The Hidden Life Of A Secret Swiftie

Last summer, my roommate came home one night, handed me a Taylor Swift "Eras" poster he had gotten from the movie theater, and said, "I know you would never get one yourself, so here." I've become known as a "secret Swiftie." It has become a joke in our house that I am a "secret Swiftie."  

Secret Swifties are Taylor Swift fans who would never publicly share their interest in her music. But deep down, they resonate with her songs and spend their alone time listening to her. 

Swift fans, or "Swifties," have a stereotype attached to them. Typically, they are presumed to be white women who love pink and are boy-obsessed. "A Swiftie often implies that they are a very passionate and loyal fan—as opposed to just a casual listener," was how Dictonary.com defined the term.  

In the public eye, only people who conform to these descriptions are okay with being defined by them. However, there is another side of Swift listeners who may not be women and are not wearing friendship bracelets to her concerts or could care less about her "easter egg" hints; they just genuinely enjoy her music. These are the people you could call "secret Swifties."  

Stereotypes and generalizations about Swift and her fans aside, the girl can write a damn good song. She can go from a happy-go-lucky, empowering pop song to a why is everything fundamentally wrong with me, tear-jerker song.  

I will admit I was an avid Swiftie in my younger years. From watching the "Our Song" music video on YouTube to singing "You Belong with Me" at summer camp karaoke, she always had a special place in my heart. But when she started shifting from country to pop, I fell off the train. Like many others, I did not like the new Swift and did not listen to her for a long time. 

Years later, Swift reeled me back in with the release of her albums Folklore and Evermore. The two albums attracted unconventional Swift listeners as she gained support from fans of music genres other than pop. The deep-cut lyrics, slowed-down beats, and indie-folk vibes were appealing to, say, Mitski, Lana Del Rey, or Boygenius fans.  

Swift's toned-down style appealed to new and returning fans, but despite the "era" she was entering with these albums, many still had difficulty publicly sharing their support. They thought their reputation of good music taste would be tarnished if anyone knew Swift was added to their list of top artists. 

In my case, this was true. I'm going to expose myself a bit and let you in on a secret: Taylor Swift was my number one artist on my Apple Music replay this year, but there was no way in hell you were seeing me post that to my Instagram story, and I know I wasn't alone. 

When I first saw it, I thought it was a mistake. How could I, someone who religiously claims to have an obscure, cool girl music taste, have Swift at the top of my list? Because I am guilty of being a secret Swiftie. Swift's music is something I can put on in the background while cleaning my room or choose to play on my depressing drive, heartbroken about the situationship that did me wrong. There is a range in her music that is often overlooked because she's been stereotyped as a "pop star." 

With her new upcoming album, "The Tortured Poets Department," we can expect to see more of this soft, emotional side of Swift, which she showed us in the previous albums I mentioned. Furthermore, there is potential for another rise of secret Swifties—people looking for depth in lyrics and variety in instrumentals. 

Throughout her ever-growing discography, Swift has shown she can do something extraordinary and attract a diverse audience. Although I might not be reposting album releases or screenshots of my favorite songs, know that I, your secret Swiftie, will be listening.  

I have to ask— will you be listening too? 

Strike Out, 

Kendall Ann Clark 

Boca Raton

Kendall Ann Clark is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca Raton. This 21-year-old girl is young and learning how to live. When she isn't writing or working at a local coffee shop, you can find Ken at the beach, reading, swimming, surfing, or at OBs. Follow Kendall on Instagram @kendallannwrites or connect with her through email at kendallclark2020@fau.edu