Taylor Swift, the global sensation known for her chart-topping music and compelling stage presence, has a life full of intriguing facts and hidden stories.
From her early days strumming her guitar in a small town to becoming an international sensation, this article uncovers the lesser-known, extraordinary aspects of her journey that have molded her into the artist she is today.
Here’s everything you didn’t know about Taylor Swift:
Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s Love Story
Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s romance began at the 2016 Met Gala and remained private, but their love was evident in Swift’s heartfelt songs.
Their relationship endured for six years, sparking marriage rumors. However, their love ultimately didn’t last, as confirmed when Alwyn was absent from Swift’s “Eras Tour” in March 2023.
Breakup reports soon emerged, with sources indicating they weren’t the right match for each other. Despite an amicable split, Swift’s emotional performance of “Champagne Problems,” a song co-written with Alwyn, hinted at the depth of her emotions.
Taylor Swift’s Struggles with Social Media
Despite her immense popularity, Taylor Swift has faced the dark side of social media. In a 2019 Elle article, she shared her approach to dealing with the pressures of online platforms, stating, “Social media can inundate your brain with images of what you aren’t.”
The Anti-Hero hitmaker copes by turning off comments on her posts, as seen on her Instagram.
Swift also understands the isolation that comes with public scrutiny, recalling her experience when Kim Kardashian referred to her as a snake during her feud with Kanye West. The intense backlash pushed her to create music as a survival mechanism.
Taylor Swift’s Mental Health Journey
In a 2019 interview, Taylor Swift acknowledged her mental health struggles, stating, “I definitely don’t feel good all the time.” She emphasized the importance of taking breaks when needed. Swift has used her music to channel her emotions, creating relatable songs.
Experts noted that tracks like “Labyrinth” and “Dear Reader” reference depression. Swift also shared a challenging period during the 2016 election, where she opted to protect her mental health by avoiding politics despite her support for Hillary Clinton. She chose to keep details of seeking help privately.
Taylor Swift’s Journey to Body Positivity
Over the years, Taylor Swift has grappled with body image issues and openly discussed her battle with an eating disorder. In a 2020 interview with Variety, she revealed her hesitancy to discuss her food and body image struggles.
Swift highlighted how comments from stylists and headlines affected her relationship with her body negatively. She also disclosed her experience with body dysmorphia in her documentary, “Miss Americana.”
In her Elle piece, Swift shared her challenging journey and how she has worked to retrain her perspective on body image. She emphasized the importance of acceptance, cautioning against extreme dieting, and acknowledged the need for ongoing self-acceptance work.
Taylor Swift’s Family Health Struggles
Taylor Swift shares a deep bond with her mother, Andrea Swift, who faced a cancer diagnosis in 2015, though the specific details remained private. After undergoing treatment, Andrea’s cancer went into remission but returned in 2019, and during her treatment, doctors discovered a brain tumor.
Taylor used her music to cope, writing the heartfelt song “Soon You’ll Get Better” on her album “Lover” to express her emotions during this challenging time. Taylor also revealed that her father, Scott Swift, had battled cancer, although she didn’t disclose further details.
Taylor Swift Has Cried While Performing
Taylor Swift has consistently used her music as a creative outlet over the years, but even her own songs have brought her to tears. Swift’s tradition of reserving Track 5 on her albums for a sad song, such as “All Too Well” and “You’re on Your Own, Kid,” showcases her emotional connection to her work.
In a prologue to “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” she confessed that revisiting these songs remains deeply emotional for her. Swift described her “Speak Now” album as a poignant period representing the last light of her childhood.
While “Dear John” is the infamous Track 5 from that album, Swift considers “Last Kiss” to be the saddest song she’s ever written.
Even during her record-breaking “Eras Tour” in 2023, Swift visibly displayed strong emotions while performing her songs, from a teary-eyed rendition of “Champagne Problems” to her voice breaking during a solo performance of “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.”
Taylor Swift’s Battle for Music Ownership
In June 2019, Taylor Swift faced a challenging situation when music executive Scooter Braun’s company acquired Big Machine Label Group, which owned the rights to many of her studio albums.
Swift expressed her distress in a Tumblr post, feeling that her musical legacy was now in the hands of someone who intended to dismantle it. To regain control, Swift embarked on the journey of re-recording her albums.
She released “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” in April 2021, followed by “Red (Taylor’s Version)” in November 2021, and “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” in July 2023. The “Taylor’s Version” albums feature slightly different recordings from the originals, delighting fans who feel like they’re getting fresh music.
Taylor Swift’s Journey from the VMA Incident to Moving Forward
In 2009, Taylor Swift’s MTV Video Music Award acceptance speech was infamously interrupted by Kanye West, who praised Beyoncé instead. Swift expressed initial excitement but later felt disappointed.
Although West eventually apologized and the two appeared friendly, their relationship soured in 2016 when he released the song “Famous” with controversial lyrics. Kim Kardashian uploaded a partial phone call, suggesting Swift’s approval, but the full, leaked conversation indicated otherwise. Swift is now focused on moving beyond this rowdy chapter in her career.
Taylor Swift’s Battle Against Sexism in the Music Industry
Taylor Swift has faced harsh criticism of her lyrics and ideas, largely due to her gender. She discussed this issue during NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert” in 2019, pointing out the double standard in society.
Swift wondered how she’d handle such situations if she were a man, which inspired her song “The Man.”
Throughout her career, Swift has vocally challenged instances of sexism, notably when questioned about her songwriting. She highlighted the feminist issue surrounding these expectations and expressed her disappointment in the extra hurdles female artists face in proving their abilities.