When it comes to the term “Swifties,” I can’t help but envision screaming teenagers donning Taylor Swift T-shirts, subscribing to Taylor Swift, knowing when the next album drops, and certainly, already knowing who Joe Alwyn is before the “Lover” album was released.
However, Taylor Swift as a performer blows me away every time. It was on a quiet summer evening in 2020 when Disney Plus showcased Taylor Swift’s concert in the banner. The way it was presented as a grand event piqued my curiosity, prompting me to give it a watch. That was the first time I sat down, and the live performance captivated me, electrified me, and brought tears to my eyes—a genuine highlight.
Lover (Live from Paris) is the third live album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on May 19, 2020 via Republic Records.
Like other artists before her, Taylor Swift shares her life and experiences through her lyrics, akin to what Phil Collins did. People can identify with the lyrics; they tell stories, captivate, evoke emotions, and spark curiosity.
After this TV experience with Taylor Swift performing her “Lover” album live, I naturally had to Google who this “Lover” was. At that time, it was Joe Alwyn, and from the lyrics, it was evident that Taylor Swift was in a serious relationship and seemingly deeply in love. I didn’t know Joe Alwyn—neither by name nor by sight. To me, he seemed unremarkable and boring when I saw him. I went on a small journey through Google and YouTube into Taylor Swift’s world of men. In my opinion, she has a fruitful taste in men.
Lyrics like
“And I’m highly suspicious that everyone who sees you wants you
I’ve loved you three summers now, honey, but I want ’em all”
in “Lover” made me think that I probably wouldn’t want Joe Alwyn, but any man by Taylor Swift’s side would seem like a perfect match for the average woman, with an average IQ and behavior. Taylor Swift gives off an impression that makes every man by her side appear desirable to the female gender. It’s not about Joe Alwyn; it’s about Taylor Swift possessing something that appears desirable to other women.
Given her creative genius, which I will delve into in this post, it’s probably her intelligence. I believe Taylor Swift is a creative genius, and that is one of the reasons for her success. This is especially what others, who aren’t as extraordinary as Taylor Swift, want.
Now, with this introduction, let’s move on to the symbolism of the video “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)”. According to research, Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn broke up after a 6-year relationship, claiming the relationship was just over. It sounds like Taylor Swift, once again, ghosting, as in her song Anti-Hero:
“All of the people I’ve ghosted stand there in the room.”
Since Taylor Swift, similar to her good friend Ryan Reynolds, can be sarcastic in her lyrics, one might think she is talking about another person who ghosts or the men who have ghosted her. In this case, however, I believe Taylor Swift is talking about herself.
On November 4, 2022, she posted a reel on Instagram, hinting that the relationship had come to an end and suggesting the presence of other potential partners. The reporting indicating that the breakup occurred only in 2023 is therefore inaccurate. It might be more accurate to say that it was officially announced in 2023.
Clues regarding the reasons for the separation can be found in the video ‘I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)’. However, in my opinion, a relationship doesn’t necessarily come to an end simply because one partner is not interested in getting married – more on that at the end of this post.
In the music video “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)”, I think Taylor Swift is addressing her breakup with Joe Alwyn. Given her deep love and the rumored desire to marry Joe Alwyn, the breakup must have been a painful chapter in her life. Joe Alwyn, according to rumors and media reports, does not want to get married. At least, this was allegedly a point of contention in their relationship, and this is also evident from the symbolism in the song.
In the song, the number thirteen is painted on Taylor Swift’s right hand like a tattoo. What we learn from this is that Taylor Swift is apparently a fan of tarot symbolism because in tarot, the number thirteen represents death.
Unlike what many may assume, it is not literally about someone dying but about letting go, the end of a developmental phase, and, above all, a life-changing realization. The symbolism of the tarot card suggests that death comes on a horse and urges the person in the card to have a realization. The man in the picture begs death to spare him one more time. It’s about significant realizations that can literally cost us our lives.
The fact that the number thirteen in the video is on Taylor Swift’s right hand, which is where the engagement ring is worn in American tradition, stands for the tarot card of death and the end or the letting go of the engagement.
Painted Tattoos and Dresses: Decoding ‘Dress’ References in ‘I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)’ Video
The thirteen is painted like a tattoo, alluding to the song “Dress” (Lyrics: “Made your mark on me, a golden tattoo”) in the Taylor Swift metaverse.
Further references in the video “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)” to Taylor Swift’s song “Dress” can be found through the mannequins displayed in a glass case, all wearing dresses. In the song “Dress,” Taylor Swift also talks about Joe Alwyn and how they met:
“Flashback when you met me
Your buzzcut and my hair bleached
Even in my worst times
You could see the best of me
Flashback to my mistakes
My rebounds, my earthquakes
Even in my worst lies
You saw the truth in me
And I woke up just in time
Now I wake up by your side
My one and only, my lifeline
I woke up just in time
Now I wake up by your side
My hands shake, I can’t explain this ah, ha, ha, ha”
The tattoos painted in the video for ‘I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)’ are a reference to the lyrics of ‘Dress,’ where it says:
“Made your mark on me, a golden tattoo”,
The Hieroglyphs of Influence: Taylor Swift’s Cleopatra Connection and Tarot Symbolism
The lines Taylor Swift scribbles on the wall in the video for ‘I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)’, marking each day as if counting time in prison, are drawn like hieroglyphs in ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra was an influential ruler.
According to the historian Plutarch (circa 40–125), Cleopatra, along with two of her handmaidens, committed suicide by poison on the twelfth day of her captivity. The corpse bore two puncture marks on the arm, strikingly similar to snake bites.
With Taylor Swift’s influence in the music industry and now, with her concert film “The Eras Tour”, extending into the film industry, it is quite understandable that she sees herself as an influential ruler.
Taylor Swift confidently advocates for justice in both the music and film industries, revolutionizing the landscape. Another sign of her genius. Exceptionally intelligent individuals cannot stand injustice. They actively stand up for justice, particularly in legal matters, and have a keen interest in legal issues. Taylor is single-handedly revolutionizing the entire music and film industry with her influence, serving as a role model for standing up for one’s rights.
The allusion to ancient Egypt, with Taylor drawing parallels to Cleopatra and death by snakebite, suggests a deliberate nod to historical symbolism. Taylor Swift’s portrayal of lines on the wall as hieroglyphs, reminiscent of Cleopatra’s demise through a serpent’s bite, could be a nuanced way of infusing her art with historical references. This deliberate connection to Cleopatra’s fate adds depth to the narrative, intertwining contemporary themes of captivity and time with echoes from the past, creating a rich tapestry of meaning in her visual storytelling.
The three stars on the right cheek of one of the actresses could also be a nod to tarot symbolism, representing the tarot card of The Star. The Star is one of the most positive cards in the tarot, signifying a turn for the better and, among other interpretations, complete healing. Maybe from the snakebite?
The presence of three stars on the cheek might, in turn, symbolize the number three in tarot, associated with the card of the Empress, potentially connecting to the Cleopatra theory—Cleopatra as the Empress, and Taylor Swift as an influential ruler in modern times.
Decoding Taylor Swift’s Metaverse: The Symbolism Behind the Three Stars and the Makeup Masquerade
The deliberate placement of three stars on the right cheek, mimicking rouge, is undoubtedly a meaningful choice within the Taylor Swift metaverse. Share your thoughts in the comments on why you think the stars are applied to the cheek like a tattoo.
Personally, I believe the stars, applied like rouge, serve as a subtle nod to the world of makeup and symbolize the metaphorical masquerade. This masquerade likely alludes to Taylor Swift’s “secret mission” (Lyrics “I Can See You”) in the music and film industry, notably her revolutionary re-recordings of albums.
Blank Space: A Film directed by Joseph Kahn, known for directing music videos, including Imagine Dragons’ ‘Thunder’.
Lyrics to I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)
I could see you in your suit and your necktie
Passed me a note saying, “Meet me tonight”
Then we kiss, and you know I won’t ever tell, yeah
And I could see you being my addiction
You can see me as a secret mission
Hide away and I will start behaving myself
Furthermore, the mention of ‘cheek’ serves as a clue to Ella Fitzgerald’s song ‘Cheek to Cheek.’ In the accompanying YouTube video, Ella Fitzgerald undergoes costume changes, offering another hint related to ‘dress’ and potentially connecting to Taylor Swift’s wardrobe.
Echoes of Ancient Egypt: Exploring the Eye of Providence and the Enigmatic Number 13
Notably, Taylor’s clothing choices featuring references to ancient Egypt. For instance, during the live concert for ‘Lover’ in Paris, she wore a skirt reminiscent of those from ancient Egyptian attire.
Taylor wants to be truly seen, for who she is as a person.
“It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero”, Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift.
The lyrics line “It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero” in Taylor Swift’s song “Anti-Hero” carries a layer of sarcasm. In this verse, Taylor is expressing the frustrating feeling of powerlessness, stating, “It’s me, I’m the problem, it’s me,” as also reflected in her current Instagram account information: “I’m the problem, it’s me.”
According to the lyrics, she shares the experience of constantly being perceived as the issue, feeling unseen, and sarcastically remarking on the paradox that despite this, she is one of the most successful musicians of all time. Her courage continues to revolutionize both the music and film industries.
The eye is often a symbol associated with surveillance, particularly by intelligence agencies.
I Think You Should Blow It All Up: A Parallel to Usher’s ‘Burn’
At the end of the video, Taylor Swift, I was about to say, blows everything up. In my opinion, Taylor Swift is represented here by the actress with the three stars. Analogous to the song “Burn” (Lyrics: “I think that you should let it burn) by Usher, Taylor, as in Usher’s video, not only burns a few Californian palm trees but also detonates an entire historical building.
Revolutionizing Hollywood: Taylor Swift’s Independent Cinematic Triumph
Referring to Ushers Burn video, the fiery destruction of Californian palms can also be seen as a reflection of Swift’s recent bold and revolutionary actions, notably releasing her “The Eras Tour” film independently, bypassing traditional studios.
The palm-lined street is a symbol of LA and Hollywood. Given that Taylor Swift recently released her film “The Eras Tour” independently, bypassing major studios due to disagreements over conditions, it could symbolize her revolutionary approach or a metaphorical burning down of Hollywood.
As acclaimed director Christopher Nolan highlighted, Swift’s decision to partner directly with AMC Theatres, circumventing major Hollywood studios, marks the dawn of a new era in cinematic storytelling. In Nolan’s words during a City University of New York event, “Taylor Swift is about to show the studios…it’s going to make an enormous amount of money. And if they don’t want it, somebody else will. So that’s just the truth of it.”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XABIUN2Whrs&t=2s.
This symbolic coupled with her recent triumphs, positions Taylor Swift at the forefront of a cinematic revolution, challenging industry norms and embracing new avenues for creative expression.
The Symbolic Tapestry of Taylor Swift’s Career
Coming back to Taylor Swift’s music video “I can See you (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault):
In the building, she left the safe, where Taylor draws lines on the interior wall like in prison, as well as the mannequins dressed in clothes. The safe, in which Taylor is depicted, can be seen as analogous to a cage or a prison. The treasure is Taylor herself, or rather Taylor’s career and market value. Inside the safe with Taylor, there is a painting from the “Speak Now” album.
The track “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Fault)” is a track from the “Speak Now” album. “The tracks all carry the nickname ‘From The Vault’ because they were produced at the time of the original album recording. However, they did not make it onto the final tracklist and have since been kept in the metaphorical music vault. Swift herself is said to have remarked about the “Vault” tracks on “1989” that she couldn’t believe she had ever left them behind.”, https://www.puls24.at/news/entertainment/taylor-swift-veroeffentlicht-1989-taylors-version-mit-fuenf-from-the-vault-tracks-neu/311590.
When I saw the symbolism with the painting from the “Speak Now” album that Taylor took out of the vault, leaving everything else, the vault, and the dresses, and blowing up the building, it led me to the thought that this symbolism suggests Taylor Swift chose her career symbolised by the painting and left the relationship with Joe Alwyn behind. It’s as if she had to choose between her success and Joe Alwyn. Indeed, there are further hints in the video that support my initial suspicion.
What is written on Taylor Swift’s arm in ‘I Can See You’?
On Taylor’s left arm, on the side where the heart is located, it reads: “I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.”. It is a lyric line from her song “Long Live” from the album “Speak Now,” released on October 25, 2010.
Musical References: Insights from Imagine Dragons and Taylor Swift Lyrics
Dragons refers to Imagine Dragons, and the song “Demons” which includes the following lyrics:
“When the days are cold
And the cards all fold
And the saints we see are all made of gold
I wanna hide the truth
I wanna shelter you
But with the beast inside
There’s nowhere we can hide
No matter what we breed
We still are made of greed
This is my kingdom come
This is my kingdom come
When you feel my heat, look into my eyes
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide
Don’t get too close, it’s dark inside
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide
At the curtain’s call
It’s the last of all
When the lights fade out, all the sinners crawl
So they dug your grave
And the masquerade
Will come calling out at the mess you’ve made
Don’t wanna let you down
But I am hell-bound
Though this is all for you
Don’t wanna hide the truth
No matter what we breed
We still are made of greed
This is my kingdom come
This is my kingdom come
When you feel my heat, look into my eyes
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide
Don’t get too close, it’s dark inside
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide
Additional references to Imagine Dragons lyrics can be found, for example, in the song “Daylight,” analogous to a line from the song “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons.
“I’m waking up to ash and dust
I wipe my brow and I sweat my rust
I’m breathing in the chemicals.“
“Luck of the draw only draws the unlucky,
And so I became the butt of the joke,
I wounded the good and I trusted the wicked,
Clearing the air, I breathed in the smoke.
Maybe you ran with the wolves and refused to settle down,
Maybe I’ve stormed out of every single room in this town,
Threw out our cloaks and our daggers because it’s morning now,
It’s brighter now, now.”
YouTube Clue: ‘Daylight’ Video Spotlighting ‘Cornelia Street’ Thumbnail
For the next clue, head over to YouTube where the video for ‘Daylight’ features ‘Cornelia Street’ as its thumbnail.
YouTube Clue: ‘Cornelia Street’ Video Thumbnail
Unveiling the Mystery: Exploring the Concept of Music Easter Eggs
A music easter egg refers to a hidden or subtle element within a song or a music video that is meant to be discovered by attentive listeners or viewers. These elements are often intentional, serving as a hidden message, reference, or inside joke inserted by the artist or the creators.
Music easter eggs can take various forms, such as hidden messages in lyrics, subtle references to other songs or artists, or hidden visual clues in music videos. Discovering these easter eggs can be a fun and rewarding experience for fans who enjoy exploring the deeper layers of a musical work.
Easter Eggs within the Easter Egg
Craving More Tarot Symbolism?
The Hierophant
The Hierophant symbolizes trust and marriage. The individual positioned beneath the officiating priest on the right, who is also perceived as a figure of trust, is symbolically identified as a woman through the imagery of red flowers. In the video, Taylor signifies her role through the presence of a guitar. Furthermore, instead of the key in the tarot image of the Hierophant, there is a shoe reminiscent of Cinderella.
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me
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