The Meaning Behind The Song: Illicit Affairs by Taylor Swift

Title: Decoding Taylor Swift’s “Illicit Affairs”

Table of Contents

Introduction

Taylor Swift’s “Illicit Affairs” is one of the standout tracks from her eighth studio album, “folklore.” The song has an entrancing sound and a beautiful melody that has captured the hearts of millions of Swifties worldwide. But what does “Illicit Affairs” really mean, and what message is Taylor trying to convey through this mellifluous tune?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the underlying meaning behind the song and try to understand what led Taylor to write such a poignant and emotionally charged masterpiece.

Background Story

Taylor Swift is known for her personal approach to songwriting, and “Illicit Affairs” is no exception. In this track, she narrates the story of someone who is having an affair with a married man. The song portrays the guilt, shame, and secrecy that comes with being in a forbidden relationship, and how it takes a toll on both parties involved.

The Different Layers of “Illicit Affairs”

At first listen, “Illicit Affairs” seems like a heartbreak ballad. However, this song has many layers to it, and Taylor has packed it with metaphors and analogies that leave us with numerous interpretations.

On the surface, the song seems to be about a romantic relationship that is veiled in secrecy. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that Taylor is discussing more than just a romantic relationship. She is drawing parallels between an affair and the lies we tell ourselves. She points out how we can fool ourselves into thinking that we are doing fine when, in reality, we are not.

The Importance of Honesty with Oneself

Taylor captures the essence of living in a facade in the following lines:

“Make sure nobody sees you leave
Hood over your head, keep your eyes down
Tell your friends you’re out for a run
You’ll be flushed when you return”

These lines capture the secrecy of living in a double life where one has to hide their true nature from everyone, including themselves. Taylor reminds us that it’s crucial to be honest with ourselves since lying to ourselves will only lead to a dead-end path.

She further goes on to say:

“Clandestine meetings, and stolen touches
They got him thinking that they had it made
But one of these things is not like the others
Like a rainbow with all of the colors”

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-examination. The narrator is trying to come to terms with the fact that they aren’t the person they thought they were. This realization is much like a rainbow with all the colors, as there are complexities and layers to the realization of being dishonest with oneself.

The Consequences of a Double Life

The song’s climax focuses on confronting the consequences of one’s actions. Taylor talks about how the narrator knows that they will never have the love and affections that they deserve. They understand that the relationship they’re in has no future and is built on an untruthful foundation.

She advises the listener to come clean with themselves and own up to their mistakes by admitting, “Don’t call me kid, don’t call me baby, look at this godforsaken mess that you made me.”

Through her lyrics, Taylor illustrates how the burden of living a double life can weigh on someone’s conscience and lead to disastrous outcomes. She shows the listener that true peace and freedom come from living life honestly and authentically.

The Bottom Line

“Illicit Affairs” may have a simple melody that’s easy on the ears, but it holds a deep message that’s quite thought-provoking. Taylor has managed to capture the emotions and complexities of being in a situation where one leads a double life. She encourages her listeners to be honest with themselves and to confront their mistakes head-on.

The song assures us that it’s okay to be flawed, and that it’s essential to embrace oneself in all of their human complexity. “Illicit Affairs” is Taylor Swift at her very best, and after listening to the song and decoding its meaning, it’s clear why it has become a fan favorite.

Conclusion

“Illicit Affairs” by Taylor Swift encourages us to be true to ourselves and to be honest about our mistakes and shortcomings. The song delivers a powerful message that resonates with listeners worldwide, emphasizing the importance of living life authentically. As an artist, Taylor has always been a master storyteller, and “Illicit Affairs” is a testament to her songwriting capabilities. It’s a beautiful and captivating tune that is worth listening to again and again.

ncG1vNJzZminnJnBqrnEpqysoZNjsLC5jq2fnmWdmq6vtc2gZJudmJ67pXnToZxmq5%2BjtG61y6WgnKGkYq6nssCiqaxlkq56ta3YpaarZaOstqfAjg%3D%3D