvy and influence in the music industry.

• The hosts discuss an upcoming event called "Swifties in the Park."
• They encourage fans to attend, even if alone, to connect with fellow Swifties.
• The event will feature a Swifty marketplace, live podcasts, and discussions about Taylor Swift's new album.
• The hosts also mention a streaming party on their YouTube channel for Taylor Swift's new album.

"So that was a shocker from Taylor Swift for her to put all this together to listen to her fans and come up and organize her songs into playlists of um stages of grief."

This quote expresses admiration for Taylor Swift's engagement with her fanbase by creating playlists that resonate with their experiences and emotions, highlighting her connection with her audience.

• Taylor Swift's upcoming album has generated excitement among fans and hosts alike.
• The hosts speculate on the album's content and look forward to discussing it.
• There is a sense of anticipation for the album release and the discussions it will spark.

"Oh we'll see what this album is about in one week so very excited um let's check in from the Google voicemail."

The quote conveys the hosts' eagerness and anticipation for Taylor Swift's new album, reflecting the general enthusiasm of her fan community for her music releases.

• A fan named Madison expresses her love for the podcast and her excitement about the playlists Taylor Swift released.
• Madison is curious about where songs from the "Reputation" and "Debut" albums would fit in the playlists.
• The hosts appreciate Madison's call and engage with her thoughts on the podcast.

"Hi I just wanted to say I really love you guys so much my name is Madison I've been following you guys for like probably about a year now maybe um and you guys are just like having like a bunch of soy friends so much I wish I could come to your guys this event."

Madison's quote is a testament to the strong connection the podcast hosts have with their listeners, fostering a sense of community among fans of Taylor Swift.