Top 5 "Midnights" Lyrics

On October 21, Taylor Swift released her 10th studio album, Midnights, along with Midnights (3am Edition). This is her first new album since her release of Evermore in 2020. Her latest album covers topics such as the fear of growing older in an industry that favors younger women, her frustration with the media, and her personal struggles with her mental health.

Taylor Swift doesn’t cease to write introspective songs, and this album is no different. Her lyrics reflect those deep thoughts you have late at night, the ones that are filled with joy, regret, and trouble. The lyrics that I have compiled express just that.

5. When my depression works the graveyard shift / All of the people I’ve ghosted stand there in the room

These lyrics are representative of Taylor’s clever writing style. She uses a metaphor to describe her depression and the isolation that comes with it. I think that these lyrics are also a reminder that it’s important to keep those we value close, even when we are internally struggling.

4. Get out your map / pick somewhere and just run

I love these lyrics because they give an air of spontaneity. They show that in order to make the most of each day, we need to overthink less and simply start doing.

3. I've never seen someone lit from within

I love how reflective these lyrics are. I think that they are representative of the deep feeling and emotions that we have towards those that we love. I also think that they are also symbolic for us as people, when we start to come to terms with who we are.

2. And I saw something they can’t take away / everything you lose is a step you take

I think that these lyrics illustrate acceptance. It represents what happens when we start to grow into ourselves and reclaim our self-confidence.

1. Breathe in, breathe through / breathe deep, breathe out

These are my favorite lyrics of the entire album. I think that they are a universal reminder that the first step to moving forward is to breathe. They are reflective of the album’s theme because they represent the process of healing.

I asked Darby freshman Ella Loudenslager about what she thought made the album stand out from the others. She replied, “Folklore and Evermore focused on more deep thoughts and emotions, so I think Midnights being more upbeat and pop speaks a lot about Taylor’s growth.” She went on to explain how Swift went from “feeling used and drained to gaining self-worth.” One of her favorite songs from Midnights is “Glitch”, which she says is “criminally underrated.”

Finally, I asked her what message she took away from Midnights. She said, “I’m a huge Folklore fan, so after the sort of dreary album phase it was a big change…I definitely love Midnights and am excited to see Taylor happy!”

In Midnights, Swiftexpresses the universal message of what it is like to accept and move on from our pasts. She processes her innermost thoughts and emotions through her songwriting. By doing so, she connects with listeners around the world, reassuring them that no matter what, they just need to “breathe in” and “breathe deep”.