THE ISKO RESONANCE: Relating Taylor Swift’s songs with the MSUan life

The well-known singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has made an indelible mark on the music industry with her emotional lyrics as well as relatable storytelling. Beyond the number-one singles and memorable melodies, Swift’s record digs into subjects that go much beyond music. We examined in this article how Taylor Swift’s songs have a powerful impact on our understanding of politics, independence, education, and personal development. Taylor’s music goes beyond simple amusement, referring to the shared experiences and emotions of her listeners as she navigates the ups and downs of academic life, forges ahead into the unknowns of post-graduation freedom, and even tackles serious political issues. Beneath the melodies she creates, there lies a familiar resonance with the MSUan life.

ALL TOO WELL

“And you call me up again just to break me like a promise / So casually cruel in the name of being honest,” one might remember and relate to this song as a GEC subject promises to never give a dos, but juxtaposes in your academic portal otherwise.

Students who have felt the crushing loss of obtaining a failing mark might relate to Taylor Swift’s powerful ballad “All Too Well.” This moving song beautifully expresses the initial optimism and promise in the connection between a professor and a student, only to be dashed when expectations are not satisfied. Listeners can identify with Taylor’s realistic description of her loss as she explores the anguish and self-examination that come after earning a low mark. “All Too Well” serves as a helpful reminder that failures may be transformative chances for learning and development. It inspires students to reconsider their approaches, ask for help when necessary, and persevere in their academic endeavors.

“I’m a crumpled up piece of paper lying here

‘Cause I remember it all, all, all...”

MISS AMERICANA & THE HEARTBREAK PRINCE, AND ONLY THE YOUNG

I remember the May 2022 elections on how most MSUans my day-ed on their Facebook and Instagram stories: “The game was rigged, the ref got tricked / The wrong ones think they’re right / You were outnumbered, this time.”

The songs “Miss Americana” and “Only the Young” from Taylor Swift’s later albums serve as anthems for political consciousness and civic action. These songs have a universal message even though they don’t directly mention

Ferdinand Marcos or Philippine politics, but the lyrics, “And the big bad man and his big bad clan / Their hands are stained with red / Oh, how quickly, they forget” seem to fit otherwise.

“Miss Americana” is a rallying cry, warning listeners to be aware of the hazards that charismatic and dictatorial politicians may provide. Similar to this, “Only the Young” encourages young people to speak out, express their concerns, and actively influence the destiny of their nation. These songs can act as a constant reminder to be watchful, aware, and involved citizens in Philippine politics, encouraging change and holding authorities responsible.

From Miss Americana, “It’s you and me, that’s my whole world...” and from Only the Young, “Only one thing can save us / Only the young”.

Clean

“Ten months older, I won’t give in / Now that I’m clean, I’m never gonna risk it,” as much as this relates to addiction, it’s the juxtaposition of the MSUan lifestyle, the wave of Casa Mia and tipsier Sentro nights, that depicts the MSUan life.

Shifting gears, “Clean” tackles the struggle against addiction and dependence, resonating with people who use liquor as a stress-reduction strategy. The reflective lyrics and soaring melodies of the song represent the process of letting go of bad habits and discovering inner strength to mend. “Clean” offers comfort and hope to those trying to overcome addiction as Swift sings about the value of letting go and breaking free from unhealthy behaviors. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of trying circumstances, seeking treatment and starting down a path of self-discovery and well-being is achievable.

“I think I am finally clean.”

YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN KID

And when we finally wear our Sotra togas, Taylor Swift’s “You’re on Your Own Kid” perfectly describes the mix of emotions that come with newly gained independence as graduation approaches. The lyrics of “You’re on Your Own Kid” seem to strike our collegiate resonance on transitioning as a full adult, realizing the weight of our diplomas and degrees. The song encourages graduates to embrace their freedom and face the challenges that lie ahead by embracing the joy and anxiety of transitioning into adulthood. Swift’s motivational quotes serve as a reminder that, despite the ambiguity of the path, we have the courage and power to make our own decisions and shape our destinies.

“You’re on your own, kid / yeah, you can face this.”

Songs by Taylor Swift represent a range of events and feelings that she experienced as her career as a musician developed. Swift’s music never fails to move fans to their core. From the frustration of academic failure in “All Too Well” to the call for political engagement in “Miss Americana” and “Only the Young,” the journey of overcoming addiction in “Clean,” and the exploration of newly discovered independence in “You’re on Your Own Kid,” her music continues to speak to listeners on a profoundly personal level. Her ability to convey universal themes and feelings through her music solidifies her status as a musician, melodizing straight to her audiences’ minds and hearts.

And it’s here that we find our Isko resonance.

BERJAN C. PAGADATAN