Hidden Messages for 1989

In each of her album booklets Taylor has included hidden messages utilizing randomly capitalized letters to spell out words within the printed lyrics. Each secret message reveals something pertaining to the subject of that particular track. Tay has kept up the tradition for her first pop album and this time has given us not just random clues, but the whole story. 

1989

Welcome To New York: We begin our story in New York
Blank Space: There once was a girl known by every one and no one
Style: Her heart belonged to someone who couldn't stay
Out of the Woods: They loved each other recklessly
All You Had To Do Was Stay: They paid the price
Shake It Off: She danced to forget him
I Wish You Would: He drove past her street each night
Bad Blood: She made friends and enemies
Wildest Dreams: He only saw her in his dreams
How You Get The Girl: Then one day he came back
This Love: Timing is a funny thing
I Know Places: And every one was watching
Clean: She lost him but found herself and somehow that was everything

Source: 1

Welcome to Pop (Culture)

It's a new soundtrack to the East Coast-West Coast rivalry.

Remember when Taylor told Rolling Stone that a new track called “Bad Blood” is about a "straight-up enemy?" Majority opinion quickly singled out Katy Perry as the lucky recipient of Swift's "angriest" new tune. The frenemies used to maintain polite communication over Twitter and would even hug at award shows, but everything has changed since three dancers allegedly bailed from the Red tour last year to join Katy's world tour. Swift also told Rolling Stone that “there might have been a personal element to the conflict," which would make sense considering both have dated John Mayer. After the article hit the internet Katy tweeted: “Watch out for the Regina George in sheep’s clothing.” Katy also had dinner with Harry Styles in September raising the stakes to an all out cat (lovers) fight.

Additionally, Taylor appears to have high hopes for her first entirely pop album. Katy's 2010 album Teenage Dream was the second album in history to have five number one singles from one album, the first by a female artist, and I for one think Tay is playing for keeps. After her first single "Shake It Off" debuted at No. 1 she was very clear that "Out of The Woods" was NOT her second single. She notably did not take the same precautions with "Welcome to New York," an anthem that calls to mind Perry's lead single "California Gurls."

Regardless of the fact that I will forever hate the word forevermore Taylor's latest single "Welcome to New York" has become an instant hit.  However, Swift's strength has always rested in her lyrical ability to relate to where we are through her portrayal of detail and emotion, if not exact experiences. If we are to believe that this track portrays her life in NYC then we can conclude that all she has been up to is a string of vague generalities and definitely has not taken the subway. On the bright side, while 1989 (out Oct. 27) may not be "boycentric" it appears that the subjects behind the songs will be as pointed as ever.

R.I.P. 2Pac and Biggie.  

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Hella Good Hair..ry Styles?

Taylor's playing us.

While she has frequently complained of "mixed signals" from suitors throughout her romantic endeavors, she seems to have no issue giving us whiplash. In her September Rolling Stone interview, she names six tracks, one of which she plans to release on the 13th. While she initially claims that 1989 will not be as "boycentric" as her past albums (which, I admit, would be challenging not to be), four (!) of the six songs mentioned in the article are not only about boys but specifically ex Harry Styles. In fact, one song is even called "Style."

All that aside, to clarify regarding the upcoming release of "Out of the Woods," she tweeted it would be  "a new song that I think best represents #1989." Interestingly enough, this "new song" that "best represents 1989" is -- no shock here -- about a boy. 

If Taylor is trying to convince us that her new album will take a more mature, realistic, adult approach to relationships or that she does not sound as crazy as usual (a la "The Moment I Knew"), she needn't deny the inclusion of her favorite topic altogether. I mean, I think we would all hope that her philosophy on love has evolved by now. 

Nevertheless, the song -- inspired by a snowmobile accident with Styles that somehow the world never found out about -- is co-written by Bleachers's Jack Antonoff and describes a relationship where "every day was a struggle. Forget making plans for life – we were just trying to make it to next week."  

The song comes out tomorrow at midnight -- just in time to celebrate Swiftionary's FOURTH ANNIVERSARY! 

Thanks for thinking of us, Tay. 

Note: The angst in this article stems from bitterness over not being invited to the secret sessions. YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU SCOURED THE INTERNET FOR MONTHS AND DIDN'T FIND US!?! 

Sources: 1

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WANEGBT With a "Harry" Twist

Taylor opened the 55th annual Grammy Awards with a theatrical performance of We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together dressed as a ring leader commanding a buzzing circus themed stage. The real buzz, however, came when Tay gave a not so subtle nod to recent ex-boyfriend Harry Styles with her faux British accent. Miss Swift even walked away with an award this year for her work on Safe and Sound and we expect to see a lot more of her next year as her fourth album Red hits the 2014 Grammy Awards.

Sources: 1

Haylor's Demise

It seems Taylor Swift's relationship with Harry Styles has ended just as quickly as it began. After just two months the couple has called it quits upon returning from their most recent vacation to the British Virgin Islands. Speculation began after Taylor ominously tweeted "...'til you put down." on Saturday, quoting lyrics from her latest smash hit IKYWT which fans have speculated may have been written about her first encounter with the One Direction star. The media has blamed the breakup on the musicians busy schedules and an alleged argument last Friday night.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Taylor and Harry's Romantic Holiday

Swift and her latest boyfriend Harry Styles have been inseparable for almost a month setting off on several romantic getaways together.

Most recently the pair created quite the buzz with their PDA in Times Square after Taylor's performance on Dick Clark’s’ New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest. The couple was photographed kissing and hugging after the ball dropped. One Direction did not perform but Harry made a special trip to the U.S. to support Taylor and even had to reschedule his flight after forgetting his passport when leaving London on December 29. The couple allegedly had special plans to ring in 2013, a year which Taylor has said she is especially excited for.

The couple also spent time skiing at a resort in Utah just days before Christmas with Taylor's best friend Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber.

Taylor and Harry were also spotted together in Los Angeles where Taylor stood by her man while he got a new tattoo, his 25th! Harry and his band performed on the finale of The X-factor and he also took some time off to meet Taylor's mom. Taylor also accompanied Harry to England and spent the week of her 23rd birthday with him there in early December and met his family.

The couple will be able to spend a bit more time together before kicking off their respective tours later this spring.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Style (1989)

Hidden Message: Her heart belonged to someone who couldn't stay

Two words, Harry Styles.

Out of The Woods (1989)

Hidden Message: They loved each other recklessly

Harry Styles

Taylor has admitted to being a huge One Direction fan and met the boy band at the Kid's Choice Awards in April 2012 after being spotted dancing front row with bestie Selena Gomez during their performance and confessing to Selena's boyfriend Justin Bieber that she had a huge crush on 1D front man Harry Styles. Taylor and Harry may have had brief fling before he left for Australia and was then linked to several other ladies. The two may have rekindled their romance in late 2012 after being spotted on  the set of The X Factor in Los Angeles and the circulation of some suspicion raising comments by the members of One Direction (Harry's band). The pair took several trips together and appeared publicly together in December 2012. The two then split after the New Year but may have rekindled their romance in France after Harry attempted to win Taylor back in late January 2013.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5