the life of a showgirl debrief

After listening, texting, calling and talking about the album all day - why not write about it?

There is truly so much to say.

The initial listen to a Taylor album blends into one giant song and feels confusing. Almost like, hey what is happening Taylor?!

Although, after listening a few times, my opinion is more validated and I have an understanding of the album.

Truthfully, I was shocked and slightly underwhelmed at the first glance.

But, Taylor never puts something out that is not good by her standard, and her standard is greatness.

My one negative for this album as a whole is my personal preference to sad songs - and life altering lyrics that were sprinkled all over her last album, The Tortured Poets Department.

That's just not the vibe of this album and we knew that, which is not a bad thing by any means.

She has never written an album like this. It is uniquely the life of a showgirl.

Aren't we all showgirls in a sense? Each day we step into class, an office, a meeting, or a first date, social scene at a bar or a party - lights, camera, bitch smile!

I anticipated more behind the scenes of Eras or thoughts during performance/training. Although, she is a showgirl. This is just her life and how beautiful is it that she shares it with us!

As dramatic as all this seems, she is everything to the music industry and girlhood.

The boys have Lebron James and football games - we have her. Let us be dramatic about it.

I want to say some thoughts on each song:

The Fate of Ophelia:

I can't get enough of this song. It makes me want to run into the sunset towards a field of grass and spin around. So catchy. I am waiting to be saved from the fate of Ophelia, and I am so glad she got out.

"It's 'bout to be the sleepless night

You've been dreaming of ..."

Enough said.

Elizabeth Taylor:

I had low hopes for this when I originally predicted my favorites. However, this beat is unique and there are some golden lyrics in this song.

"Hey, what could you possibly get for the girl who has everything and nothing all at once?"

Opalite

"I had a bad habit

Of missing lovers past

My brother used to call it

'Eating out of the trash'"

No notes. Love is self-made and relationships just work. Nothing should be forced. This song is also quite catchy and feels empowering.

Father Figure

By far, this is my favorite. It is rare that I hear a song from the first listen and know it will be a favorite for the rest of my life. I don't know how to describe it but this song has it all for me. It is more eldest daughter than eldest daughter.

"I can make deals with the devil because my d!ck's bigger"

My jaw has not risen from the floor.

Eldest Daughter

It did not track 5 like I needed it to. My hopes were the highest for this one, and I have not lost hope entirely because the words may find me later. I like the nostalgia and some of the lyrics cut deep. But, this missed me a little - more than I would like to admit. I like the perspective that she is eldest daughter to us (her fans) and how she tries to keep up but the job of an eldest daughter is hard and painful at times, as it truly is. The tough shell, the expectations, the responsibility, relentless loyalty and the first to make mistakes. Pieces are there but it hasn't clicked for me yet, and that's okay.

"Every eldest daughter

Was the first lamb to the slaughter

So we all dressed up as wolves and we looked fire"

Ruin the Friendship

This hit personal, as it probably did for so many girls. Sometimes life feels like it would be so much easier if you just kissed the guy best friend. What would happen? Not sure, but there are so many regrets because I

"Should've kissed you anyway"

Actually Romantic

You know, it is actually so romantic that all this hatred is rent free in your head! You may just be my biggest fan.

How many times has your boyfriend said "Why are we always talking 'bout her?"

Wi$h Li$t

Honestly, this was a rare miss for me. I am happy for her and Travis and hope they have kids and that basketball hoop. I guess I am just not there yet, and the lyrics were immature for me. Although, the beat is catchy.

"Please, God, bring me a best friend who I think is hot"

Wood

This took me two-three times to realize what she did. I like the vibe of this song. It is bold, unapologetic, and really brags on her man. No mess, its simple that he is hers and he loves her right.

"I ain't got to knock on wood

All of that bitchin', wishing on a falling star

Never did me any good"

CANCELLED!

If I entered a marathon, play this the entire time and I could get it done. It makes me feel like I am walking on a runway and feels like a grown up The Man mixed with a deep Rep vibe. This is the secret and messy life of a showgirl. Give me more. Everyone has bodies in the attic... what else?!

"At least you know exactly who your friends are

They're the ones with matching scars"

Honey

This is another one that needed more from me, but the premise is good and I do enjoy the message. Redefining harmful things that are now lined with love. This was not as lyrically deep as it could have been.

"But you touch my face

Redefine all of those blues"

The Life of a Showgirl

This was flawless. This is for the SHOWGIRLS - the anthem of the album. Sabrina sounds amazing. It encapsulated the entire showgirl aspect to me.

"You wanna take a skate on the ice inside my veins."

Overall, she has done it again. Leading us through a new era of life and I welcome it with open arms. I am sure I will listen over and over and over again and not get sick of it. As far as official rankings, and where it tops on my personal charts, that I do not know yet.

To this day, I still find old Taylor songs that become new favorites or hyper fixations so I am not counting anything out.

You can hate Taylor Swift and think Swifites are dramatic and I don't really care - its actually romantic. She is our father figure and here we are united as showgirls through our next era of life.

Thank you for sharing your words with us Taylor!

New Showgirl,

Jane

PS - Still thinking about Father Figure and I won't ever stop.