Taylor Swift: The Master of Throwing Shade
Taylor Swift is no stranger to the art of throwing shade, a term often used to describe subtle, indirect insults intended to offend. Her music, particularly her albums and songs, are chock-full of references and hints that reveal her ability to confront rivals and address past relationships with precision and wit. Let's dive into some of the most notable instances where Taylor has played the game of throw shade.
Style
In the song titled "We Never Go Out of Style," which isn't about fashion—though it references it—Taylor and Harry Styles shared a romantic relationship. The famous breakup provided Taylor with numerous chances to throw shade. One of the most direct instances is showcased in the song 'Out of the Woods.' While its true identity as a takedown of Harry Styles remains debated, its lyrics hint at an unstable and tumultuous period in their relationship. In the music video for 'Out of the Woods,' Taylor performs the line: 'She lost him but she found herself and somehow that was everything.' This is widely interpreted as a subtle jab at Harry, implying he was the catalyst for her growth and independence.
Bad Blood
The song 'Bad Blood' is perhaps one of the most well-known instances of Taylor throwing shade at her rival, Katy Perry. The chorus of 'Bad Blood' reads: 'Oh it's so sad to think about the good times you and I, coz baby now we got bad blood.' This was not an innocent love ballad, but a veiled description of the intense rivalry and animosity that developed between Swift and Perry.
Interestingly, the rapprochement between these two pop icons occurred when Katy Perry sent Taylor an olive branch during the latter's Reputation Stadium Tour. This gesture symbolized the end of their feud, though the animosity between them was mainly seen during Taylor's Reputation era. Taylor even included Perry in her 'You Need to Calm Down' music video, indicating a friendly move towards her ex-rival.
Getaway Car
The song 'Getaway Car' is another example of how Taylor can turn to her own life experiences to inspire her lyrics. A possible reference to her time at the 2016 Met Gala, where she mingled with Tom Hiddleston, the lyrics may suggest that Taylor had a fling with Hiddleston during her relationship with Calvin Harris. In the music video, the line 'We're riding in a getaway car' can be read as a nod to their meeting and getting along, even as she was still in a relationship with Calvin.
The Man
More recently, Taylor's relationship with Scooter Braun, the founder of Big Machine Label and the owner of her previous six albums (Taylor Swift Fearless, Speak Now Red, 1989, and Reputation), brought another round of shade-tossing. In the music video for 'The Man,' Taylor sings: 'No Scooter please!!' She increasingly spoke out about her desire for the rights to her music during her response to the Billboard Women of the Year award in 2020. This (and the aforementioned 'The Man' video) was a clear statement against Braun, one of the most powerful figures in the music industry.
Look What You Made Me Do
Look what you made me do was another intentional shade-throwing session directed at Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. The inspiration came from Kanye insinuating that Taylor had plagiarized his work, in which she retorted with a song that read: 'Maybe I've got mine but you'll get yours.' Moments of Kanye and Kim announcing a naked dummy of Taylor in one of his music videos provided the inspiration for 'Look What You Made Me Do.' Even though Kim later released a doctored Snapchat recording, Taylor's lyrics and video were enough to address the conflict and bring attention to the scandal.
While Taylor Swift is beloved by fans for her storytelling and relatable music, her ability to throw shade adds an intriguing layer to her work. These examples show how she tackles complex personal and professional issues with precision and flair, ensuring that her message is both powerful and memorable. So, next time you listen to her music, pay attention; there might be more going on than meets the ear.