Song: “Shake It Off” (click here for lyrics)
Artist: Taylor Swift
Overall Message:
〉This song was a way for Taylor Swift to express how she deals with haters and negativity constantly. She tries to not let the hurtful words get to her and tries to brush it off. She has gotten to the point where she doesn’t care what people have to say because they don’t know who she really is.
Analyzing the Lyrics:
〉Stereotypical Feminine Traits
- Easy/Crazy: “I go on too many dates, but I can’t make them stay”
- These lyrics are indicating what people have said to Taylor. They think that she is easy because she goes on a lot of dates but none of them seem to work out. With none of them working out, they think that she must be crazy or she is the one doing something wrong.
〉Counterstereotypical Feminine Traits
- Self-Sufficient/Independent: “I’m dancin’ on my own, I make the moves up as I go”
- She is implying that she doesn’t need anyone to help her because she can help herself. She is mature enough to know that she can do things on her own and not have to rely on someone else.
- Dominant: “But I keep cruisin’ can’t stop, won’t stop groovin’
- I perceived these lyrics as Taylor saying that she is the dominant force in her life. She doesn’t need anyone to hold her hand and help her through the backlash she faces because she is strong enough to handle it. While she is carrying herself through life, she is also finding a way to remain positive.
Stay tuned for the next post on…Jess Glynne!
Shared by: Emily Calewarts
Image Credit: https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swifts-shake-off-copyright-case-headed-back-court-2562120