New Romantics Explained
“New Romantics” is a powerful and anthemic pop song by Taylor Swift, included on her fifth studio album, “1989.” Released in 2014, the song became an immediate fan favorite and even though it wasn’t released as a single, it was performed live during her “1989 World Tour.”
“New Romantics” is a song that captures a rebellious and carefree spirit, encouraging listeners to break free from societal expectations and embrace a new way of living. The lyrics emphasize embracing a youthful and optimistic outlook on life, seeking adventure, and defying conventional norms.
Although Taylor Swift has not explicitly revealed the inspiration behind “New Romantics,” analyzing the lyrics can give us some insight into the possible deeper meaning and its connection to her personal life.
The song begins with the lines, “We’re all bored, we’re all so tired of everything / We wait for trains that just aren’t coming.” Here, Swift seems to be expressing a sense of disillusionment and weariness with the mundanity of life. This sentiment could mirror the exhaustion she felt after the media scrutiny surrounding her personal relationships and the constant pressure to reinvent herself as an artist.
As the chorus begins, Swift sings, “Baby, we’re the new romantics / Come on, come along with me / Heartbreak is the national anthem / We sing it proudly.” This suggests that the ‘new romantics’ are a group of like-minded individuals who embody a rebellious spirit. The reference to heartbreak as the national anthem could be interpreted as a commentary on Swift’s highly publicized romantic relationships, which often became fodder for tabloids and discussion among fans.
Swift continues to emphasize the idea of embracing a carefree lifestyle in the lyrics, “We’re too busy dancing / To get knocked off our feet / Baby, we’re the new romantics / The best people in life are free.” This echoes her desire to enjoy life and not let obstacles or negativity bring her down.
There are also notable lines in the second verse that could be tied to specific relationships or struggles Taylor Swift was facing during that period. The lyrics go as follows: “Please take my hand and / Please take me dancing and / Please leave me stranded, it’s so romantic.” Here, Swift could be referencing her troubled relationship with Calvin Harris, which eventually led to a public breakup. The conflicting emotions of wanting someone to take her hand, but also wanting to be left stranded and independent, could symbolize the conflicted state of the relationship.
Swift’s fans resonated deeply with the lyrics of “New Romantics.” They admired the empowering message of living life on one’s own terms and not succumbing to societal pressures. Many fans found the song to be a motivational anthem that encouraged them to be bold, fearless, and unapologetically themselves.
While “New Romantics” stands firmly on its own, it is worth noting that it shares thematic elements with some of Swift’s other songs. “Blank Space,” another track from the “1989” album, explores themes of relationships and their media consumption. These two songs complement each other in terms of their commentary on love, heartbreak, and the ways in which they can be distorted and magnified by the public eye.
In addition, “New Romantics” can be seen as part of a larger narrative found throughout the “1989” album. Together with songs like “Shake It Off” and “Clean,” it represents a significant shift in Swift’s musical style and public image. The album as a whole reflects her growth and newfound confidence as an artist, breaking away from the country music genre that defined her earlier career.
Overall, the lyrics of “New Romantics” offer a glimpse into Taylor Swift’s mindset during that period of her life. Through her energetic and empowering lyrics, Swift encourages her fans to embrace their authentic selves, defy societal expectations, and find joy in the face of adversity.
