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February 19, 2025 48 mins

You need to calm down, but we know it’ll be hard because in this episode, we are diving into historical criticism! We explore the context in which Taylor’s songs were created, starting with “Tim McGraw,” the first Taylor Swift single of all time. We then transition into the world of Lover with “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” and “You Need to Calm Down.” Join us as we explore how looking at the historical context of these songs helps deepen our understanding and appreciation of Taylor’s music! 

 

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Mentioned in this episode: 

Tim McGraw - She’s My Kind of Rain 

Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying 

E11: Show and Tell - Marxist Theory

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grease the film

Barbie the film 

Mean Girls the film

***

 

Episode Highlights: 

[00:40] Introduction to Historical Criticism 

[4:58] “Tim McGraw” from Debut

[16:37] “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” from Lover 

[29:47] “You Need to Calm Down” from Lover

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com 

Affiliate Codes: 

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off! 

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

 

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 Scotty Z.

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