What is it about?
We look at all the lyrics in Taylor Swift's catalog to explore the emotions and language present. We find that we can best understand her lyrics using three dimensions: positive emotion, negative emotion, and lyricism. She also loves juxtaposing contrasting emotions, which we term 'Swiftian Saudade.' Track fives, long known by fans for being more emotionally vulnerable, do indeed appear unique within her discography.
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Why is it important?
Our work is timely, coinciding with the release of Swift's newest album. Our work provides computational insights into one of the biggest pop stars. Lyrics, particularly those in songs with more negative emotions, can be an important part of songs for listeners. Additionally, we shed light on one of the biggest pop stars and songwriters of our age.
Perspectives
As a fan and computational social scientist, it was fun to bring my interests and skills together. A lot of the work on artists is focused on men and our work contributes to broadening that analysis. Swift is also unique in many ways, such as her lyricism and the fact that she writes her songs, so our work provides more insight into both her art and how her influence might contribute to and shapes pop music.
Jean Clipperton
University of Chicago
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: You do not get to tell me about sad: Swiftian Saudade in Taylor Swift’s lyrics., Psychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts, October 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/aca0000810.
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