How Taylor Swift is Swiftly Changing the World

Written by Sophie Zhang
Edited by Mia Liang
Photo by Inez and Vinoodh for TIME

Our world sees unprecedented levels of chaos in the realms of social inequality and justice, and societal stigma often continues without any change. Out of the many things that we turn to to seek guidance and create change, one undeniably powerful tool is found in the music industry. Within this industry, we can’t mention the power of music without recognizing Taylor Swift and her profound impact on the world. Her empowering work has definitely made a mark economically, with her Eras Tour making over a billion dollars. It has inspired her audiences, and has been a consistently popular source of entertainment for many. One significant yet overlooked way in which her music has been a key part of change in the world lies in the social activism that her lyrics stand for.

A deeply important narrative that Taylor Swift has pushed throughout her entire career is feminism and empowering women through her lyrics. In her song “The Man,” she criticizes the way society treats women differently compared to men, especially in the music industry. Her lyrics “I'm so sick of running as fast as I can, Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man (you know that)” expresses this frustration. This song ties in well with the observations she’s made in the past on how people have treated her for the music she writes. In an interview with Time Magazine, she addressed the claims that she doesn’t write her own music: “And we all know it's a feminist issue. My friend Ed [Sheeran], no one questions whether he writes everything”. Female songwriters are often overlooked in this way. The truth, however, is that her music goes beyond the breakup songs that people reduce it to.Taylor Swift’s work to combat this has had a very positive impact on our views of female musicians. In turn, this inspires the younger generation to support similar kinds of change in the future. Who knew one person could have so much influence?

Another important narrative that Taylor Swift’s work goes into is justice for youth. In her notable song “Only The Young” from her documentary, Miss Americana, she says, “You brace for the sound You’ve only heard on TV/ You go to class, scared /Wondering where the best hiding spot would be… Only the young”. This poignant reference towards school shootings, an increasingly prevalent youth issue illustrates the fears of the younger generation towards gun violence, along with other issues that it alludes to, including the 2018 United States midterm election. These lines are one of the many ways that Taylor Swift has given voice to those who would otherwise be voiceless, and has used her influence in a positive manner. It recognizes the topics that many would prefer not to talk about, and contributes to the very much necessary movement for change. Her lyrics ultimately help amplify underrepresented voices, reaching an audience far beyond the music industry.

Given the different ways that Taylor Swift’s words interact with social change, why does this actually matter in society today? The significance of her work lies in her ability to instill these ideas into her audience while still being entertaining. People are often subconsciously shaped by the things they see and hear in their lives, whether it’s through media or with their friends. This means that without knowing it, listening to these songs can meaningfully impact someone’s opinions. Music, especially when it comes in the form of Taylor Swift’s unmatched talent, can be a powerful and even unexpected tool that we can use as we continue to navigate the world.

Something else that we can learn from Taylor Swift’s particular impact on the world is the value of celebrity influence as a whole. The voices of celebrities definitely do not stay within the entertainment industry, as they are intertwined with their audiences, the media, and society in general. Whether it is through interactions with their fans, social media posts, or their work, celebrities such as Taylor Swift have a considerable amount of influence and can serve as a very necessary voice for those who do not have this kind of power. Beyond her lyrics, Taylor Swift’s philanthropic acts have also made a huge mark, with her donations to disaster relief organizations, food banks, and various individuals in need throughout her Eras Tour.

It is clear that Taylor Swift is not just a record-breaking artist and skillful musician, as she has also spotlighted multiple social movements throughout her career. Music is an essential part in the lives of many, but so is change and speaking up. This pop star serves as an excellent model for this relationship between music and activism. Her inspiration has reached different audiences in all parts of the world, and will continue making an impact for years to come.

Works Cited

Bolton, Carolyn. “Is Taylor Swift Generous? Eras Tour Billionaire Should Shake off Criticism on Donations.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 20 Oct. 2023, www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2023/10/20/taylor-swift-billionaire-charity-personal-not-political/71238598007.

Dickey, Jack. “Taylor Swift Time Cover: Spotify, Role Models and the Knicks.” Time, Time, 13 Nov. 2014, time.com/3578249/taylor-swift-interview/.

Iasimone, Ashley. “Taylor Swift Celebrates Pride Month with Wango Tango Performance & Speech: ‘We Need to Stand Together.’” Billboard, 3 June 2019, www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-wango-tango-pride-speech-performance-delicate-video-8514061/.