“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.
Writing in the Margins 