8 Of The Most Empowering Taylor Swift Songs To Blast This International Women's Day
If there's one person no International Women's Day playlist is complete without, it's Taylor Swift. In addition to her impressive accolades (hello Time Person of The Year 2023), the Grammy-winner is a proud advocate for feminist issues. After nearly two decades in an industry run by primarily male record executives, it makes sense. Swift knows what a struggle it is to simply be a woman; having a world of sexist expectations weighed on you, yet knowing deep down you deserve better.
Don't believe us? Well, Swift probably put it best herself when she told Elle in 2019, "Being sweet to everyone all the time can get you into a lot of trouble. While it may be born from having been raised to be a polite young lady, this can contribute to some of your life's worst regrets if someone takes advantage of this trait in you." She added, "Grow a backbone, trust your gut, and know when to strike back. Be like a snake — only bite if someone steps on you." Sound advice, indeed.
It's that strong, no-nonsense sentiment that powers many of her songs (alongside her signature Swift dating advice, of course), too. So get ready to, in the words of our naturally curly haired queen, "F*** the patriarchy," because we've compiled some of our very favorite tracks from Swift's extensive discography for a total kick ass International Women's Day music collection.
The Man puts the patriarchy on blast
Starting strong, we have Swift's feminist empowerment anthem, "The Man." This track sees Taylor Swift questioning if she'd be more successful, taken more seriously, and more respected if she were a man doing the same things she does now. It's a feeling that's unfortunately familiar, even among those of us who aren't in the entertainment business. Per one Women in the Workplace study (via Tycoon Success), for every 100 men that move up in job roles, only 72 women do the same for the exact same job.
Instead of the world poking fun of her dating conquests or downplaying her many, many achievements, Swift points out she'd be celebrated as an alpha instead of vilified as a b**ch or a woman left on the shelf. Our favorite lines? "They'd say I hustled/Put in the work/They wouldn't shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve." How true.
Vigilante S**t is brings the sass
You can't get much sassier than "Vigilante S**t." As anyone who's seen Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" will know that (well, that and friendship bracelets are a must). This sultry song is empowering in the way Swift literally takes back her power from a man who cheated and lied to her by turning him over to the police and exposing his wrongdoings to his wife. Of course, empowering women certainly doesn't have to be tied to a man, but, seriously, this one will have you feeling like the strong, sexy, confident woman you are.
You Need To Calm Down calls out the haters
If you've ever felt attacked for no reason, vilified, or not accepted, "You Need To Calm Down" is for you. Another track from "Lover," this single is all about how to deal with the haters who just can't handle your fabulous-ness and are intent on taking you down. Usually for no reason at all. Extra points go to this one for Swift's decision to celebrate Pride and give the LGBTQ+ community shoutout via the lines, "Why are you mad?/When you could be GLAAD?"
Karma is Taylor Swift's middle finger to those who wronged her
If you've ever seen karma take down that person who did you wrong, you'll know it can feel pretty good. Empowering, even. And that's exactly what "Karma" is all about. This "Midnights" song gives us hope that all those who maybe haven't been the nicest will get their comeuppance one day, and also is a middle finger up to all those who tried to tear our red lipstick icon down.
Shake It Off is about dancing to the beat of your own drum
Similar to "You Need To Calm Down," "Shake It Off" is all about letting go of what other people think and dancing to the beat of your own drum (perhaps even literally). And what could be more empowering than that? Swift again references the double standards of dating as a woman, signing in part, "I go on too many dates/But I can't make them stay/At least that's what people say." But then she learns to, you guessed it, shake off that criticism and live life her way.
Marjorie uses advice from Taylor Swift's own grandmother
Taylor Swift is believed to have written the song "Marjorie" about her late grandmother, Marjorie Finlay. The "evermore" track contains some meaningful advice Swift once received from her. "Never be so polite, you forget your power/Never wield such power, you forget to be polite," Swift sings. It's a beautiful lesson that echoes Swift's sentiment in the 2019 Elle interview, which speaks to the challenges of balancing confidence and humility. The song also alludes to the idea of her grandmother still watching her, which is a touching message about never really being along when those we love pass away.
Clean is all about moving on
Looking to leave behind a bad situation and move on with a clean slate (pun intended)? Then "Clean" may be the track for you. This emotional song from "1989" is all about letting go of a past lover and looking towards the future with more clarity. Swift likens the process of grieving and moving on from a toxic relationship to cleansing yourself of that person's memory, with lines like, "When I was drowning, that's when I could finally breathe/And by morning/Gone was any trace of you, I think I am finally clean." The metaphor is not that different from the one described in the classic Rogers & Hammerstein song "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair," which compares it to a good shampoo.
Long Live's entire musicality is so empowering
To close out our International Women's Day playlist, it has to be "Long Live." This "Speak Now" track has our hearts with its anthemic melody and lyrics that sound like they're straight from a movie soundtrack. Hey, there's a reason she decided to close out the "Eras Tour" concert movie with this track! The song is a toast to the friends (or in Swift's case, fans) who stood by your side through every journey. It's the perfect anthem for a day that's all about celebrating women; after all, our friendships are essential to our well-being. Though lyrics such as "Bring on all the pretenders, I'm not afraid/Long live all the mountains we moved," "Long Live" will make you feel empowered to do anything and everything you could ever want.