Miss Gracie Abrams, this album – I love it so much. I listened all day (until I could tune into Eras).
This is my favorite so far. But “Us” is a close second.
“‘Cause that’s just the way life goes
I push my luck, it shows
Thankful you don’t send someone to kill me
I love you, I’m sorry”
– Gracie Abrams, Audrey Hobert & Aaron Dessner
I love you, I’m sorry.
“Then you agree? It is insupportable.” – Anthony
“Impossible” – Kate
We are now in a temporary break between the first & second parts of Bridgerton season 3. The show, which started in 2020, is not known for its historical accuracy – and yet, its a delightful way to see Regency England. The scene above is from season 2. And while it’s probably my favorite bit of dialogue from the 3 seasons (and Queen Charlotte’s spinoff) so far, it was nice to see one of the shows most beloved and important characters, move toward her own happy ending, in the first four episodes of season 3.
Each season centers around one member of the Bridgerton clan (8 kids). First season was Daphne, second Anthony, and now – Colin Bridgerton. And everyone’s favorite non Bridgerton – Penelope Featherington. There’s something deeply satisfying about the underdog getting her man. So this season will probably be a favorite. But the passion (and a little bit of hate) last season between the frustrating Anthony and the equally infuriating Kate Sharma, is unmatched (so far).
“You are the bane of my existence. And the object of all my desires.” Indeed.
Are you a Bridgerton fan? Have you read the books? I think I may skip the books. I’m enjoying this unrealistic take on historical fiction. ;)
I’ve recently discovered that some of my writing – to include this post (which I’ve now removed) have been plagiarized by others and at least one “Swift-tok” content creator. I’m super disappointed in this, but not exactly surprised. As a result, I’m removing much of my original content from my website, in terms of analysis and/or my creative writing until/unless content creators can give credit to those who inspire or contribute to their content.
As an English major, there were often times when a line in someone else’s analysis of a novel or poem inspired a research paper or my own analysis. But that credit was given. A group of my favorite SwiftTok creators will usually credit each other for ideas they may expound upon in their own videos. The last video I saw from this person she absolutely has not credited anyone for her ideas and used some of my content, word for word. Homey don’t play that.
So…if you come back for more or you saw a snippet of this and thought you’d use it . . . this is my message to you – credit writers, artists or other content creators if you use their work. If you’re here from an image search, I’m sorry I don’t have more to share. But I won’t have my words stolen because someone is trying to make cash on TT, from posting content and they don’t have their own original thoughts about such content.
You should be more careful about plagiarism because you may be copying one of your followers.
Finally, it’s very anti-Swiftian, to do something like this. As they say in my professional circles, “Go pound sand.
From The Black Dog Variant (CD) of TTPD…
“Please
I’ve been on my knees
Change the prophecy
Don’t want money
Just someone who wants my company
Let it once be me
Who do I have to speak to
About if they can redo
The prophecy?”
– Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift
First things first, The Prophecy is my song. I claim it.
I can’t really process The Tortured Poets Department yet. I’ll be working my way through the double album – 31 songs total – for quite some time. But I’ve listened so many times since 12:00 AM, so I’m off to a good start. After the album was available for streaming, Swifties realized there was a new countdown on Taylor’s IG – counting down to 2:00 AM. ✌️ The twos were two-ing and have been. While there were many who thought we may get some extra songs (like Midnights Till Dawn edition) I kept hoping my favorite Swift creators were reading the tea leaves correctly (a double album).
It turns out the ✌️ was leading us to a double album at 2:00 AM. I said I wouldn’t be able to stay up and listen to the additional 15 songs. And then I did. I finally fell asleep sometime after 3:00 AM. I’ve been processing all day. I don’t think there are any skips on this record. I have a few favorites. But I think over time, I’ll add more as I process meaning.
1. The Prophecy – This song instantly became my favorite. It could become my favorite Taylor Alison Swift song of all the times. How is it that one of the most famous musicians in the world can write a song that feels like my life? I don’t know, dudes. But this song is . . . a lot. In a good way.
“But even statues crumble if they’re made to wait . . . “
2. Down Bad – It just feels like broken heart anger and who doesn’t need a little of that in their lives at times?
3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
4. Florida!!!
Taylor & Florence sound amazing together. This song is a banger. I’m not gonna lie, as a Hurricane Florence hater, this line, sung by Florence, gave me a little PTSD . . .
The hurricane was my name when it came
I got drunk and I dared it to wash me away
Nonetheless, it’s a banger.
5. But Daddy I Love Him – This song is something else let me tell you. I’m gonna go ahead and call it – this song is deeper than what some are assuming right now. I may come back to this later. Bottom line? She’s tired of our bitching and moaning. I love her (even more) for it.
And . . . The Black Dog could be tied with #5 . This is a heartbreaker.
To be honest, other than The Prophecy – this list feels sacrilegious. It’s gonna change for sure. :) What I know for sure is that this album is nothing I thought and everything I wanted. The second album is full of Aaron Dessner and Taylor collaborations. They’re absolute magic together – which is why I’m certain the bottom four in my top five will likely change.
A few favorite things . . .
I wanted to share another favorite deep dive on a song, but I don’t have the energy to dig deep – after a tiring week (how is it only Tuesday?). So here are a few things I’m loving at the moment. What are some of the things you’re loving right now?
Hozier . . . Too Sweet. “I take my whiskey neat.”
Only Murders in the Building
How did I miss this when it first aired? I watched all three seasons of this hilarious and suspenseful show recently. I can’t wait for the next season. Steve Martin is one of my favorites so I don’t know how I spaced on this one. Steve Martin, Martin Short, & Selena Gomez are quite the true crime trio (that I didn’t know I needed). Related/unrelated, Selena released one of my favorite songs of 2019-2020-ish. Side note, 2019-2020-ish was quite the year for favorite songs (and albums).
Suits
This another show I should not have missed the first time around. I’m still in season 1, but I am already a fan. This 10 minutes gives you some insight into the show (if you haven’t heard about it).
This guy (hilarious). Her too.
Tiny Moves by Bleachers (This song feels like a 90s summer in the OC.)
Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
Writing in the Margins 