#Google Most Searched Songwriter

[taylornation]

We’re looking back on this year and feeling like we just lived 13 lives? 🤯

Thanks for making it best year yet! 🫶 Also, since today is 123123, we gotta say it… 1, 2, 3, let’s go (to 2024), bitch!

[alexswift13]

The Most Searched: Taylor Swift

Spanning eras and genres, her music is the soundtrack to our lives. She's won over the charts. She's written her way into our hearts — and history — time and time again. And unsurprisingly, people search for her (her lyrics, her albums, her tour dates, and more) with the same staggering frequency with which she sets records. Here's to the Most Searched Songwriter of all-time, Taylor Swift.

[swiftiesam13]

Unlocked it! 🤧

@taylorswift @taylornation

[tswiftupdatess]

Taylor Swift for Google's 25 Years in Search: The Most Searched video:

''I think as a songwriter, if you are open enough you can connect with people.''

[nattaphum]

Earlier this year at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, Phakphum Romsaithong — or more affectionately known by his nickname “Mile” — was spotted at the Dior Women’s Fall ’23 show together with fellow co-star “Apo” Nattawin Wattanagitiphat. There was plenty of buzz surrounding their attendance: #MileApo appeared on Twitter’s trending page, while “Did Mile and Apo come to India” became one of many common Google searches about the two actors. Despite being just two years into their careers in the Thai entertainment industry, the duo requires no introduction — and it is all thanks to the seminal action and romance television series KinnPorsche: The Series.

Since it first aired on 2 April 2022 after a year of production delays, the show consistently trended worldwide as each weekly episode arrived. While a shift in scriptwriting — especially as the story pursues themes of the Mafia with darker, complex themes that most series in Thailand have shied away from — many have reasoned that the natural interactions of Mile and Apo in the series are a rarity. Coupled with an intense promotional strategy that saw graphic teasers each time an episode was announced and a slew of behind-the-scenes footage available in durations twice as much as the series, it made sense why these actors have rapidly risen into contemporary pop culture knowledge.

While we have come to know both Mile and Apo, rarely do we get a glimpse of Mile without his tether to Apo. Once a communications and journalism graduate, the 31-year old — who never expected that acting would be his calling — has been going back and forth between personas. For faithful fans, he might be Kinn but within closed doors, Mile remains just as he was before the series. Two years on, Mile is still intensely committed to his fans. “I approach my work with an open mind, not knowing the extent of its potential success,” Mile mentions. “Nevertheless, my main focus remains on giving my absolute best and ensuring the happiness of those who witness it. Their satisfaction is of utmost importance to me.”

Hello Mile, how are you these days?

I’m currently doing well, although quite occupied at the moment. If we were to represent it as a graph, it might appear as a lull period. However, I am utilising this time to engage in self-care — both physically and mentally — and to make necessary preparations.


What did it feel like waking up the morning the show debuted? 


I’m thrilled to be addicted to the series once again. Its irresistible charm keeps me coming back for more, just like others who are captivated by its captivating story. Seeing people enjoy it and receiving positive feedback brings me immense joy. These moments are truly cherished, and I take great pleasure in being a part of it.

In a few interviews, you mentioned that a career as an actor and singer/songwriter was not your first choice. Looking back, do you still have any reservations about acting?

Each of us harbours a multitude of aspirations, not confined to a singular goal. For me, true fulfilment lies in pursuing what truly ignites my passion and brings me joy. I am steadfast in my commitment to constant self-preparation and growth.

When presented with an opportunity, I choose to wholeheartedly embrace it — giving nothing short of my best. I am prepared to immerse myself in the pursuits that captivate my interest, dedicating my heart and soul to them. Though it may not be my ultimate objective, I am aware of my deep desire to embark on this path and so, I persistently ready myself for it.

Your life has now changed seeing that you are arguably one of Thailand’s most recognisable personalities. What is one thing you miss from before your fame arrived?

Engaging in conversations with strangers holds a special place in my heart. As of right now — due to time constraints — I haven’t had the opportunity to fully immerse myself like that anymore. The days of encounters and spontaneous conversations with unfamiliar faces have become a rarity. However, such encounters have always been a source of genuine enjoyment for me. The sheer pleasure of conversing with individuals from all walks of life knows no bounds. Regardless of their background or disposition, I find immense fulfilment in the simple act of exchanging thoughts and ideas.

Any moments with your fans that have had a lasting impact on you?

Each encounter with my fans brings an overwhelming sense of joy and fulfilment. Lately, I’ve been immersed in reading the heartfelt messages written on cards by my devoted supporters. I’m already halfway through this heartfelt endeavour. Last night, I came across a touching note from a fan expressing their desire to learn English in order to communicate with me. It’s remarkable to witness the lengths people go to — dedicating their time and efforts to learning languages like Thai, English, or even regional dialects — solely for the purpose of connection. Their dedication truly moves me.

You are almost inseparable from Apo, both on and off-screen. What is your most fond memory of him?

It has been twelve years since we coincidentally worked together, and his unique appearance remains vivid in my memory. Recently, passionate fans stumbled upon a video of our first meeting, leaving me pleasantly surprised. This unexpected revelation serves as a gentle reminder of life’s unpredictable nature, occasionally gifting us with delightful surprises along our journey.

On fashion, Mile elaborates that “the fashion world captivates us and draws us into its allure. Active participation in this industry involves immersing myself among talented stylists and continuously expanding knowledge.” But while Mumbai is not his first breakthrough with Dior, Mile has always had his eye on fashion. “I actually embarked on this journey at the age of eight,” Mile explains. “Seeing my mother in beautifully crafted clothes when I was young and experiencing the influence of television were transformative moments that sparked my passion for the captivating world of fashion.”

Tell us more about the Dior Men Fall 2023 collection you are wearing today. What did you like most about it? 


This collection exudes an exceptional uniqueness and embodies the distinctive character that Dior presents. I was remarkably comfortable during my time in Mumbai, which pleasantly surprised me. Despite the inquiries from others about its potential heat-inducing qualities, I found it to be quite the opposite. Even with its simple yet captivating designs and understated colour palette, it effortlessly stands out. Wearing these pieces becomes easy and is an enjoyable experience. Rather than mere excitement, my emotions were fueled by an intense enthusiasm when I delved deeper into the realm of Dior.

How about your first fashion show with Dior, what was it like?


Attending a fashion show proved to be a transformative experience, one that expanded the horizons of my perception. It was a delightful and invigorating journey, allowing me to witness the unfolding of a whole new world. The show by Dior in the enchanting city of Paris was truly remarkable. Each garment conveyed a profound message, intricately woven into the fabric of the event. This combination of creativity and storytelling made for an unforgettable spectacle.

Are there any Dior items in your wardrobe that you would consider your favourite?

I love the Dior Lingot bag in the large size, I believe it is the 50. It truly holds everything I need. And when you have a very busy schedule, a large bag is just what you need.

Yet, despite the tremendous achievements he currently possesses, the story is far from over for Mile. In some ways, KinnPorsche could be likened to only the dawn in what promises to be an impressive career. Be On Cloud — the company managing Mile and Apo as well as a host of other up-and-rising Thai stars — has recently announced a new film later this year and it involves Mile as its lead actor. Titled Man Suang — an ancient descriptor which translates to a “heavenly city of gods and angels” — the film will be set around the emerging Thai kingdom and its historical inception as a modern civilisation in epic proportions. Teased as a complete departure from the contemporary themes explored with KinnPorsche, the film has been marked as one of the largest and most ambitious film projects in Thailand with a production budget that rivals even that of Hollywood.

Much of what is shown in the trailer is meant to mislead, Mile teases, with more yet to be revealed at this point of writing. Apo will return as Mile’s co-star, but with a different dynamic between both actors this time. Its quality is meant to be top-notched too and make no mistake, there is plenty of anticipation for the film to be huge — the film’s trailer arrived weeks before its premiere at the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival, suggesting that Be On Cloud has its eyes on taking the film all over the globe.

There has been quite a bit of buzz about Be On Cloud’s Man Suang, especially since there has not been much information released at this moment other than its debut at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It is noteworthy to mention that the film marks your first main role in a motion picture. Can you tell us more about it? 


This movie carries a truly unique essence, captivating its viewers with a narrative that invites imagination and contemplation. It weaves a mysterious tapestry intertwined with the rich traditions and stories that unfolded in Thailand during the Rattanakosin period. The beauty lies in the artful portrayal of each character as they share their tale, allowing us to witness the profound transformations that humans undergo. It serves as a reminder that our beliefs — though held strongly — may not always yield definitive outcomes, offering a glimpse into the diverse possibilities that exist.

Let’s also get into the fact that it will be a historical film, and it marks a departure from the contemporary style of KinnPorsche. What kind of research did you do to get into the role?

For every character I embody, I dedicate myself to meticulous preparation, adopting a consistent approach. I delve into the era in which the character resides, immersing myself in its historical backdrop. It is almost like method acting and it is very similar to how I live my life. This thorough understanding enables me to comprehend the motives behind their actions and thoughts. I am grateful to be surrounded by a supportive team that encourages my creativity throughout this process, granting me the freedom to explore and bring my own unique perspective to the role.

While it is a new project for you, you will be starring alongside Apo again. Will we see a different dynamic between the characters both of you are slated to play? 


In every performance I deliver, there lies a remarkable blend of 90% embodiment of the character and a 10% essence of my own being. This 90% is a testament to my growth as an actor, an opportunity for people to witness my evolution through each role I undertake. I wholeheartedly invite audiences to appreciate the dedication and effort I invest in every project. As each character holds a unique identity, spectators will recognise the striking distinction, unveiling the diverse range and versatility I hope I can bring to the stage or screen.

Before we end, would you like to share any messages with your fans? 


My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the devoted fans who have supported me wholeheartedly throughout my journey. Your unwavering support has touched me deeply and means the world to me. Thank you for being there, from the bottom of my heart.

[LINK]

[seasurfacefullofclouds1]

Just heard about styles unreleased song and honestly the only thing that still surprises me is how he got all these women brainwashed, he is one of the most disgusting male celebrities out there but still he gets no backlash, look at celebs like kanye west, justin bieber, matty healy etc. get constantly dragged through mud (rightfully) for the way they treat women while styles who does even worst than some of them (i'm not well informed but i believe the worst thing bieber did (publicly) in the last couple years was not dress up for his wife's event, still he got called mysoginistic and idk what else) stays untouched, i swear i can't understand how all these women (younger and older) willingly decide to close one or both eyes when it comes to him and if it wasn't enough they go preach his verb to anyone everywhere so he appears to the world as this kind and genuine guy (maybe a bit dumb) but with 0 bad intentions and genuinely worried about women rights. I'd say white privilege but bieber and healy as many others are as white as one can be and often get "tortured" by the general public, so i just can't understand, styles could totally fit in that group but somehow he gets a free pass for every shit he says or does, like WHY???

Bieber, Healy, Kanye etc. say what they say and do what they do on their own volition. They stand behind their words and actions no matter how cringe. They are people with actual personalities, faults and all.

Harry never says or does anything. Ever. For his entire solo career, the only things he says are scripted for him, because Harry’s scrubbed image (heavily scrubbed on Google searches) cannot tolerate a single criticism. “Harry Styles™️” is a mirage created by an industry oiled by marketing. He’s a blank slate, the Ken doll of the music industry.

Sometimes, an inevitable impromptu answer comes out of Harry that creates viral moments for sounding incredibly vapid and privileged (“Sexuality is fun”), ignorant (“These things don’t happen to people like me”), or inane (“Camp is about fun,” “A movie that feels like a movie”).

His fans forgive him because he never acknowledges anything, and the industry rushes in to smooth things out for their money guy. Fans bicker amongst themselves, but it is all static noise. The public hears Variety, Rolling Stone, People, who say Styles walks on water.

The bits of personality we see in his songs show Harry to be self-focused to the point of pathology. Not only did he feel like the victim in a woman’s abortion story, but he wrote and recorded at least one, perhaps two songs about it?! He was so brave?

For the anons in my box insisting that the song ‘Kiwi’ was about Louis’ baby, do you not see how creepy and unethical, not to mention incredibly invasive, deranged, obsessive, in writing a song about someone else’s child? What kind of person does that? And what kind of weird adult songwriters would help him?

Even writing a song about your partner’s most private, painful moment (Kiwi, possibly High Tide) and making it about you, a world-famous superstar? And making a music video starring kids? What kind of asshole does that??

I used to believe these insane theories when I was a Larrie, and I regret the excuses I made for Harry because I wanted to believe in a happily-ever-after story. Knowing everything about Harry’s solo career since, I feel deeply humbled by Sony’s power. Fans really are incredibly malleable.

That’s probably the answer, anon, as to why the crowd hasn’t turned on Harry. Harry is cooperative, compliant, and complicit, and Harry loves money more than he loves having a personality.

Industry supports him, and industry will always be more powerful than a willing, young, idealistic fanbase. As long as he’s the cash cow, industry will never let Harry down.

Thoughts from a friend:

The way singing Kiwi energized Harry ... gross. If it’s about a partner he got pregnant, gross, cruel and demeaning to the partner. If it’s about Louis or Liam’s situations, gross, cruel and demeaning to Louis, Liam, their respective partners and sons. The fact that fans think of Harry as sensitive is perhaps the biggest joke of all. There is no sensitivity there. High Tides is callous and cold. His fans are angry because they know it’s awful. His lyrics about women, unscripted comments, behavior, sense of humor show insecurity and self-focus, and a frat boy level of maturity. There is zero sensitivity in Harry Styles. TPWK applies only to him.

[allamericanb-tch]

you’re on your own kid

i just love this song. taylor swift is quite literally a mastermind.

lyrical analysis

the basic story of the song is about taylor growing up and the way that her desire to be accepted and loved manifests itself at different points in her life. it starts with her just wanting to be liked by her peers to wanting to be successful in her music.

verse 1 — the desire to be loved by a guy in her life, likely during her school years.

summer went away still the yearning stays

this is a response to the notion that something was just a "summer thing" (august reference??) and that after summer she would just get over the guy. but after summer ends, she still feels for him.

i play it cool with the best of them

this definitely isn’t the most important line, but it helps to paint the picture that taylor has idealized "the best of them" as a group of certain people and that she's trying to do the things that would make her seem aligned with them and how they behave.

i wait patiently he's gonna notice me it's okay, we're the best of friends anyway

this is a little “you belong with me” moment of pining after someone you're best friends with and telling yourself it's not a big deal because you're still friends but knowing deep down you wish it was more.

i hear it in your voice you're smoking with your boys i touch my phone as if it's your face

she's speculating on who he's with and what he's doing. he's on the phone with her but he’s high and with is friends. she touches her phone imagining what it would be like to touch him, but the only connection she has to him right now is phone calls where he isn’t presently engaged.

i didn't choose this town i dream of getting out there's just one who could make me stay all my days

this line parallels the song midnight rain (my town was a wasteland), and a little bit tis the damn season (the whole song). she isn’t satisfied with the town she's growing up in and would like to leave, but she holds back because of the possibility of being with this guy.

from sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes

i've heard a lot of different interpretations of this first line but it seems like it's basically just about the routine passage of time. from sprinklers in warm weather to fireplaces in cold weather, she's been on her own through it all. i think there could be some room for this idea of sprinklers being there to help things grow while a fireplace burns and destroys things, and life involves things being born and things dying. either way, life goes on, but no matter what point in life you're looking to, you (taylor) can't count on someone else to help her achieve your goals.

i waited ages to see you there i searched the party of better bodies just to learn that you never cared

very much "the moment i knew", of being in a crowded room looking for someone that you know well enough to care about being there but not close enough with to actually know if or when they'll arrive. taylor realizes the guy she's pining after never cared for her the way she did.

the better bodies line is pretty self explanatory but i think it's really impactful that it sounds like her body image issues started when she was younger, and group settings have long been a place for comparison.

you’re on your own kid

you always have been 

(will talk more about this later)

verse 2 —  discovery of songwriting and desire to be a performer.

i see the great escape so long, daisy may

so i googled the name daisy may of course, and there were some theories that it may be referring to daisy may cooper, or hinting at the name of blake lively and ryan reynolds's fourth baby. but neither of those really make sense to me in the context of that lyric. this specific line is intended to be something young taylor says back then, as in it was young taylor who bids farewell to daisy may, not the 2022 taylor. neither the actress/comedian nor an unborn baby of people she wasn't friends with then make sense in that context to me.

i think that it refers to margaret march from "little women" by louisa may alcott. margaret had two nicknames, meg for her family and daisy for her rich friends. (daisy was a common nickname for margaret in the 19th century). i absolutely love the 2019 greta gerwig film adaptation of little women, but i’ve never read the book and i know they have a lot of differences, so i’ve looked at some literature websites to aid with my research.

meg's character arc throughout the book is her dreaming of a rich husband, of the luxuries in life and her character development where she grows out of it. from all four of the sisters, meg is the most traditionally feminine - she's beautiful, and a proper good girl by the standards of that time, she's a romantic who wants to marry a man she loves, her rich prince charming. she has a phase where she mingles extensively with the affluent crowd who call her by the nickname daisy. however she soon realises the downside of that life, falls in love with a poor tutor and learns to appreciate the simpler pleasures of life, and has a happy married life with many kids. 

i think the young romantic girl from this song relates to this arc, wanted the same things for herself. however the boy she loves loves her not (more on this later) and she realises that the only reason keeping her in town was moot. she finds a different path, her art, and through that her great escape from the original life she had imagined for herself. i'm not sure if her choice of daisy instead of meg has any significance. as in whether she's saying so long to the version of meg who wanted luxuries and to be in rich circles.

this is kind of a stretch, but daisy may also sounds a little bit like dismay, and she's bidding adieu to dismay by escaping the town like she always dreamed.

but outside that context it might just be a reference to a name that talks about a pretty flower and the month of may and this idea of always needing to seem happy a cheerful, but songwriting has given her a cathartic way of being honest and not always people pleasing. this is emphasized by the image of picking petals off a flower and defacing its beauty. or i’m just way overthinking it.

i picked the petals, he loves me not something different bloomed

this is the whole "he loves me, he loves me not" thing people would do with flowers and she's come to the conclusion that he doesn't love her, and realizes that something else was more important to her.

writing in my room i play my songs in the parking lot i’ll run away

very literally she learns to spend her time alone in her room writing songs. she also literally played songs in parking lots at state fairs and the like. "i'll run away" connects to "great escape" as the means for her to get out of her town.

i called a taxi to take me there i search the party of better bodies just to learn that my dreams aren't rare

you're on your own, kid you always have been

i think that the taxi is mentioned because she either wasn't old enough to drive to her destination or would be drunk. she's at a party full of other aspiring singers, and she again does the "better bodies" self comparison, but also realizes that there are so many other people out there who have the dream that she does. because she knows that every other person seems to want to be a singer, she's on her own in standing out with this dream.

the bridge/outro — basically this climax of her career success and her reflection/advice when she thinks about all it took to get there. i think a lot of these lines are just one off sentences and not necessarily continuations of one another. (think the bridge of champagne problems. "november flush and your flannel cure" doesn't lead into "this dorm was once a madhouse.")

from sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes

i gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this

i hosted parties and starved my body like i'd be saved by a perfect kiss

the jokes weren't funny, i took the money

my friends from home don't know what to say i looked around in a blood-soaked gown and i saw something they can't take away

cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned everything you lose is a step you take

so make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it

so, the first time i listened to this song, i thought each line corresponded with one of her eras. 

from sprinkler splashes — debut

to fireplace ashes — fearless

i gave my blood sweat and tears for this — speak now 

i hosted parties — red

and starved my body, like i’d be saved by a perfect kiss — 1989

the jokes weren’t funny i took the money — reputation

my friends from home don’t know what to say — lover

there were pages turned — folklore

with the bridges burned — evermore

everything you lose is a step you take — midnights

i LOVE the way that this flips the story just a bit. she's now the one hosting the parties, which you would think would come from a place of feeling established and comfortable, but she's starved her body to try to be good enough, and she's realizing that she did all these things because of some kind of distorted fantasy of what a relationship might be.

i think the ending lines (i looked around in a blood soaked gown and i saw something they can’t take away) go together as the "they" pronoun seems to refer to "my friends." the blood soaked gown is definitely a carrie reference, like blood was poured on her and she was embarrassed and her friends have no idea how to relate to her experience, such as the incident at the VMAs. 

i also think there's a contrast she's making in that it seems her friends "don't know what to say" because of the "blood soaked gown" but meanwhile taylor is looking around and she's seeing something other than the blood soaked gown. this is back to "blood, sweat, and tears" where she has worked so hard that she's almost unrecognizable to the people she grew up with, but she's not concerned about the thing that's horrifying everyone else, since she can only see the accomplishments she's reached. the blood that makes people wanna look away is often what's necessary for us to reach our goals.

i love that she acknowledges that there were hardships (the aforementioned blood) but that with every failure or bump in the road it allows her to move forward and grow. "pages turned" as in your (her) story still progresses, "with the bridges burned," even when opportunities feel like they're closed. every time you feel like you've lost or fallen behind, that's just another step forward in your journey.

so make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it

this is probably my favorite line from this song. i just feel like there's such a tendency when you look back on your life, especially your youth, to roll your eyes and to feel like you wasted so much time being preoccupied with whatever thing. and someone hearing this song could definitely feel like taylor messed up by being obsessed with some guy in her town or telling bad jokes for a paycheck. but what taylor is saying here is that you don't need to live your life being paranoid about whether what you're doing is contributing to some ultimate goal, and if it isn’t, feeling like you’re wasting your life and losing so much time. she’s saying that everything that feels like a setback or a distraction at the time are the things that get us to where we need to be.

friendship bracelets are often seen as childish expressions of desires like "we'll be best friends forever!" when you're like 7 years old. and from someone like taylor who had a hard time making friends growing up, it could be really easy to say "yeah that doesn't matter just focus on your career." but what she's saying instead is do the childish things. do the stuff that matters to you in the moment. you don't need to feel like every decision you make is life or death. enjoy the journey, because the pages are turning no matter what.

you've got no reason to be afraid you're on your own, kid yeah, you can face this you're on your own, kid you always have been

turning the title on its head. being on your own seems like something scary and pessimistic but what she's saying is that's always how you're gonna be and you're gonna be okay because all you need is yourself to face the things you're gonna face. 

she also talks a lot about this in her speech at nyu. there are so many parallels between this song and her speech.

final thoughts 

this song is obviously a look back on her life, the disappointments and mistakes she's made over the years. from the first verse, it's very reminiscent to her debut and fearless eras. even in her singing style is nostalgic of her early days as a musician.

in the second verse, she alludes to escaping her hometown and shedding innocence. and apparently a “daisy may” is considered a nice and obedient girl (her apparent change of persona from speak now to red.) the picking petals from disappointment (being rejected) to something different blooming (her music) is just written so cleverly? i just love it.

i love how the instrumentation evolves along with the lyrics. at first, its so soft and simple. just the basics of an acoustic song. but piece by piece, detail and other instruments are added. you can actually chart this song and identify which era she's going through now with it.

in the second verse, more complex backgrounds are added, also more drums. in the chorus after that, the crescendo that they're building is more obvious.

i like to look at this song as one drawn out crescendo. you don't notice it at first because the changes are small and then it comes to a point where you can't ignore it anymore. this is the instrumentals before the bridge. we're so far away from the sound of the intro now that it’s almost a different song, if not for the same chords being used all throughout.

the drums in the instrumentals feel so reminiscent of out of the woods, just softer and less tribalistic. then the snare. it feels like a snap. we then get to the bridge and it feels so cathartic (we know taylor loves to write a cathartic bridge), like all of those pent up emotions are finally being released now. taylor's voice has also taken a fuller quality, her iconic layered background vocals that slowly gets louder. her tone is gradually getting more intense, and almost screaming in places, is really cathartic. everything at this point is now much louder than when we started. then it drops, with a peculiar buzzing sound. everything about this song is done so intentionally and so masterfully that it’s becoming one of my favorites from this album and maybe all her albums.

anyway, those are my takes. i love that supercut-esque jack antanoff synth before the final chorus.

actual final thoughts

you’re on your own kid isn’t for people with big friend groups. it’s for the people who felt like they never had a best friend, for people who have always struggled to make friends and keep them. it’s for those who cry on their birthday every year because they realize only a handful of people care about them. it’s for the people who have never been anyone’s number one and for the people who have never had someone be in love with them but yearn for romance so desperately. you’re on your own kid is for the people who have learned to be comfortable alone because they had no other choice. 

[wip]

what do you think about ed sheeran

Good day to you, @toothsheeran.

We today have an answer for you, in two parts, to the imperative question you raise with us here at WIP: The Ed Sheeran Question. We’ve been expecting you.

-

Jon (Tumblr Marketing): This question struck me as considerable happenstance, as it was only in the past week I was looking at Ed Sheeran’s Wikipedia, and looking him up, on Google. Nae, the doubters say, ‘Tis far too inconvenient: I don’t believe for one moment you were actually Googling Mr Sheeran, or researching his Wikipedia profile, only to find this WIP question nestling in your inbox just days later I simply do not believe it!, they say.

Look upon my search history, ye mighty, and despair!

So it is true I was Googling Ed Sheeran, and the extent of my thoughts are these: Wow, I thought, Ed Sheeran went to prep school. Didn’t expect that. Wow, I thought, Ed Sheeran was voted by school classmates as “most likely to be famous”. This made me consider my own school experiences: I was, unfortunately, voted “most likely to work at McDonald’s”. Some wounds never truly heal, I can assure you.

My thoughts continue. I recalled earlier school days, in which my classmates and I would gather in hallways with our tatty jumpers and baggy rucksacks which would swing around like potatoes in a sack, and play Ed Sheeran’s very first recordings through the weak speakers of our mobile phones. We marvelled at the young man’s talent, and it seems remarkable—and a touch melancholy—to reflect on these days now. At this time, Mr Sheeran was merely a word-of-mouth phenomenon. We didn’t know it, but we young sproglets were at the cutting edge of popular music! More than ten years later, and Mr Sheeran is now a pop culture behemoth! He is also a close acquaintance of Tay-Tay, or so I am informed by Lindsay, an esteemed colleague here at Tumblr.

My thoughts continue still. In the ten years since Mr Sheeran’s meteoric rise, a rise that has born witness to more than 150 million records sold worldwide, Spotify’s second most streamed artist of the decade, Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act, a second studio album, x, which has topped charts around the world and won Album of the Year at the 2015 Brit Awards, and the Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, Mr Sheeran has become noted for his flaming red hair. As it happens I too have flaming red hair. This has led to an unfortunate increase in incidents whence I stroll the streets by moonlight, letting the day’s thoughts rest and percolate, when various street urchins (drunk, I imagine) have felt at liberty to shout “Oi! Ed Sheeran!” at me.

That concludes my thoughts on Ed Sheeran; thoughts which, I fear, say considerably more about my person than that of singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor, Ed Sheeran.

-

Cyle (Tumblr Engineering): Who’s Ed Sheehan

Best,

—Jon (Tumblr Marketing) & Cyle (Tumblr Engineering)

[tayloralison]

probably the most pathetic thing to witness was when people didn’t understand the “sexy baby” lyric and instead of being intrigued about a potential reference and searching it up on google like a normal person to learn something new, people were insulting taylor’s intelligence and songwriting skills 

[wherewhereare]

@formerdetective 's View on the TIWTTFL bonus songs “Obsessed,” “Getting Warmer,” and “Splash” as a Trilogy (Part 3 of 3 parts)

1.1.1  Splash (Part 3 of a 3 part trilogy)

Credit: @formerdective.  Direct extract from her blog. Everything is [sic]

So my interpretation of the song comes in the context of all the other things we know. Splash was July, then I’m pretty sure Getting Warmer was in early September, and then Make Me Like You, Misery were September 22 & 23, and Truth was October 23. Also in mid and late September, Blake and Gwen both said some pretty cool/magical things were happening in their lives during interviews. 

So anyway that’s kind of where I’m coming from with this analysis. To me, the emotional vibe is the most like Getting Warmer. I recommend listening to that right before this for more of Gwen’s mental state. BTW oh my God this is so long because this song is soooo heavy. so be prepared.

Splash

I’m awakening like a rosebud flowering

So, I have no idea if Gwen meant to be this deep or if she just described what she felt like, but I was getting some like, modern art symbolism vibes so I googled rose bud flowering, and this came up: 

Rose Bud Flower Meaning… The Rosebud means anticipation and the opening of the heart and spirit to treasured dreams and fulfillment of desires. Rosebuds are also a symbol of new love and an invitation to friendship, courting and romance. Rosebud flower is in harmony with the heart of chakra.

This is exactly what I think this song is about. And remember what Gwen said on Facebook, that it was a cleansing song, and she did a lot of soul searching while listening to it and when she got back from Montana (and listening to it for her whole vacation) “her life changed forever.” 

I think the whole song is about how she’s really healed enough that now she’s thinking more about the excitement of Blake and a new relationship than all the anger she was feeling before. In other words, she was ready to take a chance and be with him. 

Look at me, I’m turning on, busting like a neon

Just like flowering, she’s turning on… she’s ready. And busting like a neon, well, that’s just a blatant reference to her fave Blake Shelton song. 

Flickering on again, lightning in the dark

Her interest in romance and any kind of sexual relationship had been gone for a long time…like longer than just the few months since her separation, I think it’s safe to assume. But now she’s starting to come back to life “flickering on again” means maybe she’s not TOTALLY there but it’s happening. Same with flowering above, actually, she’s not completely blossomed but she’s getting there.

And I love “lightning in the dark” because literally he was this burst of light in her darkest time. 

You’re helping me forget/What is this?

She literally was not expecting him at all and is completely blindsided by the fact that she’s gone from being at her absolute worst, emotionally/mentally, to falling in love all of a sudden. like literally what is this?

Gonna break out my cocoon

And as a result, he’s helping her come out of her shell and become the person she wants to be instead of the ghost-like person she had been feeling like for such a long time (again longer than just her separation). And not just him, but songwriting and the voice and plenty of things, this was SO important for her. She referenced it so many times and even named her LLC this. That’s how important it was to her that she was finally coming back to life. And understandably. ugh. my baby.

I’m gonna take a risk, skinny dip

So, I can’t decide if this is an allusion to something that actually happened or they talked about, or it’s just an example of something that’s both sexy and risky. Or maybe he goes along with the water theme…that maybe is it. She’s diving in in the most vulnerable way possible (naked). 

Cause I see you’re on the loose

So, it’s no secret one of my favorite things in Shefani Science is their obvious crushes on each other in season 7. They have always been drawn to each other and enamored with each other, and Gwen especially has always seemed quite taken with him.

So just imagine. This guy you’ve always had feelings for, like maybe innocent jr. high style ones, Maybe “sigh if only” ones, maybe “wow I like him so much” ones, who knows but whichever, you had feelings for this guy, and you kind of felt like he was into you too, but regardless nothing was ever gonna happen because for better or (literally) for worse, you were both unavailable. And then all of a sudden you find out this guy is not only going through exactly what you went through, so you have tons in common and are bonding even more than before, but that shared experience means he is available. 

He’s not married anymore, which means if she wants to take a chance with him, she has the opportunity to do that. He’s there, he’s willing, it’s up to her to take the chance. 

Gonna lasso you, gonna lasso you

And that’s what she wants to do. I love love love this cowboy reference so much, in case there was any question about who she was singing about. She’s gonna snatch him and pull him into her. Hot. 

Gonna get some pleasure, together

This one is probably self-explanatory… but also in addition to being like… sexy fun times pleasure, the together is important. It’s not like Gwen is looking for someone to take her mind off things. Blake accidentally took her mind off things because he’s what she’s thinking about now. In Obsessed she refers to him as a distraction, but she’s really trying to convince herself that’s what’s up. And now she’s accepting that’s not what this is. It’s a real thing. 

Must be a sign/All the energy’s pulling me right back to you

So, I’m not positive when she wrote this, but it has to have been sometime in July… my guess is the back half of July. And up until that point, they’ve been spending a bunch of time together. I personally think they’ve already made out, maybe done some heavy petting or whatever…  (because of obsessed and CHTF) and now she wants more. There’s some kind of cosmic, magnetic energy that’s telling her she belongs with him, she can’t get enough of him, she wants to be with him (both literally and figuratively). It’s not just a fun distraction… the universe or at least her brain is telling her to keep up what they’re doing. 

Tonight, gonna bottle you up and wear it like perfume

So now she’s ready. She wants him with her from now on. And she wants him to be close to her, like perfume is something that you absorb through your skin and then it lingers. That’s what she wants from him. She wants him to stay. And I think there’s some sexual implications as well. She wants him on her skin. 

Alright, we going in, it’s what we’re supposed to do/ Tonight, open wide

Open wide could mean a bunch of different things. Open wide, like here I come or open wide like give yourself to me…like open arms. And open wide like, again…let’s go for it! 

Splash, I’m diving in/Diving in, I’m diving in

So, she’s going for it. She’s not wading in, testing the waters anymore, she’s just gonna take a chance and do it. Headfirst. She’s going for it. And it doesn’t even have to be pretty. She expects the “splash”, you know? But she’s ready to move on. 

I think the whole skinny dip, splash, diving…all this aquatic symbolism is important because it’s cleansing. Kind of like baptism, water has always had that feeling of rebirth. Starting fresh. And she’s ready to get going with cleansing herself of the old mess and starting fresh with something new, because that’s “what she’s supposed to do.” Literally she feels like it is not even really a choice, it’s what’s happening.

I’m re-surfacing, a brand new oxygen/Look at me, I’m letting go

And then when she dives in, she’ll come up and the air is fresher. Diving in with Blake is going to be so good for her not only because she likes him so much but also because it’s time to move on. 

A rising Kundalini

So, Kundalini, in this context, is referring to a coiled energy that lies dormant at your base, beneath the root chakra (the trust chakra, FYI). Kundalini is released during a really intense event (often associated with sex but not necessary) and when it rises it travels up through all the chakras (they run along the central nervous system, basically) and when it is risen your kundalini awakens and you reach full enlightenment. It’s an incredibly spiritual experience, that sort of helps bond you with the universe. Basically, this line is super intense. She feels like Blake and her have something literally spiritual. 

I’m breathing you, breathing me

This is about togetherness, I think, and it goes along with the idea of yoga/meditation/kundalini. But breathing is crucial you know? And also, basic. He’s a part of her now.

Going with the flow

Another water reference. This is natural, what’s happening between them. It’s supposed to happen and she’s rolling with it. 

Damn anon I did not mean to get this intense but that’s how we do…

[taylornation]

Do you like dem? We are in search of more glorious Taylor doodles on Google’s playground. Work together to unlock more Most Searched Songwriter content 🕵️ 

[dollarbin]

Dollar Bin #29:

Stevie Nick's Bella Donna

Stevie Nicks got zero favors from the patriarchal press or culture in the late 80's and early 90's. Much like Yoko Ono, she was the butt of sexist jokes and unfair critique that their male peers were never subjected to.

Let's compare Nicks and Stephen Tyler: both came of age in the mid-seventies; both fronted huge rock bands and both almost always appeared on stage without an instrument (even though they were hugely successful songwriters); both had major drug problems and overcame them; both were good looking young people who, unlike me, aged (seriously, people speak of me, always in hushed tones: how does he stay so young, they ask. Who else carries their paunch and bald spot with such panache?). Both had a thing for waiving silks around on stage. We could go on all day...

But did they get equal treatment? Hell no. Tyler was a hero for surviving drugs; I grew up cackling about the legendary destruction of Nick's nose from coke. Tyler became even more of a sex symbol as he aged and he dominated MTV in the late 80s and early 90s; Nicks, like Linda Ronstadt, was judged by one and all the moment she no longer looked 22, and Nicks couldn't get on MTV after 86 until Beyonce borrowed her iconic riff from Edge of Seventeen and insisted she show up to take credit:

(That's Nicks with the guitar in the opening moments of this ridiculous and joyful video, showing us that, of course, she can play instruments: how else could she have written a few of the most popular songs of all time?)

But let's stop comparing Nicks and Tyler and never bring up Aerosmith in this blog again: after all, Nicks is a transcendent song writer and singer while Stephen Tyler occupies the rarrified air of pure suckiness inhabited by all famous rock stars named Stephen.

And that brings us to Nicks's debut solo album, Bella Donna. First off, good luck finding this record in a dollar bin: much like her friend Tom Petty, Nicks is rightfully revered by her fans, many of whom were not around to buy her first records when they came out. Plus, my almost famous niece tells me that some dude drank some juice while on a skateboard a few years back with Nicks's Dreams as the soundtrack and, in doing so, destroyed the internet. That previous sentence tells me the internet and people are dumb. Don't go and google the guy on the skateboard; rather check out my niece!

Sweet song huh? Why isn't it destroying the internet instead?

Anyway, apparently the guy on the skateboard, and junk like that, are why busted up copies of Rumors went from dollar bin cloggers to $25 a pop in the last few years. I hope Stevie enjoyed and benefited from the slight renaissance of interest in her work; and, if you don't already own a copy of Bella Donna, know that some teenager without a working record player probably beat you to it.

Which is all a bummer, because Bella Donna deserves your full respect and attention. It's a great, and I think still largely overlooked, testament to her singing, songwriting and entire vibe.

The record opens with the title track, a complex and extended slow piece of soulful searching which summons up the opening gesture pioneered by The Band a decade earlier with Tears of Rage. Nicks is famous for her pop singles, but that genre is really the business of her bandmate Christie McVie; Nicks is a composer of songs, not hits.

You can also hear right off the bat in Bella Donna that Nicks has assembled the right band. Imagine being in position to borrow Benmont Tench from the Heartbreakers, Roy Bittan from Bruuuuce and Waddy Watchel from Linda Ronstadt and Warren Zevon. Tench had no real business joining in - TP and the Heartbreakers were at the height of their fame and were touring nonstop - but he somehow found the time to step right in and lead the whole band. The other two dudes were conveniently available, at least for the moment. Bruuuuuuce was forever firing the E Street Band and was gearing up to make Nebraska on his own, and Linda was starting to move away from pop music for the first of many times; soon she'd be singing light opera with a young Kevin Kline.

Bella Donna is held together, however, not by the men but by the women. Nicks created the whole record through 2+ years of work with Sharon Celani and her soon-to-be sister-in-law Lori Perry. Every song features all three of them shimmering and gliding about one another and Nicks has been singing with the two women - and putting their photos alongside her on her records - ever since. Here's the way Nicks described their work and relationship to "The Last DJ" himself, Jim Ladd, a guy I listened to a lot as a kid:

Sharon [Celani] and Lori [Perry-Nicks] and I have a special thing that we have ~ that we have perfected ~- and we have perfected it by sitting around the piano... I'm not going to go sing on-stage alone. I don't want to. I want to be able to walk away and let them take it. Because I ~ there is nothing in the world that I would rather hear than beautiful singing. And so I have worked to get a sound that is not like anybody else. That is really beautiful, that is strong and that is like dedicated and devoted.

Jim Ladd just passed away; I hope he had Petty's mediocre album about him playing at full blast as he faded. As an LA kid I tuned into Ladd every night in late middle school and early high school, beginning to give up on him only when I decided that Roger Waters, Jim's favorite artist by far, was the problem with all things Pink Floyd from Animals onward. I had a few pretty sharp ideas as a kid!

I remember vividly the very last time I listened to Ladd: I was at the mall for some reason, in the parking lot, and Ladd had his hands on an advanced copy of U2's Zooropa. Ladd played us all Daddy's Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car, a song which he'd chosen by himself at random - the album was so new he hadn't had time to listen to it yet. Ladd thought the dull and overblown track was a triumph; he'd lose his head on occasion. I disagreed. And so we parted ways. Rest in peace Jim. But I digress!

Every song on Bella Donna shows careful polish and intention. A few tracks, like the instantly hummable, McVie inspired Think About It and the Waylon Jennings inspired Leather and Lace, are tracks Nicks had held onto all through Fleetwood's golden era; this was a record she'd built up to over years.

Indeed, Nicks could have easily turned Bella Donna into a defiant double album, an All-Things-Must-Pass-level declaration that the Mac held her back. Bella Donna contains zero filler and several of the songs left off the record are a big deal. Just take a listen to Gold and Braid, an outtake that other artists would have released as the first single; there's a studio take but it's a bit rough. Listen instead to the pulsating, hip swinging live greatness from the brief tour that followed the record:

Jimmie Iovine, Nicks' producer and partner at the time, made a few key contributions to the record. And he seems to have gotten in the way a bit.

Yes, he connected Nicks to Tom Petty and hand delivered the album's substitute single in place of Gold and Braid, Petty's Stop Dragging My Heart Around. The song is great, sure, but it's the only song Nicks didn't write on the record and it stands apart sonically from everything else, all of which led to the troubling myth about Nicks from her Fleetwood work - that she was best as a karaoke/girl singer, good at showing up for nothing but the vocal polish long after the male musicians had done writing, playing and heavy lifting - following her into the birth of her solo career. The truth is far different: Nicks conceived all of Bella Donna on her own. Everything, that is, except the Petty track.

Iovine pushed Stop Dragging My Heart Around on Nicks specifically because he felt the album lacked a single. But take a fresh listen to the track alongside Gold and Braid, and consider my argument that the record would have been even bolder and better with Nick's track remaining in place instead of Petty's inclusion.

Don't get me wrong, Iovine was right to bring Nicks into Stop Dragging My Heart Around. Stevie sings with TP better than any other human on the planet could have. But Dragging belongs, alongside Petty and Nick's incomparable Insider, on Hard Promises.

The craziest thing of all is that Iovine thought Bella Donna lacked a single to begin with. After all, Edge of Seventeen is on this record. The song is pretty ubiquitous: I feel like I've heard its riff and chorus at every sporting event I've ever been to. Obviously, I haven't, but it's one of those songs that its hard to imagine the world without.

And let's close this out with her live performance of that song from her far too brief tour in 82. Find me a more powerful and soulful performance by any white person. All of Nick's male peers, from Lindsey Buckingham to Van Morrison to Neil Young to Petty himself - would have fallen flat on their face had they tried to do anything this complicated, athletic and surging on stage at that point (make that ever). Stephen Stills would have somehow managed to fall on his face and ass simultaneously.

OOO Baby. Oooo Baby. OOOOO.

And so, as this first partial year in the Dollar Bin rolls towards closure, may all praise raineth down upon Stevie.

My record melting/Neil Young questioning, big deal friend Greg points out that Nicks, Stephen Tyler and Stephen Stills have yet another thing in common: they all practically have the same first name!

And so let me amend my earlier, definitive statement regarding the suckiness of musicians with that moniker (and redeem the unintentionally slighted Stevie Wonder and Cat Stevens in the process) with a bumper sticker ready (so long as your car is WIDE LOAD width) pronouncement: The Dollar Bin hereby proclaims that all WHITE MALE musicians with FIRST names derived from Steve/Stephen, (except, most of the time time, Steve Earle..) suck.

Here's looking at you Steve Miller! My curses upon thee Steve Vai!

[ballroomboxer]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Multi-platinum producer, Kenny Carkeet (AWOLNATION, FITNESS) brings subversive pop sound to Chicago indie band Ballroom Boxer’s single “Wrigley (Jason’s song)”

Stats: Tiktok 68,800 likes, Instagram 2384 followers, Spotify 306,000 plays, Soundcloud

Toured & shared stages across Chicago, NYC, Austin, Boston, Nashville, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Milwaukee with Bastille, Friday Pilots Club, Dinosaur Pileup, Big Pink, the Whigs, Kodaline, etc, playing Official SXSW & Lollapalooze Aftershows as well as (2) international shows in Cape Town, South Africa.

[Chicago, IL, August 30, 2023] — Ballroom Boxer, the indie pop band known for their infectious melodies and thought-rocking lyrics, will unveil their newest effort October 25, 2023. Titled "Wrigley (Jason's Song)," the track showcases the band's exceptional songwriting prowess and their continued growth as artists in the face of unexpected loss. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms.

"Wrigley (Jason's Song)," written the day after their friend Jason passed away in 2021, is a mesmerizing blend of lush instrumentation, shimmering sonic brushes, and painfully spoken vocals. The song takes listeners on an introspective journey of what it’s  like to Google search how to deal with loss.

If the emotional challenges of capturing the grief journey weren’t enough, the band added a physical one when drummer, Dave Altier, broke his hand a week before entering the studio, forcing him to complete drums one handed. Thankfully, producer Kenny Carkeet came well equipped with creative solves and modern production techniques. 

Renowned for his work with numerous chart-topping artists, including AWOLNATION’S “SAIL” and his recent collaboration with Grammy award-winning band The Lumineers, Carkeet, shared his thoughts on the creation of "Wrigley (Jason's Song)." 

"Working with Ballroom Boxer on this track has been a wildly fulfilling experience. Their dedication to craft and storytelling shines in the music. 'Wrigley' is a powerful song that I got to add my own sonic brushes and production spin too."

Lead singer Mike Altier shared his take on the new release, stating, "We poured everything of ourselves into Wrigley (Jason's Song). It's my most personal song that reflects the complex emotions that take hold while navigating loss, specifically, sudden loss and moving forward with it."

With their new single, Ballroom Boxer continues to establish themselves as a rising force in the indie pop scene. "Wrigley (Jason's Song)" will be available October 25, 2023 on all major music platforms. Listeners are encouraged to follow Ballroom Boxer on social media for the latest updates on upcoming releases, live performances, and more.

For press inquiries, please contact: Dan Purdy, ballroomboxer@gmail.com 

[mysmorgasbordoffantabulosa]

The way y’all actually think these men decided anything about their promo/distribution is hilarious… The only thing they decided is concept and whether to tour or not, the rest was all BigHit. You’re telling me Suga who is obsessed with charts told the company to not send out his album on release day knowing that massively impacts charting? bffr

JM got the most promo because the ones making the most money are peedogg and Bongo.

And the company is making sure the men who actually want solo careers won’t chart well so they stay as a group, which is what the company has always wanted. 7 or NOTHING. Bongo told y’all but you didn’t listen.

Wow y'all reasoning is soooo sound....

What does Jack In the Box, Indigo and Face all have in common?

PDogg & Ghstloop have Producer and Songwriting Credits on all three albums. So PDogg is making money off all 3 of them I guess.

You mention 7 or nothing... well all 7 signed the same contract with same deal for the whole group and that including solo activities. Which means they most like had the same deal over promotion of said solo work, and whilst BH will have the final decision, each member will have say in how they'd like to have their album promoted.

No one said anything about distribution, all people have been talking about is promotion. Someone asked me how physical albums sales can affect the charts and I told them. That included what happened to Dynamite as well as Butter both of which had slightly delayed physical releases that saw a boost in their overall sales in the US which helped them retake or hold onto the number one spot, because of Billboard rules that dictate that albums sales only count upon delivery NOT release date. Disutribution will always be decide by the distributor which internationally is UMG not HYBE.

Also, for your information (becuase it's clear you can't even use a simple google search) FACE's physical sales aren't eligible for international charts and are only counted toward K-Charts like HANTEO and GAON.

[tswiftupdatess]

Taylor Swift is Google's most searched songwriter of all-time.

[dawningfairytale]

so lavender haze is a bop and i think it's fascinating

like ofc there's the "straight view" based on the mad men explanation she gave (which is a lil suspicious in and of itself but i'll get to it later): a desire to be in the ambiguity of love and not forced to commit to the extremes of "a one night or a wife". living in the moment, be wise, strain the wine, carpe diem, and trust as little in the future as possible, all that horace stuff. additionally, the "damned if i do give a damn what people say" does play into her public image and mental health and how, even within heterosexuality, she'll be judged regardless

however, there's the queer view. first of all, lavender is a very gay colour, and i knew that even before i knew i was bi (granted, i wanted to be the """"educated ally"""" and liked history and etc but it's not tough information to stumble across). additionally, even though all google searches for "lavender haze" will now link back to taylor, the madmen example that she gave is only really seen there and on urban dictionary. while urban dictionary is fun, i wouldn't exactly call it a reliable source (unless it's bitching about my high school, in which case it's extremely reliable). i think that most people who say "gay pride... things that make me, me" would be more inclined to think it's a queer phrase. "the 1950s shit they want from me" could be about conservative gender roles, but also conservative sexuality ideals (keeping in mind that the lavender scare about homosexuality was in the 50s while madmen was in the 60s). a lavender haze, by the visual in the music video, obscures the truth, and, while hinting at lavender feelings, cannot be made out. "all this shit is new to me", honestly, speaks more to queerness than heterosexuality. being straight is the default in society, but also to ourselves. a lot of women who had gay feelings thought "oh silly me that's just how friends feel!" (it is not, in fact, how friends feel) and that is the only relevant thing to me about mrs dalloway. "creeping up on me" could be a reference to a more-or-less recent discovery of these feelings. plus, "them bringing up my history", while it could totally be due to taylor's reputation as a serial dater rooted in patriarchal ideals, could also be about a) the women taylor has been rumoured to have dated or b) the fact that people tend to invalidate multisexual identities particularly if they haven't dated someone of the same and another gender.

from that second possible reading, taylor could've only realised her queerness while in a relationship with joe, because that does happen. i think that, due to more and more young people coming out (which is great and lovely!!!!), we can sometimes forget that it can take people time to realise their identity. it's possible that, even with all the karlie kloss and dianna agron stuff, taylor presumed it was just "straight fun" (the dianna agron clip of "i've kissed girls before, it's fun!" springs to mind), before a potential solidification of her own feelings c. 2019 with lover.

please keep in mind that this is all speculation, and honestly a lot of projection. i don't claim to know taylor's sexuality, but i do think that it's lovely there's a deeply personal song for taylor that can resonate with both straight and queer folks, speaking to her talents as a songwriter.

tl;dr - stream lavender haze it fucking slaps