Amid the endless excitement surrounding Taylor Swift‘s rereleased albums, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” emerged as a focal point of anticipation for fans, as the 2014 album is widely regarded as Swift’s most celebrated. The original “1989” album earned 10 Grammy nominations and secured three wins, including album of the year.
Staying true to her pattern of revisiting her past work, Swift included “From the Vault” tracks on “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” — unreleased gems from the album’s initial creation that didn’t make the final cut. The response to the five vault tracks on her latest album has been overwhelmingly positive, with some fans even declaring these new additions as their favorites.
Swift teased the titles of the vault tracks months before the album’s release, and fans were especially fascinated by the track titled “Slut!” Swifties eagerly speculated about the song’s theme, believing it might address the media’s scrutiny of Swift’s love life during the period of its release. Back then, critics were fixated on portraying her as a “serial dater.”
Here, we delve into the meaning behind “Slut!” and whether or not it references any of Swift’s exes.
What Is “Slut!” About?
In this vault track, Swift embraces the media’s derogatory portrayal of her as a “slut.” She accepts their fascination with her love life and fixation on the number of men she’s dating, accepting it as an inevitable aspect of being a public figure. However, “Slut!” differs from other songs that approach this theme, such as “Blank Space,” in that she sees the media’s branding as a necessary evil in order to find “the one.” Swift views the media’s obsession as a sign that she is on the right track, putting herself out there and finding her soulmate.
The song delves into various facets of dating, portraying the lows as indispensable and beautiful experiences, just as much as the highs are. At one point, she sings, “Got lovesick all over my bed.” Swift is cleverly playing with the term “lovesick,” illustrating her profound love to the extent of physical illness.
Swift envisions a love that is unforgettable, symbolized by “Handprints in wet cement,” which suggests she longs for a relationship that leaves an indelible mark, either in reality or in cherished memories. This perspective offers a more whimsical and carefree outlook on love, setting it apart from the other tracks on the album.
Is “Slut!” About Harry Styles?
Many are quick to associate Swift’s songs with her various exes, and this proves a little trickier with this vault track than others. In the line, “Everyone wants him, that was my crime,” Swift highlights how the scrutiny surrounding her love life resembles a crime, with her sole offense being her choice to date similarly famous individuals. Given that a large part of “1989” is thought to be about Harry Styles, like the songs “Style” and “Out of the Woods,” she might be referencing Styles again here. When they dated in 2012, Styles was a member of the world’s most popular boy band, One Direction; many were jealous of their relationship, and Swift bore the brunt of their negativity.
However, while the song could be a subtle reference to Styles, it seems more likely that it captures Swift’s feelings about her experiences dating during that period in general. “Slut!” primarily delves into her personal encounters and her dynamic with the media, rather than focusing on any specific individual. The track provides a glimpse into Swift’s relationship with public scrutiny and her own romantic journey, making it a powerful commentary on the complexities of love and fame.
Taylor Swift’s “Slut!” Lyrics
VERSE 1
Flamingo pink, Sunrise Boulevard
Clink, clink, being this young is art
Aquamarine, moonlit swimmin’ pool
What if all I need is you?
PRE-CHORUS
Got love-struck, went straight to my head
Got lovesick all over my bed
Love to think you’ll never forget
Handprints in wet cement
Adorned with smoke on my clothes
Lovelorn and nobody knows
Love thorns all over this rose
I’ll pay the price, you won’t
CHORUS
But if I’m all dressed up
They might as well be lookin’ at us
And if they call me a slut
You know it might be worth it for once
And if I’m gonna be drunk
I might as well be drunk in love
VERSE 2
Send the code, he’s waitin’ there
The sticks and stones they throw froze mid-air
Everyone wants him, that was my crime
The wrong place at the right time
And I break down, then he’s pullin’ me in
In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman
PRE-CHORUS
Got love-struck, went straight to my head (Straight to my head)
Got lovesick all over my bed (Over my bed)
Love to think you’ll never forget
We’ll pay the price, I guess
CHORUS
But if I’m all dressed up (If I’m all dressed up)
They might as well be lookin’ at us (Lookin’ at us)
And if they call me a slut (If they call me a slut)
You know it might be worth it for once (Worth it for once)
And if I’m gonna be drunk
I might as well be drunk in love
BRIDGE
Half asleep, takin’ your time
In the tangerine, neon light, this is luxury
You’re not sayin’ you’re in love with me
But you’re going to
Half awake, takin’ your chances
It’s a big mistake, I said, “It might blow up in your pretty face”
I’m not saying, “Do it anyway” (Do it anyway)
But you’re going to
OUTRO
(Up)
And if they call me a (Slut)
You know it might be worth it for once
And if I’m gonna be (Drunk)
I might as well be drunk in love
Image Source: Getty / Natasha Moustache TAS23 DrPixel