Between writing a “Dear John” song and winning two GRAMMYs for “Mean,” Speak Now is another legendary masterpiece from Taylor Swift. What makes her third studio album so special and different from any other she has released, is that every single song was written without a co-writer. It was 100% written by the Taylor Swift, perhaps that’s why it also feels like her most emotional and personal album.

Speak Now was Swift’s first album to sell over 1 million copies the first week of sales. Not only was that such an accomplishment but also a feeling of validity. That she could accomplish something so impossible, with an album she wrote completely on her own. She’s gone on to do that twice more and holds the record of the only artist to have 3 albums sell 1 million copies the first week of sales.

All of Swift’s albums have songs that are emotional, tragic, majestic and beautiful. Speak Now takes on a life of its own, a voice of it’s own. It’s literally having the courage to say what you want, no matter how others will perceive it.

One of the most exciting things about this album is that Swift rewrote a song she never released, but had played live back before she ever released an album. Fans fell in love with “Sparks Fly” and petitioned to have it put on an album. Dreams came true with her third studio release!

“Back To December” opens us to Swift’s vulnerability and her recognition of being at fault for a relationship failing. She knows how to take credit for her part in things not working out, something that many seem to overlook. This is me swallowing my pride / Standing in front of you / Saying I’m sorry for that night. 

“Never Grow Up” has become an anthem for a lot of parents and others who have young ones they just cherish.

July 9th has become a Swift holiday and has been dubbed “Last Kiss” day. When you hear lyrics that are so tragic but poetic, you can’t help but realize what a revolutionary and genius songwriter she is. The imagery she is able to create with her lyrics is beyond her time. I do recall now / The smell of the rain / Fresh on the pavement / I ran off the plane / That July ninth / The beat of your heart / It jumps through your shirt / I can still feel your arms

There’s still songs of hope like “Mine” and “Enchanted.” A song like “Long Live” that has become an iconic part of big moments in life and the courage to face anything. Long live all the mountains we moved / I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you / I was screaming long live that look on your face / And bring on all the pretenders / One day, we will be remembered

Taylor Swift never waited, she always had the tenacity and fight to “Speak Now,” stand up for herself and be heard. She knew she couldn’t wait to share her stories that were happening to her right now. That’s what makes her so special. She was a teenager sharing real life teenage events and tapping into those feelings and emotions. She didn’t start singing in her mid 20’s songs she wrote when she was 14 that didn’t apply to her life anymore. She connects with her music in the here and now and that is why so many people connect with her. They can feel her vulnerability and sincerity in every word that she sings.

Thank you Taylor, for not being afraid to say yes and Speak now. 

#6YearsOfSpeakNow