Swifties are again swept off their feet as Taylor Swift’s lead single from the Midnights album dropped this Friday, with an inclusive video premiere. Contrary to its upbeat and cheerful rhythm, “Anti-Hero” delivers powerful emotions and a unique rawness that hits a nerve. Critics argue that this might be one of Swift’s darkest songs, and we can see why.
The singer, also the songwriter, portrays her self-doubts, fear, and paranoia as she talks about how she dreamed of her daughter-in-law killing her for money or how she only gets older with age and not any wiser. The lyrics: “I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror”, hits home for many suffering from depression and insecurities. Other lines from the song: “One day I’ll watch as you’re leaving” and “Cause you got tired of my scheming”, clearly shows her fear of everyone abandoning her when they get tired of her. In the video, written and produced herself, she depicts her other self or doppelganger informing her that everyone will betray her while she is taking notes, afraid. Through it, she shares her nightmares, struggles with herself, and what’s keeping her awake at night. After all, Midnights is composed of songs of the sleepless nights she goes through.
The music diva also started a shorts challenge on Youtube, encouraging people to share their insecurities and what’s keeping them awake at night. This is so profound because it’s her way of making people acknowledge that everyone has parts of themselves that they aren’t happy with, and that it’s okay. It’s a reminder that at midnight, when everyone is asleep and it’s just you, those fears and doubts may threaten to take form, but really, you’re not alone.
Taylor Swift’s music has always been a breakthrough in shedding light on taboo topics and issues, and this one is no different. With hard-hitting, raw emotions and feelings that strike home, this song is easily going to be the blanket we’ll all need this winter.
— Writer Anisha Sharar can be reached at anishashararnishi@gmail.com. Follow her/him on instagram @nasiaagrey and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077696635781
