Speak Now (TV): Decoding Hidden Significance in the Vault Tracks

Taking a close look at Taylor Swift’s extra songs on Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

And they said Speak Now

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) 💜 is out, and while every Swiftie is pouring over those new lyrics, reflecting on something that happened to our heroine 14 million years ago, and appreciating the power of apologies, we’re breaking down those vault tracks! 

1. “Electric Touch” feat. Fall Out Boy 

Taylor’s imagery is as poetic as ever in “Electric Touch.” Her familiar motifs – a car 🚗 in the driveway, a metaphorical ghost 👻 town, a rain-soaked 🌧 rendezvous, and a specific time of night 🌙 – add a layer of depth to the song. “Electric Touch” exudes an air of both hopeful longing and skeptical wariness. The lyrics serenade an unidentified new love interest, creating a sense of both intrigue and mystery. True to form, she also includes a few Easter eggs 🥚 for her fans. The timestamp “8:05” in the lyrics is an obvious one, which adds up to “13,” her lucky number.

Taylor has a long history with Fall Out Boy’s music. During the Speak Now World Tour she performed an acoustic cover of “Sugar, We’re Going Down,” a song that inspired her in high school. In 2019 Taylor said the following to Rolling Stone: “I love Fall Out Boy so much. Their songwriting really influenced me, lyrically, maybe more than anyone else. They take a phrase and they twist it. ‘Loaded God complex/Cock it and pull it?’ When I heard that, I was like, ‘I’m dreaming.’” 

“Electric Touch” featuring Fallout Boy has a distinct 2010s pop-punk sound. It cleverly combines Taylor’s style with emo elements. This indeed was Taylor’s emo era. Patrick Stump’s verse feels perfectly calibrated to him, despite being entirely written by Taylor. The bridge features visuals and ideas that Taylor would later explore in her career.

“Electric Touch” was written by Taylor solo, and produced by Taylor and Aaron Dessner.

2. “When Emma Falls in Love” 

Taylor Swift’s music, renowned for its storytelling ability, often draws inspiration from her personal experiences and relationships.  A unique aspect of her songwriting is her subtle incorporation of real-life figures and events. Taylor’s rumored track about Emma Stone, who was one of her closest friends 👯‍♀️ during the time she wrote Speak Now, aptly illustrates this approach.

The Blending of Melodies and Genres

One of the fascinating elements of “When Emma Falls in Love” is its sonic transformation. The song initially starts as a gentle piano 🎹 ballad, reflective of Taylor’s earlier country-centric style. It gradually morphs into a swaying bop, echoing her transition into pop music. Taylor skillfully blends the elements of the banjo 🪕, symbolic of her country roots, with an enchanting piano melody that reflects her current pop persona, thereby creating a delightful fusion of both worlds.

Clues in Lyrics: Unraveling the Mystery

One of the most engaging aspects of Taylor’s music for Swifties is decoding 🕵️‍♀️ the hidden narratives within her songs. The cryptic references and coded allusions keep fans invested in trying to understand the deeper implications behind her lyrics. The clues in “When Emma Falls in Love,” presumably about Emma Stone, exemplify this practice.

References to popular culture often find their way into Taylor’s lyrics. The lyric “Cause Little Miss Sunshine always thinks it's gonna rain” could be an indirect reference to Stone’s hit film Easy A in which the song “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield plays a significant role. This clever hint not only embeds the song within the broader popular culture landscape but also serves as a subtle nod to Stone’s filmography.

Connecting the Dots: Bi-Coastal Bond

The references to Stone become more concrete when combined with statements made by her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Garfield. His descriptions of Stone, including phrases like “a shot of sunshine” ☀️ and “like being bathed in sunlight,” mirror the tone and sentiments expressed in the song. Taylor’s attendance at the premiere of Easy A in the same year she released Speak Now strengthens this connection, suggesting a more personal context behind the lyrics.

Moreover, the line “so New York🗽when she’s in L.A.” further hints at Stone, known for her bi-coastal lifestyle at the time. Perhaps this is signifying emotional complexity and duality in Stone’s life.

Unveiling the Complexity of Friendship

The song’s lyrics offer an intricate look at the nature of deep friendships, specifically Taylor’s bond with Emma Stone. The line “She won’t lose herself in love the way that I did,” provides a glimpse into Taylor’s heart at the time. There’s a sense of melancholy, perhaps even a subtle hint of envy, underscoring Taylor’s words, indicating the lessons she has learned from her own romantic relationships and her perception of Stone’s ability to maintain her individuality, a theme on the album and one of the new vault tracks.

An Ode to Emma Stone

Taylor paints a vivid picture of a starry-eyed 🤩 Emma falling in love, highlighting her strength of character. The lyric, “‘Cause she’s the kind of girl that you can’t put down, like if Cleopatra grew up in a small town/And all of the bad boys would be good boys if only they had a chance to love her,” serves as a tribute to Stone’s charismatic personality and appeal. It reflects Taylor’s profound admiration for her friend and her impact on those around her.

Absence of Other Figures

Interestingly, Taylor doesn’t make any direct references to Stone’s ex-boyfriend Andrew Garfield, known for playing Spiderman 🕷, in the song. Instead, she focuses on celebrating Stone’s virtues, beauty, and charm, indicating that her admiration and affection for Stone extend beyond their shared experiences with romance. The big reveal at the end of the song is “And to tell you the truth, sometimes I wish I was her.” 

The song serves as another reminder of her talent for harnessing personal experiences and relationships as the foundation of her music. Whether it’s through subtle references or overt declarations, Taylor seamlessly weaves reality into her songs, creating a blend of artistic authenticity and personal narrative that deeply resonates with her audience. This unique approach underscores her status as one of the most compelling songwriters of her generation, capable of turning real-life relationships into timeless music.

3. “I Can See You” 

Throughout her career, Taylor Swift has always managed to capture the essence of love ❤️, heartbreak 💔, and every emotion in between. Yet in “I Can See You,” she introduces a more mature, almost provocative narrative. The opening guitar 🎸 riff, reminiscent of The Clash’s unique style, further solidifies Taylor’s reputation as a musical chameleon capable of traversing different eras and genres.  The song’s powerful pre-chorus builds irresistible momentum that soars into an unforgettable hook. This compositional choice is a precursor to the potent narrative storytelling style Taylor adopts in her reputation 🐍 era. Fans have rightly compared this track’s edgy lyrics to reputation’s tracks “Dress” and “...Ready for It?” and Speak Now’s “Mine.”

The lyrics, “You won't believe half the things I see inside my head, Wait ‘til you see half the things that haven’t happened yet” foreshadow the Doja Cat-esque hook of “...Ready For It?” some seven long years later.  Indeed, “But what would you do if I went to touch you now? What would you do if they never found us out?/What would you do if we never made a sound?” hints to a secret, possibly physical relationship, breaking away from her earlier, more innocent themes. 

Furthermore, the bold line “And I could see you up against the wall with me” is an undeniably daring addition that echoes with desire and intensity. It's a revelation that young Taylor, who was known for her wholesome country tunes, could conjure such bold imagery, without maybe a little help from 2023 Taylor, and Jack Antonoff complete with Doc Brown hair and lab coat 🥼. Her confident Back to the Future-esque choices manifest not only in her musical style but also in her thematic content. By alluding to a covert romance, Taylor McFly moves away from traditional narratives that have long dominated mainstream music. See the video “Mine” and the lyrics to “Castles Crumbling” from this era for more fuel for the time travel fire. 

Not to speculate, but it’s true that Taylor loves singing about secret romances hiding “A D A M” in the notes for Enchanted for fans to seek and find out (Who is Adam?).  In that spirit, she taunts us... “What would you do if they never found us out?/What would you do if we never made a sound?” which hints at a forbidden or taboo love affair. Likely with someone she worked with, we conclude, as later in the song, Taylor sings: “And we kept everything professional but something changed…” 

Taylor’s skill in subtly hinting at a secret fling reflects her mastery of narrative, making the listener feel like they’re eavesdropping👂 on a deeply personal secret. In a world that often prizes explicit categorizations and clear-cut labels, the clandestine romance in “I Can See You” manages to transcend traditional definitions. The song hints at an undercover relationship, presumably between two people working closely together. Its lyrics navigate the maze 🌀 of personal and professional boundaries, and, in doing so, they offer an unconventional depiction of love that can resonate deeply. Taylor invites listeners to delve into a world where love isn’t limited by gender, roles, or societal norms, and the secrecy 🤫 makes it a fun game, making this song a current rallying cry for the under-seen, under-heard non-binary community.

An Action-Packed Music Video

The song’s release was accompanied by a self-directed 🎬, action-packed music video 🎥, premiered during Taylor’s Eras Tour in Kansas City, MO. The video includes a surprising cameo by Taylor Lautner, adding to the speculation around the song’s subject. In the video, Lautner helps Taylor break out of a vault, metaphorically underscoring her fight to reclaim ownership of her music by re-recording her past albums. The video’s spy-theme 🕵️‍♀️ mirrors the song’s energy and adds another layer of intrigue to the secret romance narrative. Also Joey King and Presley Cash, who were involved in the 2010 “Mean” music video, appear in this one as well. It was a touching moment.

4. “Castles Crumbling” feat. Hayley Williams 

This track is a poignant meditation on the themes of falling alliances and irrational behavior. Amidst the hauntingly beautiful production filled with ethereal voices, Taylor and Williams maintain a somber tone and reflectively yet also somehow also quite presciently examine the personal wreckage their careers have endured. “Castles Crumbling” is a potent addition to Taylor’s repertoire of introspective and self-critical songs, joining the likes of “The Archer,” 🏹 and “Mirrorball.” 🪩

One cannot overlook the bridge where Taylor refers to herself as a “monster,” an echo from her portrayal in “Anti-Hero.” This track also strikes a similar chord to “Nothing New,” a vault track from the Red era. Both songs feature a close friend and female singer, with Taylor introspectively wrestling with the self-doubt that comes with the glaring spotlight of fame.

Interpretations of the lyrics potentially lead to the 2009 VMA incident. Taylor said, in the 2019 documentary, Miss Americana, that she’d assumed the crowd was booing her instead of Kanye West when he infamously interrupted her acceptance speech. “For someone who based her whole belief system on getting everyone to clap 👏 for you, the whole crowd booing is a pretty formative experience.”

Taylor also wrote in the prologue for Speak Now (Taylor’s Version): “In my darker moments, I was tormented by the doubt that swirled loudly around my ascent and my merits as an artist. I was trying to create a follow up to the most awarded 🏆 country album in history, while staring directly into the face of intense criticism.” This writing relates to the lyrics: “Once, I was the great hope for a dynasty/crowds would hang on my words and they trusted me.” Taylor was under immense pressure to be the present and future of country music. It appears now that she always intended to transition fully into pop music, and would begin working towards that transition in earnest with her follow-up album, Red, so there is fear represented in this song about losing what she had built. 

Country music fans are loyal but don’t always cross genres. An example of country fans leaving Taylor behind came in 2020, when she was removed from the Legends Corner mural celebrating legendary country artists. The artist of the mural, Tim Davis, commented: “I have heard many complaints here in Nashville about Taylor being on the wall with country legends since she is currently focused mainly on pop. Some inebriated bar hoppers have spit on her image specifically, feeling betrayed by her venture from country.”

It is possible that these lyrics have been modified and may have been written more recently than 2009/2010 to reflect these feelings. Although fans have known about the existence of a song called “Castles Crumbling” since at least 2013 (according to fan sites!) 

5. “Foolish One

“Foolish One” encapsulates the classic Taylor Swift narrative arc, rich in self-awareness and vulnerability, which unfolds a tale of heartbreak 💔 where Taylor plays the titular character who placed her bet on the wrong guy. The song beautifully echoes her transformation from the country-pop sound of Fearless to the more refined songwriting of Speak Now, while still retaining an originality that spans a captivating five minutes. The lyrics serve as an introspective journey, brimming with warning signs ⚠️ and aching realizations that strike a chord with anyone who has loved and lost.

Taylor sings: “And it’s delicate, but I will do my best to seem bulletproof” which calls back to “Tell Me Why” from Fearless: “And you might think I’m bulletproof, but I’m not.” The common muse in both songs could be someone Taylor was attracted to, but whose feelings weren’t reciprocated. The inclusion of the word “delicate” also brings to mind the song of the same name, from reputation. It reinforces how a relationship, in early stages, is delicate and may not be able to blossom if not properly nurtured.  

A Journey of Love and Loss

The song unfolds as a heartbreaking journey of love that wasn’t meant to be. Through her lyrics, Taylor guides us through a labyrinth of missed signals and profound realizations. The narrative arc of “Foolish One” mirrors many of Swift’s earlier songs–a protagonist navigating the turbulent waters 🌊 of love, often ending up with a bruised heart ❤️‍🩹. It’s a universal story, sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet taste of unfulfilled love.

Maturity in Songwriting

“Foolish One” serves as a testament to Swift’s maturation as a songwriter. She beautifully weaves a narrative of heartbreak, incorporating elements from her past work, all while infusing the track with fresh insights. It’s a five-minute symphony of pain, resilience, and acceptance, echoing with the wisdom of hard-learned lessons. As Swift’s storytelling evolves, so does her understanding of love’s complexities, and “Foolish One” is a shining example of this progression.

“Foolish One” weaves a tale that feels quintessentially Swiftian–a narrative imbued with vulnerability, introspection, and the sting of unrequited love. The song beautifully blends the stylistic elements from her Fearless and Speak Now eras while also managing to carve out a unique identity of its own.

6. “Timeless” 

Taylor Swift’s grandparents–Rose and Archie Dean Swift on her father’s side, and Marjorie and Robert Finlay on her mother’s side– have all left their mark on Taylor’s music. The song “Marjorie” from the album evermore, for instance, was written in honor of her grandmother 👵🏻 and was performed during the Eras Tour. This song even features a backing track of Marjorie’s vocals, a poignant tribute that cements its emotional resonance.

This closing track transitions beautifully into Red and the vibes of that album. Two tracks from Red also focus on the lives of others, “Starlight” 🌟 and “The Lucky One.”

Taylor is a true romantic who pictures her and her lover (possibly a new romance or even a crush) as having a love that can defy any era. For an album that was originally to be titled “Enchanted,” “Timeless” showcases Taylor's desire to have a fairytale 👸 story. Even if that has now changed with time. The imagery in this track also calls out for further exploration. Could this hint to Taylor’s future feature-length film? 🎞

Want more?

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