“Tried to change the ending, Peter losing Wendy.” This week on AP Taylor Swift podcast, we have a show-and-tell episode exploring “Peter Pan” and its influence on Taylor Swift’s music. We analyze three songs—“Innocent,” “Cardigan,” and “Peter”—uncovering connections between Taylor’s lyrics and Peter Pan’s themes of childhood, growing up, lost innocence, and the allure of staying young forever. From exploring Wendy's perspective as the “mother” figure to dissecting the complexities of Peter Pan syndrome, we delve into the literary and psychological depths of J.M. Barrie's classic tale and its resonance in Taylor Swift's lyrics.
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Mentioned in this episode:
- Peter Pan, JM Barrie
- Peter Pan (Play), JM Barrie
- Finding Neverland (Film)
- Finding Neverland (Musical)
- Peter Pan (1953) Disney adaptation
- Peter Pan (2003)
- Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
- Peter & the Starcatcher
- Hook
- Hymn to Demeter
- Lord of the Flies
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Episode Highlights:
- [01:07] Intro to Peter Pan
- [08:31] “Innocent” Speak Now
- [22:34] “Cardigan” folklore
- [31:09] “Peter” The Tortured Poets Department
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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka
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