We're three songs into Taylor Swift's new album Lover, and her latest release (an emotional track called "The Archer") has given more evidence to my ultimate Swift Theory: The singer is at her best when she's writing sad songs.
She can write a bop ("Style," "Blank Space," "22") and obviously she's comfortable with a country love song ("Our Song," "Love Story"), but it's the slow, sad tracks you play while on a solo drive where her songwriting skills shine.
Have you yet to get on the Sad Taylor song train? Do you have plans to lie on the floor of your bedroom during a thunderstorm any time soon? If so, here is the soundtrack you need.
"All Too Well"
The song: I was tempted to just list this song 10 times and call it a day, but if you're even a minor Swift fan, you know the deal. "All Too Well" is often heralded as the best in her catalog, and it's filled with lyrics you'd doodle inside your diary.
The saddest line: A tie between "You call me up again just to break me like a promise / So casually cruel in the name of being honest" and "Time won't fly, it's like I'm paralyzed by it / I'd like to be my old self again, but I'm still trying to find it"
"Better Man"
The song: While this number isn't sung by Swift, she did write it, so we're counting it. Swift gave this track to her country friends Little Big Town, and it's the kind of song that makes you pine for the days when Swift wore cowboy boots and had a twang.
The saddest line: "I hold on to this pride because these days it’s all I have / And I gave you my best, and we both know you can’t say that"
"Tim McGraw"
The song: This might be more nostalgic than sad, but for our purposes, it qualifies. Swift's debut single sweetly looks back on a love lost, but it was also a savvy business move. Making your first country single—that you're trying to get played on country radio—all about a top country artist? She's no dummy.
The saddest line: "September saw a month of tears / And thanking God that you weren't here / To see me like that"
"Clean"
The song: This might show my own bias, but I really didn't consider how good this 1989 song was until I watched this video of Ingrid Michaelson singing it. But after that, I was all in. For anyone's who's finally gotten over a break up, this is for you.
The saddest line: "I punched a hole in the roof / Let the flood carry away all my pictures of you / The water filled my lungs, I screamed so loud but no one heard a thing"
"The Archer"
The song: Swift's latest release is the saddest song she's put out in quite some time and is vastly different from her other Lover tracks ("ME!" and "You Need to Calm Down"). There's not a ton of exciting production on this one, but the lyrics let us into Swift's world in a way we haven't seen since 1989.
The saddest line: "I wake in the night, I pace like a ghost / The room is on fire, invisible smoke / And all of my heroes die all alone / Help me hold on to you"
"White Horse"
The song: Another classic song from Swift's earlier albums, "White Horse" is good background music for when you're sitting on the floor while it's raining out, much like Swift does in the music video.
The saddest line: "I was a dreamer before you went and let me down / Now it's too late for you / And your white horse, to come around"
"Last Kiss"
The song: "Last Kiss," which is reportedly about Joe Jonas, is off of Speak Now, the only album Swift wrote completely by herself. The feat paid off in a number of tracks, including this sad, sad one.
The saddest line: "I'll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep / And I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe"
"Back to December"
The song: A rarity for Swift, "Back to December," which is confirmed to be about her ex-boyfriend Taylor Lautner, shows Swift taking the fault for how her relationship ended. It's wistful and—do I even have to say it?—pretty damn sad.
The saddest line: "It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you / Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine"
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Madison is a staff writer at ELLE.com, covering news, politics, and culture. When she's not on the internet, you can most likely find her taking a nap or eating banana bread.
-
I Work Out 5 Days a Week—These Are the Brands I Wear on Repeat
Sponsor Content Created With Nordstrom
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Princess Kate Will Be "Ready to Talk" About Her Absence When She Gets Back to Work, Source Claims
The Palace has released very few details about her illness and recovery.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate Was Allegedly Spotted Looking "Happy, Relaxed and Healthy" at a Farm Shop This Weekend
Anonymous onlookers provided this description to 'The Sun.'
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jack Antonoff Divulged That Taylor Swift Wrote "You're Losing Me" in 2021, And Swifties Are ~Losing~ Their Damn Minds
She and Joe Alwyn didn't officially break up until 2023.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
The Unstoppable Alia Bhatt
Bollywood’s silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started.
By Neha Prakash Published
-
The 30 Best Movies on Hulu Right Now
From 'Fight Club' to '10 Things I Hate About You.'
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Has Passed Away at 96
After a 70-year reign, the queen passed away at her home in Balmoral, Scotland.
By Jenny Hollander Published
-
The 50 Best '80s Movies
An official roundup of the decade's standout films.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Elizabeth Lail and Dustin Milligan Compete in 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The stars of 'Mack & Rita' could barely hold it together during a round of trivia.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Charli XCX Isn't Here to Appease Anyone
The pop star talks authenticity, her new album, and taking care of herself while on tour.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published