Miriam

As part of the publicity for her upcoming album “Red”, pop artist Taylor Swift has released a series of singles, the most recent of which is “I Knew You Were Trouble.” The song combines pop sensibilities with a techno beat, and so far its success is notable. The lyrics present a problem, though.

I’ll be the first to say that I’m actually quite the Swift fan, myself. Her lyrics are fun, her music is catchy, and I appreciate her professionalism and positivity as a role model for younger fans. Overall, though some of her songs have bothered me, I think she’s as good a pop artist as I’ve seen. This song, too, is catchy and fun. But while I find the music appealing, the lyrics bother me greatly.

This isn’t the first time I’ve taken issue with Taylor Swift lyrics. “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” from her first album, outlines what seems initially to be an innocent relationship between two young people. Upon closer listen, the relationship sounds codependent, and it reinforces messages that young women, no matter how successful, should never strive to out-succeed their male partners.