Why Taylor Swift Possibly Cut the 1989 Vault Tracks

Hosts Cameron and Lisa of the "Swiftly Spoken" podcast delve into Taylor Swift's re-recording of her "1989" album, offering insights into why certain tracks may have been initially omitted and providing a thorough analysis of the newly released "Vault" tracks. They speculate that some songs were left out due to their raw vulnerability or potentially controversial lyrics, which might not have been well-received at the time. The duo also praises the re-recorded versions for their fidelity to the originals, particularly noting Kendrick Lamar's contribution to the "Bad Blood" remix. Additionally, they touch upon how the re-recording process seems to have influenced Swift's later work, including her "Midnights" album. Cameron and Lisa conclude by expressing their personal favorites from the Vault tracks, inviting listeners to share their own and reflecting on the overall success of the re-recording.

• Cameron and Lisa host the podcast "Swiftly Spoken."
• The podcast focuses on deep dives into Taylor Swift's lyrics, album retrospectives, and theories about her future projects.
• This episode discusses the reasons behind Taylor Swift possibly leaving behind the 1989 tracks and the re-recording process.

hello and welcome to swiftly spoken a Fab made Taylor Swift podcast in which we break down her lyrics Deep dive into full album retrospectives and theorize about what may be coming next as always we are your host Cameron and Lisa

This quote sets the stage for the podcast, introducing the hosts and the focus of their discussions, which is Taylor Swift's music and career.

• Cameron and Lisa share their general reactions to the re-recorded album "1989."
• They express concerns based on past experiences with the re-recorded pop songs from "Red."
• The hosts note that the re-recorded version of "1989" was impressive overall, despite initial skepticism.

our reactions as a whole to 1989 also as a re-recording more than anything cuz obviously there were 16 new/old songs 14 excluding wildish dreams and this love which we hadn't heard before so those 14 songs the bulk of the original 1989 how did you feel about them what were your general reactions

The hosts discuss their overall impressions of the re-recorded "1989" album, highlighting the inclusion of new/old songs and their anticipation before listening.

• Cameron and Lisa discuss specific songs from the re-recorded "1989" album.
• They mention that "I Know Places" and "Out of the Woods" were standout tracks.
• Opinions on "Blank Space" and "Shake It Off" were positive, despite the pressure on these big singles.
• "Bad Blood" and "Wonderland" were considered better than the originals by the hosts.

I think for me certain songs that really stand out is like I Know Places incredible out of the words I thought was perfect um I wish you would really happy with. yeah I wish you would. Wonderland I really really enjoyed clean basically most of all of 1939 wasn't the kind of big singles were absolutely perfect for me.

Cameron and Lisa express their satisfaction with the re-recordings of specific tracks, praising the quality and execution of the songs.

• The hosts discuss the intricacies of re-creating the production value of the original "1989" album.
• They note the challenges in replicating the detailed and layered production, especially for songs like "Shake It Off."
• The expectation and pressure to meet the original album's standard were acknowledged.

the production value on 1989 is incredibly detailed if you go back you look at those videos of her creating some of the songs especially shake it off I've always thought is like where they Ed their feet and. stuff. yeah. very very layered so many things going on in that song.

This quote highlights the complexity of the production on the original "1989" album and the difficulty in re-creating such a rich and layered sound.

• The hosts talk about the original producers of "1989," Max Martin and Shellback, and their absence in the re-recording process.
• Christopher Rowe took over the production for the re-recorded album.
• The hosts speculate on reasons for the change in producers and commend Rowe for his work.

very interesting to see Ryan tedar image and Heap obviously Jack Antonoff all returned however Max Martin and shelach did not return they were replaced by by the Taylor's version producer Christopher row

Cameron and Lisa discuss the return of several original producers and the replacement of Max Martin and Shellback with Christopher Rowe, noting the impact on the re-recording process.

• The hosts mention that Taylor Swift's vocals on the re-recorded "1989" felt more effortless and crisp compared to the original.
• They attribute this to her vocal maturation and the ease with which she now hits high notes and delivers powerful moments.

one thing I have to say though which was interesting to hear is I don't know I just felt like it was there was so much more ease to her vocals than the first time around.

This quote reflects on the evolution of Taylor Swift's vocal abilities, suggesting that her voice has matured and improved since the original recording of "1989."

• The podcast hosts discuss the original lyrics of songs from "1989" revealed in posters included with the Taylor's version of the album.
• They focus on the original lyrics for "Welcome to New York," "Wildest Dreams," "Wonderland," and "New Romantics."
• The hosts find the early versions of "Wonderland" and "New Romantics" particularly interesting and discuss the evolution of the lyrics.

something that we have to mention about the original songs though is a little bit a tip bit of information that we have got from the posters that are included in some of the 1989 Taylor's versions now these posters basically give us the original lyrics to four songs

Cameron and Lisa share details about the original lyrics of some tracks from "1989," offering insights into Taylor Swift's songwriting process and the changes made from early drafts to final versions.

• Cameron and Lisa discuss the similarities between lyrics and sonic elements across Taylor Swift's albums, specifically from the "Fearless" to "Evermore" period.
• They note that certain lyrics and sentiments from "Evermore" are reminiscent of those found in the vault tracks from "Red" and "Fearless."
• The discussion includes the idea that cut lyrics from various albums seem to intermingle, particularly with the album "Midnights."

"Lots of ever More lyrics like things like tolerated were very similar to lots of the lyrics in like all2 10 and obviously those kind of albums were recorded kind of around the same time the Fearless red folklore Evermore ones especially during the Evermore period um."

This quote highlights the observation that lyrics from the album "Evermore" have similarities to those in "Fearless," "Red," and "Folklore," suggesting that these albums share thematic and lyrical connections.

• The hosts express excitement for original, handwritten lyrics, which offer a glimpse into the songwriting process and evolution of songs.
• They discuss the potential changes in lyrics and how they might have affected the songs' impact.
• The conversation includes speculation on why certain lyrics were cut and how they could have been perceived by the public at the time of release.

"Handwritten lyrics are the I live for them like I live and I for handwritten lyrics because it it just reveals something just so cool about the song love being to like think oh how would this fit."

This quote conveys the hosts' enthusiasm for handwritten lyrics, emphasizing their value in understanding the creative process behind a song.

• Cameron and Lisa analyze the repurposing of lyrics across songs from the album "1989," such as "Wonderland," "Blank Space," and "Out of the Woods."
• They examine how certain lyrics appear in different songs and the dramatic effect they might have had if used elsewhere.
• The hosts appreciate the cleverness and directness of the vault tracks' lyrics compared to their final versions.

"It's very interesting to see how these particular ones appear in different songs on 1989 for example the you're the king. and I'm the queen Blank Space colors I'd never seen Out of the Woods."

This quote points out specific examples of how lyrics from the vault tracks relate to different songs on the album "1989," illustrating the interconnectedness of Swift's songwriting.

• They discuss the production of the vault tracks by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff, noting their incredible quality.
• The discussion highlights the vulnerability and rawness of the vault tracks, potentially explaining why they were left off the original album.
• Cameron and Lisa touch on the idea that the vault tracks complete the story of the album and offer new insights into its themes.

"Vault tracks they were all produced by Taylor and Jack Antonoff amazing production I must say incredible."

The quote praises the production quality of the vault tracks, crediting Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff for their work.

• The hosts contemplate how Taylor Swift's public image and the broader social climate of 2014 may have influenced the decision to cut certain tracks from "1989."
• They discuss the potential for misinterpretation of the songs if they had been released in their original, more vulnerable form.
• The conversation covers Swift's intention to create a mysterious and curated image with the album "1989."

"Taylor has kind of said and mentioned before that she wanted this album and she even mentions it in one of the songs that she wanted this album to be much more mysterious."

This quote reflects on Taylor Swift's desire to maintain a certain level of mystery in her album "1989," which may have influenced the exclusion of certain tracks.

• Cameron discusses the thematic similarities between "Stay Don't Go" and "All You Had to Do Was Stay."
• They consider that "Stay Don't Go" might have been left off the album because "All You Had to Do Was Stay" covered similar themes earlier in the writing process.
• The conversation touches on the vulnerability and emotional impact of the song.
• There is an emphasis on the sonic and lyrical mimicry between the two songs.

"It's very interesting thematically it reminds me a lot of all you had to do was stay." "I think that they mimic each other that." "I feel like sonically and uh thematically lyrically all you had to do was stay did it."

These quotes highlight the thematic connection between the two songs, suggesting a deliberate choice to explore similar sentiments in both, with the speakers pondering why one might have been chosen over the other for the album.

• Lisa reflects on the potential reasons behind the song selections for the album "1989."
• They speculate about the financial considerations of working with high-profile collaborators like Diane Warren.
• The discussion includes Taylor Swift's choices in collaboration, particularly with Max Martin and Shellback, due to budget constraints from her label, Big Machine.
• They also touch on Swift's working relationship with Nathan Chapman.

"The fact that Taylor was like left on The Cutting Room floor you what I mean like that's nuts that she was like you know big would have had to Fork out a decent amount to work with her." "Can you please work with naan Chapman her being like. Oh you're being too close."

The quotes discuss the business aspect of music production and artist collaborations, illustrating the financial and creative considerations that can influence which songs make it onto an album.

• Cameron and Lisa discuss the storytelling aspect of Taylor Swift's music, specifically the narratives in "Stay Don't Go" and "All You Had to Do Was Stay."
• They note the directness and vulnerability in "Stay Don't Go" and its thematic resonance with the sentiment of not wanting someone to leave.
• The conversation includes the impact of life events on Swift's songwriting decisions.

"Perhaps it didn't fit The Narrative of 1989 as much the one that the story that she was telling perhaps you know things in her life led her towards certain decision iions between this song and all you had to do was stay." "The song is very like direct as well and and yeah."

These quotes delve into the narrative choices behind song selection for an album and how personal experiences can shape the themes and directness of a song's lyrics.

• Lisa brings up the modern listener's shorter attention span and how it affects song success.
• They express a desire for longer versions of the songs, especially "Now That We Don't Talk."
• The speakers discuss the impact of song length on its potential as a single.

"Nowadays as we have discussed previously people tend to have less of an attention span so shorter songs do do well." "I wish it was longer though I do as well was I wish we had just a couple more chuses like I need more."

The quotes address the trend of shorter songs in the current music landscape, suggesting that while they can be successful, there is a personal preference for more extended versions that offer a deeper exploration of themes.

• The conversation shifts to the strategy behind selecting singles for promotion.
• They discuss how fan reactions and organic growth of songs can guide promotional decisions.
• The speakers consider the potential of "Now That We Don't Talk" and "Say Don't Go" as singles.

"I think they have that quality to them like they're all really strong and 1989 as an album is like that it's a bit like Teenage Dream in the sense that any song could be a single could be a hit." "The maybe let's just see what organically does the best and then takes off rather than sticking with something that doesn't work."

These quotes explore the process of choosing singles for an album, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement and the organic popularity of songs in determining which tracks are promoted.

• Cameron and Lisa discuss the emotional depth and lyrical content of "Now That We Don't Talk."
• They highlight specific lyrics that resonate with them, particularly those referencing Taylor Swift's personal experiences.
• The speakers appreciate Swift's lower vocal register and the drama conveyed in the song.

"The lyric that literally nearly sent me wild was you grew your hair out got new icons and from the outside it looks like you're trying lives on." "I just love the drama to this song and it is just perfect like it is just so good."

The quotes illustrate the emotional response to specific lyrics in "Now That We Don't Talk," showcasing the song's ability to convey deep feelings and personal reflections through its words.

• The speakers analyze how the narrative structure of "1989" may have influenced the exclusion of certain songs from the album.
• They discuss the concept of hidden messages within the album's tracks and how they contribute to the overall story.
• The conversation touches on the metaphorical and literal aspects of songwriting.

"She was crafting a very specific narrative and story you know the the hidden lyrics prove that it's literally a story." "Maybe it could fit in somehow. and maybe she would have added a little uh line to the story."

These quotes delve into the storytelling elements of "1989," considering how the album's cohesive narrative may have impacted the song selection, with hidden messages adding layers to the overarching theme.

• Taylor Swift's songs often draw from personal experiences and relationships.
• The song "I Wish You Would" is directly related to Harry Styles, as Swift herself indicated.
• Swift's music frequently includes clear references to her past relationships, making them more relatable and intriguing to fans.

"yeah this song's about Harry STS by the way basically as if as if it couldn't have been more obvious in the end as we always say as Taylor says this is not OPP pity test because it's all down to her but do we love a good bit of Gossip."

The quote explains that the song "I Wish You Would" is about Harry Styles, highlighting Swift's openness about the inspiration behind her music and the enjoyment fans get from gossip related to her personal life.

• Swift's songs often explore the complexity of relationships that feel unresolved.
• The song "Is It Over Now?" delves into the lingering feelings and questions that remain after a relationship's end.
• The lyrics suggest a sense of never truly moving on, as symbolized by the idea of someone interrupting your wedding because the relationship is "never really over."

"and it kind of mimics that thing that she said said about how the relationship that 199 is talking about was about someone that you feel like could interrupt your wedding because it's never really over and that's what this song like is it over now and is was it over then and is it even over now that's kind of what she saying you know like."

This quote discusses the song "Is It Over Now?" and its portrayal of an unresolved relationship, where the past connection continues to affect the present and future, which is a recurring theme in Swift's songwriting.

• Swift's lyrics are known for their intricacies and hidden meanings, often referred to as "Easter eggs."
• References to specific events, such as the snowmobile accident or the blue dress on a boat, provide fans with clues to the real-life inspirations behind her songs.
• Fans enjoy dissecting Swift's lyrics to uncover these Easter eggs and gain insight into her personal life and the stories behind her music.

"but when you lost control red blood white snow as you said 20 stitches in the hospital room the famous or snowmobile accident which I can't believe I can't believe she just gave us a reference to that in 2023 that's incredible uh blue dress on a bow which is literally the reference to that picture that picture of her leaving that island and both of those lyrics are very much out of the woods."

The quote highlights specific lyrics from Swift's songs that reference real-life events, such as the snowmobile accident and a picture of Swift in a blue dress, showing how her music is intertwined with her personal experiences.

• The "vault" tracks on Swift's albums contain a range of emotions and stories that did not make it onto the original album releases.
• Lyrics in these songs can be particularly vulnerable, scathing, or emotionally charged, which may have contributed to their initial exclusion from the albums.
• The release of these vault tracks allows fans to explore a broader emotional spectrum and understand the artist's creative process more deeply.

"it kind of it summarizes the whole vault as well because there's a lot of like emotions from also come up here at least I kept my nights in secret although they were rumors about my hips and thighs and my whisper size and people going to be judging her because of that."

The quote reflects on the emotional depth found in the vault tracks, which can include sensitive topics and personal struggles that Swift may have been hesitant to share at the time of the original album's release.

• Taylor Swift's collaborations with other artists, such as Kendrick Lamar and the Civil Wars, add diversity and richness to her music.
• Collaborations can also lead to new versions of songs, such as the Bad Blood remix featuring Kendrick Lamar.
• The willingness of artists to return and work with Swift on re-recorded versions of songs speaks to her influence and the quality of her collaborations.

"and fair play to Kendrick. yes he when he when when he was given the assignment of you have to re and make it a carbon copy of the original he was like I will do that because this virgin literally his entire bit like so far out of the clubs that we've had with like um Ed and Gary light body re doing their bits Kendrick is the best like his version is literally identical like fair play to him."

The quote praises Kendrick Lamar for his ability to replicate his original feature on the Bad Blood remix for Swift's re-recorded version, highlighting the successful and high-quality nature of Swift's collaborations with other artists.

• Swift's re-recordings have led to the recontextualization of certain songs within her discography.
• Songs like "Sweeter Than Fiction" have been given new meaning through Swift's explanations and the passage of time.
• The re-recordings also provide an opportunity for Swift to clarify the intended album placement of certain tracks, such as whether they belong to "Red" or "1989."

"and I think now actually with the re-recording of it Taylor explaining with like Jack I think for me I am happy to accept it as night9 track. and I see it as that now I'm not going to be stubborn and bitter and. no no. no it's red. it's red. I think I think it works now."

This quote discusses the re-recording and recontextualization of "Sweeter Than Fiction" and how Swift's commentary can influence fans' perception of where a song fits within her body of work, showing the dynamic nature of her music over time.