Taylor Swift walking into the VMA’s wearing a Midnights inspired outfit.
‘Cause She’s A Mastermind
“Taylor Swift is the music industry.” (Aubrey Esparza 11)
It’s no wonder that the pop sensation Taylor Swift is as successful as she is, and with a brain like hers, anything can be accomplished. Swift is methodical and clever while promoting and releasing anything she is a part of. She says it herself in her song “Mastermind” that none of her actions revolving around her career are by accident: “It was all by design/’Cause I’m a mastermind.” Taylor Swift truly is a mastermind.
From the very beginning, Taylor Swift has stunned the world with her grace, talent, and creative lyricism. Few people, if any, have been able to take the world by storm with such power since she came to the scene, so how has she been able to create such force?
Undoubtedly, Swift is a talented singer, yet it is the help of her songwriting that truly elevates her status. On the surface, some listeners may find her music simply entertaining; however, her songs go far deeper than that. In the song “Anti-Hero” Swift asks, “Did you hear my convert narcissism I disguise as altruism like some kind of congressman?” The depth that this question explores is quite wild, with her initially asking if her covert narcissism seems questionable; Why would anyone admit to being a narcissist? Swift is open in her songs, as she is comfortable admitting her faults. In fact, that is exactly what the song “Anti-Hero” is all about. The idea that she recognizes how her actions affect people is a mature, yet bold theory. In the stanza explaining her narcissism that Swift “…disguise[s] as altruism,” listeners are able to interpret their own meaning of this, which adds yet another layer of depth. Creativity is used dramatically while appealing to one’s humor with the statement “like some kind of congressman.” In other words, Swift recognizes the messed-up way that politicians think nowadays and can recognize herself in their characteristics. Her careful and considerate lyricism allows fans to relate to her music, even while she is recognizing her wrongs.
Swift, along with her music, is also a pure genius simply thanks to the way she has branded herself and how she publicizes her work. One of her classic moves is dropping easter eggs, as she indirectly gives her fans clues about her upcoming songs, albums, and concert information. These hints are not for the meek, as they can be as minor as her wearing a dress with stars at the VMA’s, which later was revealed as an easter egg to her Midnights album release. Superfan Aubrey Esparza (11) claims, “She thinks outside of the box and isn’t afraid to take risks and fight for what she believes in. Her lyrics are poetic and relatable. She never fails to entertain an audience.” It is not only Swift’s materialistic tactics but also her ability to state her mind that makes Swift a genius. From fashion to product placement to likeability, Swift continually proves herself to be worthy in the industry.
While the song “Mastermind” was not necessarily about her career and rather a relationship, it is still applicable to her personality. From her genius yet relatable lyrics to her sneaky easter eggs, Taylor Swift is the epitome of a mastermind.
