By HESSEM LADCANI
Staff Writer
When news came out that Taylor Swift’s 2012 album, “Red,” would be rereleasing as Taylor’s Version, the crowds went wild. Needless to say, we were not disappointed. Not only did we receive new versions of the popular album, but other songs ‘from the vault’ were also released and her fans were stunned. “Red” was already one of Swift’s most listened-to albums, so the idea of a new beginning with different instrumentals and/or lyrics was astounding to hear about.
One song that got the most attention was “All Too Well,” an already very popular classic about heartbreak and getting “lost in translation,” but Swift outdid herself by releasing a 10-minute version. Not only were her fans blessed with this elongated version of the original song, including new lyrics, but Swift also released a short film along with it. The short film starred Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink, a perfect duo and comparison to the relationship many fans theorize this song is about. Social media platforms went crazy upon the revelation of this elongated song. Previous suspicions that “All Too Well” was about Swift and her past relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal only soared even further when the film came out. Swift made a point to show the age difference between the two characters starring in the film, fans connecting it to the age difference both stars shared in real life. The newly added lyrics showcase this connection even further when Swift writes, “You said if we had been closer in age, Maybe it would have been fine, And that made me want to die.” This line is quite memorable, especially when hearing it sung, the idea of this age difference, and how hurtful it was to hear that from her ex.
Swift’s lyrics have always been cutting and ruthless when it comes to heartbreak songs; this was only further proven upon the release of this song. When singing, “And you call me up again, Just to break me like a promise, So casually cruel in the name of being honest,” her words cut deep, and to anyone who’s had their heartbroken, the idea of still holding a connection with an ex only ever causes more pain. The internet went crazy upon the reveal of this song, hearing the new lyrics as it uncovered more on Swift’s (suspected) past with Gyllenhaal. All of a sudden, rumors, theories, and videos began emerging based on what the song exposed. Swift even includes a rather bitter comment towards their age difference, which only made her fans go wilder; “But the punchline goes, ‘I’ll get older, but your lovers stay my age’.” This specific lyric rocked the world as the reality of the Hollywood dating game was uncovered. It’s seen way too often how a much older celebrity will begin dating a considerably younger celebrity with a fresh face and innocence. While there’s nothing necessarily wrong with age gaps, the gaslighting and toxicity that often spirals into these relationships is harmful and only ever seems to affect the younger celebrity, or in most cases the woman. Hollywood has always been a secretly toxic environment, but when it comes to dating lives, they seem to pull all the stops to change the narrative as much as possible.
Swift hasn’t spoken out on the rumors circling her past love life, and the things implied with her newest song additions. However, she remains relentless in getting a new release on all of her previous albums. Her fans only expect the best and she hasn’t disappointed yet. While social media has its way of taking over the conversation, Swift has done an even better job at controlling what she wants publicized about her life and what she doesn’t. It’s admirable to see her gain this newfound power and start to fully run her own life.
