#thought • i'm only cryptic and machiavellian 'cause i care. | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

stylesispunk · 1 month

Text

"You're always on my mind"

Joel Miller x f!reader.

summary: You are Joel's reason to live and he is yours.

word count: 3k

warnings: some fluff and heavy angst.

a/n: I'm still on my writing break, but I couldn't take this one out of my head, so you have it here. I don't want to go into details because it would spoil the whole fic, but this is pretty much based on a movie, and by the name and the song, you may get the idea which one is it. Reblogs and comments are appreciated, so please come here and tell me your thoughts. Happy reading 💌

dividers by @/saradika-graphics

Finding such beautiful things in a world like this was not an easy thing to do. In a world like this, there was no spare room for distractions but survival.

In a tarnished world, you were a rose blooming from frozen ground, when neither the coldness of the cryptic winter could end your sweetness.

You were there even when your heart broke at the sight of him, defeated and lost without his Sarah; without the tiny baby he raised, he died in his arms that night of September.

You were there when he became cold, and Machiavellian, a distant ghost of the sweet man with the gleamy brown eyes that smiled at you without a warning, was just off and gone.

And you were broken for him, anxious and afraid of him letting his life go away because the pain of tightening his chest might have been stronger than his love for you.

He was hurting you by hurting himself, and he knew it. He knew he was hurting you; he was aware of the pain he was causing just by looking at your somber gaze, lost in state. Yet he couldn't care or see beyond his own pain. He had lost his daughter and his baby, and he was losing you as you slipped through his fingers.

He had tried to end his life, but he failed. He was going to leave you behind, and he didn’t think about it. He had decided he was going to die and find solace in the thought that he would be reunited with his daughter in a peaceful world while leaving you in a tarnished reality full of monsters and nightmares. Alone with your fears and pain suffocating your lungs. Alone, just by yourself, as if he wasn't the only reason you had to survive.

After the bullet rubbed the skin of his temple, you became silent. You weren’t able to look at the scar marked on his skin, let alone look at his eyes.

And Joel’s heart was constricted against his ribs. Once he failed, he woke up from his trance, and he became aware that he hadn’t been looking after you as he should, but you were silent and you were on his mind.

You weren’t talking, but he knew you were broken because of him.

One day, you were coughing, and Joel's heart contracted against his ribs, and his breath stopped as he listened to your complaints.

"You're sick," he said, looking at you, pacing angrily at him mostly.

Silence.

"You should drink water or

"Or one of those things is going to come after us, I know," you replied without giving a look.

“Do you want to get yourself?"

"Killed? Yes, maybe I do want that." Your voice was motionless, as your eyes kept staring at the flames from the fire flying away to the sky.

"Don't you ever say that; you hear me?"

Silence, defeating silence.

"Answer when I talk to you, please.” He looked for a glimpse of the spark that used to adorn your gaze. Joel's voice trembled with emotion as he stepped closer to you.

"You can't give up," he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper.

You turned away from him, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. The fire crackled softly in the background, casting flickering shadows across the walls of your makeshift shelter.

“You were going to give up,” you whispered once you weren’t facing him.

Joel's heart sank at your words, the weight of them heavy in the air between you. He reached out a hand, hesitating, before gently resting it on your shoulder.

"I... I know," he admitted, his voice barely audible over the crackling of the fire. "I was lost. I was so consumed by my own pain that I couldn't see beyond it. But seeing you... seeing how much I've hurt you... it's woken me up."

You felt his touch, gentle over your skin, but you couldn't bring yourself to face him. The wounds were still raw, and the pain was too fresh.

"I'm sorry," Joel whispered, his voice filled with remorse. "I'm sorry for everything I've put you through. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I promise to do better. To be better."

Silence hung heavy between you, but it wasn't the suffocating silence of before. It was a silence tinged with possibility and the hope of redemption.

Slowly, tentatively, you turned to face him, searching his eyes for any sign of sincerity.

"You tried to kill yourself, Joel!" You called out "You are in pain, but I am too! Sarah was mine too; maybe not by blood, but she was my daughter too." You sobbed, not being able to contain the tears from spilling. "You were going to leave me alone. Here and-"

He cut you off by pressing his lips against you, expressing all the love he held on his chest and on his whole body for you.

"I love you; I love you; I love you," he murmured against your lips, recomforting, "I'm sorry."

As Joel's lips met yours, a flood of emotions washed over you: love, sorrow, forgiveness, and hope. His kiss was a silent confession, a promise to be there for you, to fight alongside you, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Tears mingled with the warmth of his embrace as you melted into his arms, feeling the weight of the world begin to lift from your shoulders. In that moment, you realized that, despite the pain and the struggles, there was still beauty to be found in the love you shared.

"I love you too," you whispered against his lips, your voice trembling with emotion. "I forgive you."

Joel pressed his forehead against yours, holding your face in his palms with such a delicate touch. "We keep each other alive," he murmured.

"We keep each other alive," you echoed softly, the weight of his words sinking in.

He kept the promise. He would live for you, and you would live for him; you were each other's reason to stay alive in a mad world.

With time, he let his guard down. Settling in a place like Jackson, in a world like this, it seemed like a dream and a nightmare at the same time. There were people laughing, wearing nice clothes, and sleeping under a safe roof, and yes, it was nice, but Joel didn't want the conformity to ruin his careful routine.

But he couldn't help it. It was impossible to resist his sights in the mornings when the first rays of sunshine peeked through the window, directly at you on your side of the bed. He was astonished by you, by the effortless beauty of your creases and your ends, by your peaceful demeanor, next to the warmth he would provide.

While his achy bones and silver hair reminded him that he was getting old, you looked the same, as if time and pain never took their toll on you.

"You always do that," you murmured, your voice drained from sleep.

"Do what?" was his question, smiling.

"Staring," you blinked your eyes open, trying to wash your sleep away. "It's creepy"

"I love watching you sleep, so I can remember what you thought the day was."

You chuckled; the sound resonated in Joel's ears.

"Sorry if it creeps you out," Joel said, his smile softening. "I just... I can't help it. You're beautiful, even when you're asleep."

You rolled your eyes playfully, reaching out to tousle his hair affectionately. "You're such a sap, Joel."

He laughed, leaning into your touch. "Maybe I am. But I mean it. You're the reason I’m alive.”

Your smile dropped. “Don’t say that.”

Joel's expression softened, realizing he may have touched a sensitive nerve. He gently took your hand in his, his eyes searching yours with sincerity.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to upset you," he said softly. "But it's true. You've been my anchor through the storm, the light in the darkness. Without you, I don't know where I'd be."

A tiny smile graced your lips as you looked at him, studying his face, the creases on his forehead, and the silver hair growing. Time had hurt Joel, but it made him look beautiful to your eyes, and you felt a sadness within your body.

“What do you want to do today?” Joel asked, smiling at you.

You took a moment to compose yourself, letting Joel's words sink in before responding. Despite the weight of his declaration, you knew his love for you was genuine, and it filled you with warmth.

"I don't know," you replied, returning his smile. "Maybe we could take a walk around the town? It's been a while since we've explored together."

Joel nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "That sounds like a great idea. It'll be nice to spend some time outside, away from these walls.”

Joel didn't like how people ignored him. His protective instincts kicked in as he noticed the way some people in the town seemed to ignore your presence. He tightened his grip on your hand in a gesture of solidarity and support. Even though he knew that you were the only one who could see him, he couldn't bear to see you being overlooked and dismissed by others.

“You seemed tense,” you joked, nudging his neck with your nose as you walked.

Joel couldn't help but chuckle softly at your attempt to lighten the mood, grateful for your ability to find humor even in difficult situations.

“Yeah, well, I hate how people look at me as if I were," he replied, his voice tinged with warmth as he squeezed your hand gently.

“You know why,” you whispered, mostly to yourself.

His gaze lingered on you for a moment before turning his attention back to the path ahead.

Just then, Tommy noticed Joel walking and approached him with a friendly smile.

"Hey, Brother! Where are you off to?" Tommy called out, his voice breaking through the silent atmosphere in Joel’s little world.

Joel glanced at Tommy, offering a small smile in return. "Just taking a walk," he replied, gesturing the way.

Tommy's smile widened as he nodded, noticing Joel’s cheerful humor. "Nice to see you out and about.” He downed his head for a moment. “Are you okay, right?”

Joel looked at Tommy for a moment, waiting for the words to come out of his lips: “Better than ever.”

"Yeah, Tommy, I'm doing alright," Joel replied, his voice laced with false cheerfulness. "Just enjoying the day."

Tommy nodded, though a hint of skepticism flickered in his eyes. "Good to hear, Joel. If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me."

With that, Tommy bid them farewell, leaving Joel to grapple with the weight of his secret once more. As they resumed their walk, Joel couldn't shake the feeling of isolation that gnawed at him, knowing that no matter how much he longed for connection,.

“Don’t be mad. He’s just worried,” you said, picking up on Joel’s behavior.

Joel sighed softly, grateful for your understanding and support. He knew you were right; Tommy meant well, and his concern was genuine. Yet the weight of his secret still pressed heavily on Joel's shoulders, a constant reminder of the barrier that separated him from the rest of the world.

"I know," Joel murmured, his voice tinged with sadness. "I just wish I could... I’m the big brother.”

You squeezed his hand reassuringly, offering a silent gesture of comfort. Joel found solace in your presence, in the way you understood him without needing words.

"I'm lucky to have you," Joel whispered, his gaze softening as he looked at you.

You smiled at him, not speaking more words, and you continued your walk together, hand in hand.

Once you were outside the walls of Jackson, you led the way. As Joel noticed the surroundings, his apprehension grew with each step. Memories of that fateful day flooded his mind—the pain, the fear, and the aftermath.

"I don't like this place," he said, his voice tinged with apprehension as he halted abruptly in his tracks.

You turned to face him, noting the five-foot gap that separated you. "Please, “you implored, your fingertips gently caressing his cheeks. His eyes closed, savoring the warmth against his skin, oblivious to the tears welling up.

"Love," he murmured, his voice trailing off.

“Please, tell me you still have that sweet love inside you," you pleaded, still tracing delicate patterns on his face.

"You know I don’t," he finally answered, his voice breaking mid-sentence.

As the warmth of your touch withdrew, he opened his eyes, meeting yours with a mixture of fear and longing. Tears shimmered in your eyes, and Joel felt his heart clench.

"It's been a year, Joel," you whispered, but he shook his head, unwilling to accept your words.

"You need to let me go," you urged gently.

"I can't. I don't want to," he replied, his voice thick with emotion.

Your heart ached as you listened to Joel's words, knowing the depth of his pain and longing. You wished you could ease his suffering; you wished you could erase the sorrow that weighed so heavily on his shoulders. But you also knew that holding on to the past would only prolong his agony.

"Joel," you said softly, reaching out to cup his face in your hands once more.

“I can’t,” he repeated. “This is the only way I can have you,” his tears falling down his checks.

"I can't just let you go," Joel protested, his voice trembling with the weight of his emotions. "I was so happy that you were mine.”

Your eyes softened with understanding, yet they were also filled with a profound sadness. "I know it's hard, Joel. But holding onto me like this is only hurting you more. You deserve to find peace."

Joel's gaze faltered, torn between the desire to cling to the memory of you and the need to find a way to heal. His heart ached with the unbearable emptiness that consumed him, a void that seemed impossible to fill.

"I don't know how to live without you," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

You reached out, gently taking his hand in yours, offering him a silent anchor amidst the storm of his emotions. "You don't have to do it alone, Joel. Let me be a part of your memories, but also let yourself live for the present."

Tears welled up in Joel's eyes, his resolve crumbling beneath the weight of your words. Slowly, hesitantly, he nodded, a flicker of hope stirring within his heart.

“Close your eyes,” you told him, grabbing the same hand you had put on the wedding band the day you got married, when the world hadn’t ended.

As Joel closed his eyes, a sense of calm washed over him, knowing that whatever was to come, he was not alone. He felt the warmth of your touch and the gentle pressure of your hand in his, and he let himself be enveloped by the love and comfort you offered.

With a trembling breath, you began to speak, your voice soft yet filled with emotion. "Joel," you whispered, your words carrying the weight of a lifetime of love and memories. "I want you to know how much you meant to me and how deeply I loved you."

Tears streamed down Joel's cheeks as he listened, hanging onto every word and every syllable that passed your lips. He felt his heart ache with bittersweet longing, the pain of losing you mingling with the warmth of your love.

"You were my everything, Joel," you continued, your voice breaking with the intensity of your emotions. "And even though I'm not physically with you anymore, I will always be a part of you, guiding you and watching over you."

Joel's grip tightened around your hand, his chest constricting with a mixture of grief and gratitude. "I love you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

And then, as you finished speaking, Joel felt a shift in the air—a gentle breeze that seemed to carry your presence away. He opened his eyes, expecting to see you standing there before him, but to his dismay, you were gone.

"No," Joel whispered, his voice echoing through the empty space around him. "Don't leave me."

But there was no response, no comforting touch to reassure him. You were gone, leaving behind only the memories and an ache in Joel's heart that would never truly heal. And as he stood there, alone in the silence,.

Ever since that tragic day, when you had died while patrolling with Joel, he had been unable to escape the relentless grip of grief. It was a stupid accident, one he could have prevented if he had been faster, but he wasn't, and he was paying the price.

Right now, every moment and every breath seem to echo with your absence. He had held himself to the memories of your laughter, your touch, and your presence by his side. Everywhere he turned, he saw traces of you. You were there, and he could touch you, but now your goodness fades away with the air. He longed for the comfort of your embrace, the warmth of your smile, and the sound of your voice calling out his name.

But there was silence. He turned around, and with the heaviness in his heart and tears spilling down his checks, he walked back alone to Jackson. This time, there was no reminder of you by his side. Tears blurred Joel's vision as he trudged along the familiar path, the memories of that day replaying in his mind like a relentless nightmare.

But no amount of regret or self-blame could bring you back, and Joel knew that he would have to find a way to carry on without you by his side.

And so, with a heavy heart and tears still streaming down his cheeks, Joel resolved to carry on, to face each day with courage and determination, knowing that even though you were gone, your love would always be with him.

You were always on his mind.

874 notes · View notes

joesalw · 5 months

Note

Ok, that's gonna be long one.

One jet is around $50 million. She has two. And now she had the ig tracking account taken down claiming that's an invasion of privacy. Very interesting considering the account existed for a few years and she didn't have any problems with it and now suddenly she gets called out for abusing the environment it's become invasive. The lady is shady. And the fact that her answer about not going to therapy is 'i feel very sane'. Oof. She's republican raised for sure. Those people think that any mental health issue equals clinical insanity and if you're seeing a therapist there must be something wrong with you.

She's jumping from one relationship to another and doesn't even know who she is. She just molds into whatever her man wants or what looks best for the image. She doesn't know how to exist on her own. For someone who presents herself as a 'girlboss' she sure doesn't have a sense of self-worth and always has to have a man next to her. No matter how bigoted he may be. She's not getting any younger so she's getting desperate and that's probably why she's unleashing on Joe. If she wants a kid, she doesn't have much time left so she latches on to every man throwing themselves at her in hopes of a happily ever after. It doesn't work like that. Fix yourself first then move on to look for someone to build a life and future with. There's no way any sane grown man would want a self-sabotaging, fight-picking, obsessive overgrown teenager with no sense of boundaries to even marry let alone have a child with. She doesn't know where her public life ends and private one begins.

I'm sure Joe saw all of that and dipped. It's not good to bring a child in that environment. And if they'd ever had one, she'd go on with her life and he'd be a house husband. I've never seen TS as maternal, nurturing or even mature enough to have a child because she seems not to have the capacity to take care of herself. In 2016 Joe was the one who took care of her and 'saved her'. It wasn't her own doing. And when he left, she started spiraling again. She portrayed herself as a mature grown woman in her 2020 albums and that turned out to be a farce. She's still that same insecure 16 year-old but richer, more influential and famous. Her recent interviews are a solid proof of that.

Her music is also nothing special. Some generic pop with repetitive and recycled melodies. She's not a vocalist, not a dancer, doesn't have a superb instrument skill, there's barely any emotion in every song she sings. Her lyrical topics are the same and don't hold any though provoking themes. She uses nonsensical metaphors and uncommonly used words to make her lyrics look better and herself seem smarter. It doesn't change the point of the song though. Argumentative antithetical dream girl is just a glamorous way of saying manic. Machiavellian is a way of saying manipulative, being morally indifferent and self-serving, lacking empathy. Sure does sound nice, huh? "I'm only cryptic and Machiavellian (manipulative, selfish, deceptive, cunning. call it whatever you want) 'cause I care". Machiavellianism in psychology is described as one of the traits in the Dark triad model. Right along narcissism and psychopathy. Mastermind is masterminding out in the open and no one bats an eye. The psychologists that named the trait after Niccolo Machiavelli said that one of the core features is lack of concern for conventional morality (they aren't concerned about the morality of lying and cheating). If you're into psychology Richard Christie and Florence L. Geis (the ones that named the trait) have a book "Studies in Machiavellianism" which is a pretty good and insightful read.

(just my assumption) I'm sure Joe dropped that word on her and she was like 'ooh, sounds nice and Machiavelli was like very political, a bit controversial and cool and people refer to him a lot, I'll definitely be using that in a song'. lmao. little did she know. I think she thought he meant it in a political sense and not a psychological one. Which are totally different things. And I'm sure he was like 'lol, she thought'.

There're a ton of celebrities bringing her up on talk-shows as well. At least once a week there's a bit on some show about a certain celeb's interaction with her. As someone who enjoys learning english trough media that's quite disturbing. I see her everywhere, TV shows, news articles, social media outlets. She's becoming inescapable. And that makes me wonder about the proportion of celebrities and journalists who genuinely like her and the ones who bring her up to get more attention. God forbid you say anything negative about her. Her Karen army will immediately send death threats your way, make fun of every aspect of your life or even dox you. And with her silence she's enabling this behaviour because she's a self-proclaimed Machiavellian (whether she chose a psychological meaning for the song or not) and doesn't care what her minions do as long as she doesn't get called out for it.

She only allows non-critical journalists to interview her. I mean, what kind of self-suck is that? An interview should be a form of discussion and not an ass kissing session. Any negative article about her will have your whole outlet blacklisted from interacting with her and her team. She needs to be in full control of the narrative all the damn time because she knows that once she lets go of the rein all of the skeletons in her closet will fall out on their own.

She's digging her own grave and I'm here for it. Last time she could make Kim and Kanye the villains and this time she'll have no one to blame but herself. Her narcissistic flat ass would make Tree the scapegoat if there's no one else she could point her finger to. It's always someone else's fault but hers. A chronic victim of this cruel patriarchal world.

I have studied psychology briefly and have learned about the dark triad and machiavellianism. What's surprising to me is that high mach people can gain advantage in the short run but ultimately lose their power in the long run because people start seeing through their surface level acting, which is what we're seeing through her behaviour right now. She acts to be an activist only when it benefits her. But swifties have so much obsession with her that even if they find it disturbing, they will try to justify it. Also idk how Taylor flexes about her machiavellianism, like to me that's not something to be proud of, the ends do not justify the means when you hurt so many people in the process. The fact that she's accepting she's cunning, manipulative, deceptive and lies to get things according to her own interest tells a lot about who she is as a person! no wonder why Joe didn’t want to marry her. Her machiavellianism trait only benefitted her in the short run

#anti taylor swift #joe alwyn #swifties dni

66 notes · View notes

heyo-428 · 6 months

Text

So I said i’m a comment on a post I would share my Rafal playlist with you all and I want to preface this by saying some of these songs are based off my own interpretations of his character or personal headcanons.

Tagging the sge prequel fans bc obvi

@liketwoswansinbalance @thescarlettshrimpernel @harmonyverendez @discjude @rosellemoon

The songs with reasons are all below the cut!

MAJOR SPOILERS!!!

Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift

- Do i need to explain?

Mastermind - Taylor Swift

- “No one wanted to play with me as a little kid

So I've been scheming like a criminal ever since

To make them love me and make it seem effortless

This is the first time I've felt the need to confess

And I swear

I'm only cryptic and Machiavellian 'cause I care”

THATS THE MOST RAFAL THING EVER

Also the last line, reminds me of the scene where he’s talking to the students and getting them to hell him fight against Rhian he says something like “if i’ve gone to far it was to protect everyone”

Sign of the Times - Harry Styles

- Idk reminds me of his death

- And “we never learn we’ve been here before” makes me think of the fact he got stabbed by the Storian in Rise and Fall and the symbolism it holds.

Mercy - Shawn Mendes

- “I’m prepared to sacrifice my life” is when he jumped in front of Rhian in Rise

Bad Habit - Steve Lacy

- “I wish I knew you wanted me”

Idk it’s giving James X Rafal yk

People I Don’t Like

- Fits his personality lmao

Murders - Miracle Musicsl

- “All for nothing at all” IS HIM DYING IN FALL LIKE “oh i did all that for rhian and got nothing in return”

Gilded Lily - Cults

- Same as above “Haven’t I given enough?”

- Also, “Always the fool with the strongest heart”

Christmas Kids - Roar

“You’ll change your, and change your mind, and leave this fucked up place behind, but I’ll know I’ll know.” Rhian killing and taking his identity and Rafal being the only who knows :(((

Heather - Conan Gray

- Another James X Rafal one but “But you like her better, I wish I was Heather,” BUT MAKE IT KYMA BECAUSE APPARENTLY JAMES AND KYMA ARE A THING? (Where did Soman find that one? Up his ass?)

Another Love - Tom Odell

- Him not being able to show sympathy for anyone else really because he’s wasted all his time and energy on Rhian

If I Killed Someone for You - Alec Benjamin

- Since Rafal had changed who he was for Rhian to be good I thought this was fitting since the point of the song is “I killed a part of myself for you, am I enough now?”

Many more Taylor Swift songs but I didn’t want my playlist to be a ton of Taylor Swift. I can’t think of some off the top of my head right now.

#rise of sge #rise of the school for good and evil #fall of sge #fall of the school for good and evil #sge #school for good and evil #the school for good and evil #rafal mistral #rhian mistral #sge prequels

34 notes · View notes

cassandrattpd · 3 months

Text

nobody wanted to play with me as a little kid so i've been scheming like a criminal ever since to make them love me and make it seem effortless this is the first time i've felt the need to confess. and i swear!! i'm only cryptic and machiavellian 'cause i care!!!!!! btw!!!! in case anyone thought they were over it

#leanne.text

17 notes · View notes

allthisterribledanger · 17 days

Text

I have so many thoughts on The Tortured Poets Department / The Anthology, you guys. I haven't been on Tumblr since the dark ages but I need to find some other people who are seeing what I'm seeing.

TTPD is about the dark side of fame and the toll that living inauthentically has taken on Taylor. I think this is a bait-and-switch album that is meant to be better understood when she comes out - and I'm convinced by this album that that's coming soon. She's letting people think this album is about Joe/Matty/Travis, the men masquerading, but the subtext and double-meanings are louder than ever. She knows that after she tells the truth everyone will go back through her work looking for the clues, so she's packed TTPD full of them. She's only cryptic and Machiavellian cause she cares.

In this post, though, I want to talk about Robin.

Robin is speaking directly to her fans. She's just spent the whole album telling us that her life is a lie. Now she's singing a lullaby to the still-sleeping fans who won't understand it yet, but she trusts that someday we'll look back on these songs and know, like a childhood memory that takes on new meaning with adult perspective. (I also find it interesting that the penultimate track is a lullaby but the first one has something that sounds like an alarm clock.)

I think the title is a reference to Christopher Robin since the Winnie the Pooh stories were written for the real Christopher Robin, A. A. Milne's son. She's been making up stories for us, not just with her music but with her entire public life. Anyway, some lyrical analysis:

Long may you reign

You are an animal, you are bloodthirsty

It opens with language evocative of Long Live, a song written about her fans. I also love the image of her fanbase as a child monarch who thinks they're in charge but is actually subject to the whims of the adults scheming behind their back. (I don't think I or gaylors generally are above this, btw. We're seeing the clues she wants us to see.)

We are the bloodthirsty animals, always wanting more than what she's given us. I also think she's starting with a harsh line so we won't want to think this song is about us, despite the clues that it is.

Out windowpanes, talking utter nonsense

You have no idea

Many people gossip and speculate about her love life, but none of it's true.

Strings tied to levers

Slowed-down clocks tethered

All this showmanship to keep it for you

In sweetness

What the fans don't know about is how much she's manipulating her public image. She's been participating in the performance art of fame, creating a narrative of her personal life for us to consume, and it's put her actual life on hold. "All this showmanship" of her life has been to keep the illusion of her girl next door image, and therefore keep her fans.

But it's been done in sweetness. I think her love for the fans is complicated, but it's still a kind of love. She lied to protect herself and to keep the public loving her back. I don't think she's any more upset at the people who believed her lies than you'd be at a child for believing in Santa Claus.

Way to go, tiger

Higher and higher

Wilder and lighter for you

The fans have done exactly what she wanted them to do, brought her career higher and higher, and she's kept lying to follow that path. She's made herself wilder (orchestrating the narrative that she's a serial man-eater) and lighter (pretending to be happy) to give us a narrative.

Long may you roar at your dinosaurs

You're a just ruler, covered in mud

You look ridiculous, and you have no idea

The fans defend her from men she never dated.

Buried down deep and out of your reach

The secret, we all vowed to keep it from you

In sweetness

She must keep many secrets from the public, and she's started talking more openly about some of them in this album, but this is about the secret. One big thing she's been keeping from her fans.

You've got the dragonflies above your bed

You have a favorite spot on the swingset

You have no room in your dreams for regret

(You have no idea)

The fans have loved the stories she told them. They've got favorite songs, favorite outfits, favorite exes.

The time will arrive for the cruel and the mean

You'll learn to bounce back, just like your trampoline

She knows that she's going to get a lot of shit for coming out and that some fans will feel betrayed. But we'll be all right, and even the most upset people will move on with their lives.

But now we'll curtail your curiosity

In sweetness

She's decided to tell us the truth. That means the sleeping child has to learn some hard truths about the world, but she's done infantilizing us with lies.

Then she repeats the chorus, but the "way to go, tiger" feels more genuine. She's not humoring a child with bedtime stories anymore, but instead telling us the truth. She's being wilder and lighter by living life authentically.

Do you guys have thoughts? I'm certain we're going to be finding new meanings in this album for a long time.

#gaylor #gaylor swift

7 notes · View notes

azurestar · 7 months

Text

With the Eras Tour movie coming out this weekend, I thought I'd post some of my Batman/Taylor Swift thoughts.

My Tears Ricochet reminds me so strongly of Bruce and Dick's relationship I'm not 100% convinced it wasn't actually written about them. I could probably do a full lyrical analysis to this song, but for now I'll point to a few selected quotes.

Even on my worst day, did I deserve, babe All the hell you gave me? 'Cause I loved you, I swear I loved you 'Til my dying day

You know I didn’t want to have to haunt you But what a ghostly scene You wear the same jewels that I gave you As you bury me

In Swift's discography, the "jewels" represent the albums she lost the rights to, which her former label continues to profit off of. In this context, the jewel is Robin's identity— which Bruce gives Jason weeks after firing Dick.

I didn't have it in myself to go with grace 'Cause when I'd fight, you used to tell me I was brave. And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake? Cursing my name, wishing I stayed ... And you're tossing out blame, drunk on this pain Crossing out the good years

When Bruce fires Dick, he tells him he wants Robin to stay dead. When Dick confronts him about taking on a new Robin, he at first refuses to acknowledge “the years we spent together as Batman and Robin”— before breaking down and angrily admitting that he missed him.

Mastermind reminds me of Barbara —specifically, her conversation with Helena in Birds of Prey #84, when she apologizes for psychologically manipulating her. Read the bridge of Mastermind…

No one wanted to play with me as a little kid So I've been scheming like a criminal ever since To make them love me and make it seem effortless This is the first time I've felt the need to confess And I swear I'm only cryptic and Machiavellian 'cause I care.

…and then the following panels.

Right Where You Left Me is more meta than the others on this list, but it reminds me of Tim— still Robin, still seventeen after all these years.

Everybody moved on I stayed there Dust collected on my pinned-up hair They expected me to find somewhere Some perspective, but I sat and stared Right where you left me … Did you ever hear about the girl who got frozen? Time went on for everybody else, she won't know it She's still 23 inside her fantasy How it was supposed to be…

In a hypothetical edit, I’d change the self-deprecating next line to “Did you hear about the girl who lives in delusion? / Heroes die every day / You don’t have to lose it." You know:

You’re Losing Me reminds me of Stephanie’s time as Robin + War Games.

I gave you all my best me's, my endless empathy And all I did was bleed as I tried to be the bravest soldier Fighting in only your army Frontlines, don't you ignore me I'm the best thing at this party (You're losin' me)

Despite Batman's discouragement, Stephanie gave being Robin everything she had, throwing herself in the line of fire to protect him. Instead of rewarding her efforts, Batman pushes her away, limits her information access, and eventually fires her.

And I wouldn't marry me either A pathological people pleaser Who only wanted you to see her

As War Games progresses, Stephanie's overwhelmed with guilt. All she ever wanted was Batman's support.

Finally, the heart failure theme. Swift incorporates a heartbeat into the track, and “you’re losing me” references a coding hospital patient. The final lyrics:

Stop, you're losin' me Stop, you're losin' me Stop, you're losin' me I can't find a pulse My heart won't start anymore

#dc comics #dick grayson #bruce wayne #stephanie brown #barbara gordon #tim drake #taylor swift

18 notes · View notes

averysjameson · 2 years

Text

can we talk about how so many songs on midnights (+ midnights (3 am edition) are averyjameson songs? snow on the beach, labyrinth, sweet nothing, mastermind, the great war, paris, glitch, hits different? but specifically labyrinth and mastermind because?? walk with me here.

uh oh, i'm falling in love oh no, i'm falling in love again oh, i'm falling in love i thought the plane was going down how'd you turn it back around?

bold is avery, regular is jameson, and it's just SO beautiful. avery can't believe she's falling in love because like her mom, she never thought she needed romance, never understood what it felt like for one person to be her everything. with jameson, it was her keeping her at arm's length, trying his hardest to act like she was just a game and a mystery so that if he missed his chance in tig or most of all, that grayson loves avery and avery loves him back (because in his mind, who wouldn't choose grayson, especially over him?), he wouldn't get hurt. but he's falling in love again (and this time it's so much different because it's avery kylie grambs, and with everything that she is, how could he not love her?). i thought the plane was going down / how'd you turn it back around? is my favorite, though, because as nash and grayson said, jameson was self destructive and he was one bad idea away from ruining his life but god, avery made him feel something again, and dare i say, something he has never felt before (because he never truly loved emily)? he didn't want to solve the mystery without avery in tig, and cleaned up his act through thl and tfg. he stopped drinking, he opened up, he knew with every fiber of his being he was capable of horrible things, but because of avery, there are things too precious to gamble. she gave him a purpose again, maybe even for the first time? "i can't hate him, avery kylie grambs, because he brought me you"????

and mastermind?????

what if i told you none of it was accidental and the first night that you saw me i knew i wanted your body

avery "i don't believe in destiny or fate—i believe in choice" and "but unlike toby, i had no regrets. i would have done it—all of it—all over again" grambs?? (and tobias hawthorne wow)

and

no one wanted to play with me as a little kid so i've been scheming like a criminal ever since to make them love me and make it seem effortless this is the first time i've felt the need to confess and i swear i'm only cryptic and machiavellian 'cause i care

if these isn't the most jameson hawthorne lyrics that have ever been written?? it's so funny because everyone complains about him being cryptic and not making any sense with his riddles, being some kind of criminal showing up through fireplaces?? and he wanted so badly for emily to choose HIM but felt deep down that she loved grayson? that everyone loved grayson.

don't even get me started on anti-hero. and avery is you're on your own, kid?? but you're on your own, kid is also toby?? and oh my gosh, bigger than the whole sky is avery and toby ???? that's a post in and of itself. i have some grayson/nash/xander ones too AHH.

i'm absolutely feral this is gonna be an ongoing series ok bye

#it's been a while hi!!!!#i had a feeling midnights was gonna be an averyjameson album but this floored me #i'm still processing omg #so many jameson + toby songs honestly but wow!! WOW!!#i'm SO excited to see more of these and connect these in the brothers hawthorne #jameson hawthorne #jameson winchester hawthorne #avery grambs #avery kylie grambs #avery x jameson #averyjameson #tig #thl #tfg #the inheritance games #the hawthorne legacy #the final gambit #grayson hawthorne

112 notes · View notes

spade-riddles · 5 months

Note

So, with the Spotify billboard image...

Renaissance reminded me of Machiavelli - "I'm only cryptic and Machiavellian 'cause I care"

I went down a quick "The Prince" rabbit hole... and then tried entering parts of "Niccolo Machiavelli" into a word scramble finder:

-Longest word: AVALANCHE - I find it very interesting that Taylor used "summit" in Karma and in the image she's superimposed at the top of what looks like a purple-ish snowy looking mountain (the North Mountain?? Elsa?)

-Melancholiac, Melancholia; "You don't really read into my melancholia"

-BUT ALSO: The word CAMELLIA. Immediately thought it sounded like a flower and sure enough, there it was. I recognized it from the image - the person standing in a colorful suit with a large pink flower blocking their face. I even put it into google image search and it came up as a Camellia flower.

I need to talk to someone about this!

11 notes · View notes

spacejams · 1 year

Text

midnights (3 am) ask prompts

this masterlist of prompts was created as part of the rph server's 2022 gift exchange for @caffeinatedresources / @elitemikaelsonheiressqueen !

lavender haze

"meet me at midnight."

"all this shit is new to me."

"the only kind of girl they see is a one night or a wife."

maroon

"how'd we end up on the floor, anyway?"

"and i chose you."

"how the hell did we lose sight of us again?"

"that's a real fucking legacy to leave."

anti-hero

"i get older, but just never wiser."

"i should not be left to my own devices."

"tale as old as time."

"you got tired of my scheming."

"it's me, hi."

"i'm the problem."

"it must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero."

"sometimes, i feel like everybody is a sexy baby."

"i have this dream my daughter-in-law kills me for the money."

"she thinks i left them in the will."

"she's laughing up at us from hell."

snow on the beach

"i saw flecks of what could've been lights."

"it might just have been you, passing by."

"life is emotionally abusive."

"and my flight was awful, thanks for asking."

"i'm unglued, thanks to you."

"weird, but fuckin' beautiful."

"tonight feels impossible."

"to hide that would be so dishonest."

"it's fine to fake it 'til you make it."

"i don't even dare to wish it."

"can this be a real thing?"

you're on your own, kid

"i play it cool with the best of them."

"he's gonna notice me."

"it's okay, we're the best of friends."

"i hear it in your voice."

"i didn't choose this town."

"i waited ages to see you there."

"you're on your own, kid. you always have been."

"i gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this."

"you've got no reason to be afraid."

question

"big city, wrong choices."

"fuckin' situations, circumstances, miscommunications."

"can i ask you a question?"

"do you wish you could still touch her?"

"it's just a question."

"what's that that i heard? that you're still with her?"

"that's nice, i'm sure that's what's suitable."

bejeweled

"i think i've been a little too kind."

"putting someone first only works when you're in their top five."

"by the way, i'm going out tonight."

"familiarity breeds contempt."

"baby boy, i think i've been too good of a girl."

"i think it's time to teach some lessons."

labyrinth

"it only hurts this much right now."

"i'll be getting over you my whole life."

"you know how scared i am of elevators."

"you know how much i hate that everybody just expects me to bounce back."

karma

"you're talking shit for the hell of it"

"karma's a relaxing thought."

"ask me what I learned from all those years."

"ask me why so many fade, but i'm still here."

sweet nothing

"they said the end is coming."

"everyone's up to something."

"i found myself running home to your sweet nothings."

"all that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing."

"on the way home, i wrote a poem."

"i'm just too soft for all of it."

mastermind

"what if i told you none of it was accidental?"

"what if i told you i'm a mastermind?"

"all the wisest women had to do it this way."

"if you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

"no one wanted to play with me as a little kid."

"this this the first time i've felt the need to confess."

"i'm only cryptic and Machiavellian 'cause I care."

"you knew that i'm a mastermind."

bigger than the whole sky

"'cause it's all over now, all out to sea."

"you were more than just a short time."

"i've got a lot to pine about."

"i've got a lot to live without."

paris

"your ex-friend's sister met someone at a club, and he kissed her."

"turns out it was that guy you hooked up with ages ago."

"all the outfits were terrible."

"did you see the photos?"

"i'm so in love that i might stop breathing."

high infidelity

"i didn't know you were keeping count."

"do you really want to know where I was april 29th?"

"seemed like the right thing at the time."

glitch

"we were supposed to be just friends."

"you don't live in my part of town, but maybe i'll see you out some weekend."

would've, could've, should've

"if you would've blinked then i would've looked away at the first glance."

"and i damn sure never would've danced with the devil."

"now that i'm grown, i'm scared of ghosts."

"now that i know, i wish you'd left me wondering."

"but, lord, you made me feel important."

"you tried to erase us."

"you're a crisis of my faith."

"i miss who i used to be."

"i regret you all the time."

"i keep on waiting for a sign."

"I can't let this go, I fight with you in my sleep."

#rphservergifts #ask prompts #midnights ask prompts #ask prompt #lyrics prompts #ask memes #ask meme #long post

50 notes · View notes

morrisxn02 · 7 months

Text

ogden college (un)official class playlist ! if you already thought they needed therapy, wait until you see their designated taylor swift songs !

PART TWO: ogden college (taylor's version)

clean, from 1989 (taylor's version)・henrietta astor

"the drought was the very worst, when the flowers we'd grown together died of thirst. it was months and months of back and forth. you're still all over me, like a wine-stained dress i can't wear anymore."

peace, from folklore・reina azarolla

"but i'm a fire and i'll keep your brittle heart warm. if you cascade, ocean wave blues come. all these people think love's for show, but i would die for you in secret."

picture to burn, from taylor swift・ida clarke

“there's no time for tears. i'm just sitting here planning my revenge. there's nothing stopping me from going out with all of your best friends. and if you come around saying you're sorry to me, my daddy's gonna show you how sorry you'll be..."

cowboy like me, from evermore・lincoln crawford

"i've got some tricks up my sleeve. takes one to know one... you're a cowboy like me, never wanted love, just a fancy car... now i'm waiting by the phone, like i'm sitting in an airport bar. you had some tricks up your sleeve..."

carolina, from where the crawdads sing ost・nova dodson

"lost i was born, lonesome i came; lonesome i'll always stay. carolina knows why for years i roam free as these birds, light as whispers, carolina knows."

mastermind, from midnights・sassa fiske

"no one wanted to play with me as a little kid, so i've been scheming like a criminal ever since. to make them love me and make it seem effortless... this is the first time i felt the need to confess. and i swear, i'm only cryptic and machiavellian 'cause i care."

the last great american dynasty, from folklore・charlie fletcher

“there goes the last great american dynasty. who knows, if she never showed up, what could have been? there goes the most shameless woman this town has ever seen, she had a marvelous time ruining everything.”

betty, from folklore・jesse hart

“if you kiss me, will it be just like i dreamed it? will it patch your broken wings? i'm only seventeen. i don't know anything, but i know i miss you...”

this is me trying, from folklore・carmen hearst

"they told me all of my cages were mental, so i got wasted like all my potential. and my words shoot to kill when i'm mad. i have a lot of regrets about that... i was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere. fell behind all my classmates and i ended up here..."

lavender haze, from midnights・ollie inoue

"talk your talk and go viral, i just need this love spiral. get it off your chest. get it off my desk. i feel the lavender haze creeping up on me. surreal. i'm damned if i do give a damn what people say."

only the young, from miss americana・mika ishii

“and the big, bad men, with their big bad plans, their hands all stained with red... oh, how quickly they forget. they aren't gonna help us. too busy helping themselves. they aren't gonna change this... we've got to do it ourselves!”

gold rush, from evermore・logan iyande

“i don't like anticipating my face in a red flush. i don't like that anyone would die to feel your touch. anybody wants you, but i don't like a gold rush. what must it be like to grow up that beautiful? with your hair falling into place like dominos? my mind turns your life into folklore..."

a place in this world, from taylor swift・samantha jimenez

"i'm alone, on my own, and it's all i know. i'll be strong, i'll be wrong. oh, but life goes on... i'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world."

dorothea, from evermore・nixie linghui

“hey, dorothea, do you ever stop and think about me? when we were younger. down in the park, running, making a lark of our misery...”

nothing new (feat. phoebe bridgers), from red (taylor's version) ・ roxie marsh

“and my cheeks are growing tired of turning red and faking smiles. are we only biding time until i lose your attention? and someone else lights up the room... people love an ingénue.”

fearless, from fearless (taylor’s version) ・courtney mills

“we’re driving down the road, i wonder if you know i’m trying so hard not to get caught up now. but you’re just so cool, run your hands through your hair, absentmindedly making me want you.”

champagne problems, from evermore・cara morrison

"one for the money, two for the show, i never was ready, so i watched you go... sometimes you just don't know the answer until someone's on their knees and asks you. 'she would've made such a lovely bride, what a shame she's fucked in the head', they said."

evermore (feat. bon iver), from evermore・edward morrison

"hey december, guess i'm feeling unmoored. can't remember what i used to fight for... i rewind the tape, but all it does is pause on the very moment i was lost sending signals to be double-crossed. and i was catching my breath, barefoot in the wildest winter, catching my death."

no body no crime (feat. haim), from evermore・greer morrison

"they think she did it but they just can't prove it. she thinks i did it but she just can't prove it. oh, no body, no crime... i wasn't letting up until the day he died."

end game, from reputation・milo navarro

“i hit you like bang, we tried to forget it but we just couldn't and i bury hatchets, but i keep maps of where i put them. reputation precedes me, they told you i'm crazy. i swear i don't love the drama, it loves me.”

castles crumbling (feat. hailey williams), from speak now (taylor's version)・alethea pierce

“once i had an empire, in a golden age. i was held up so high, i used to be great... they used to cheer when they saw my face. now i fear i have fallen from grace."

dear reader, from midnights・lennon reed

"so i wander through these nights, i prefer hiding in plain sight. my fourth drink in my hand; these desperate prayers of a cursed man spilling out to you for free, but darling, darling, please. you wouldn't take my word for it if you knew who was talking..."

the archer, from lover・magnolia rhodes

"i've been the archer... i've been the prey. screaming 'who could ever leave me, darling?', but who could stay?”

the lakes - original version, from folklore・monty richler

"i want auroras and sad prose, i want to watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet, 'cause i haven't moved in years and i want you right here. take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die, i don't belong. and my beloved, neither do you..."

mad woman, from folklore・anya saetang

"what did you think i'd say to that? does a scorpion sting when fighting back? they strike to kill. and you know i will..."

forever winter, from red (taylor's version)・nathaniel shaw

“he says he doesn't believe anything that he hears these days. he says 'why fall in love, just so you can watch it go away?' he spends most of his nights wishing it was how it used to be, he spends most of his flights getting pulled down by gravity."

mirrorball, from folklore・natalia vega

"i'm still a believer, but i don't know why. i've never been a natural. all i do is try, try, try. but i'm still on that trapeze, i'm still trying everything to keep you looking at me."

new romantics, from 1989 (taylor's version)・jacqui velazquez

“we need love, but all we want is danger. we team up and switch sides like a record-changer. the rumors are terrible and cruel, but honey, most of them are true."

wildest dreams, from 1989 (performed at the grammy museum)・parker walsh

"say you'll remember me, standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset, babe. red lips and rosy cheeks... say you'll see me again even if it's just in your wildest dreams..."

hey stephen, from fearless (taylor's version)・malik wright

"i've seen it all, so i thought. but i've never seen nobody shine the way you do... the way you walk, way you talk, way you say my name... it's beautiful, wonderful, don't you ever change. hey stephen, why are people always leaving? i think you and i should stay the same..."

seven, from folklore・mari zuko

“and i've been meaning to tell you, i think your house is haunted. your dad is always mad and that must be why. and i think you should come live with me and we could be partners, and you won't have to cry, or hide in your closet..."

8 notes · View notes

notesonartistry · 4 months

Note

Fave lyric from every song from Midnights and 3am?

Oooooh, good question!

Lavender Haze: I'm damned if I do give a damn what people say

Maroon: When the silence came, we were shaking, blind and hazy

Anti-Hero: I have this thing where I get older, but just never wiser

Snow on the Beach: Stars by the pocketful

YOYOK: All of it! (But especially Everything you lose is a step you take)

Midnight Rain: All the love we unravel and the life I gave away

Question...?: Before you painted all my nights a colour I've searched for since

Vigilante Shit: They say looks can kill and I might try

Bejeweled: By the way, I'm going out tonight

Labyrinth: I thought the plane was going down, how'd you turn it right around?

Karma: Trick me once, trick me twice, don't you know that cash ain't the only price?

Sweet Nothing: Does it ever miss Wicklow sometimes?

Mastermind: I'm only cryptic and Machiavellian 'cause I care

The Great War: Your finger on my hairpin triggers

Bigger Than The Whole Sky: You were more than just a short time

Paris: Stumbled down pretend alleyways

High Infidelity: Put on your records and regret me AND Your picket fence is as sharp as knives

Glitch: In search of glorious happenings of happenstance on someone else's playground

Would've Could've Should've: And the God's honest truth is that the pain was heaven

Dear Reader: No one sees when you lose when you're playing solitaire

#this took me ages #there are too many good lines!#sorry for the delay anon!#midnights #midnights 3am edition

4 notes · View notes

darkacademiaarchivist · 1 year

Text

i've been catching up on the daily tma episodes and i've reached 196!!! Annabelle Cane really is THE mastermind character, huh? (and let's be honest, Martin is too)

ANNABELLE: It’s such a shame. There was a time when I was certain you had what it takes to join us. MARTIN: What? Because I like spiders? Well, used to. ANNABELLE: Because you always managed to get what you wanted through smiles and shrugs and stammerings that weren’t nearly as awkward as they seemed.

it's giving

Mastermind by Taylor Swift - It needed to be said...

such a good Martin episode!!

also i find the story of Hilltop Road always fascinating because there's SO MUCH to it (and so much left to be explored and expanded on in tmp hopefully?)

Did his terror call to him with the drumbeat voice of carnage? Did it sing to him with the squirming melody of decay? Could any have told you the difference? It is strange. That a name, a face, a taste of fear should linger through the centuries, and yet I cannot be sure which of them it was that ate so well. Some fears are eternal, but within them lie a hundred titles, whispered in the secret places of every era of every corner of our world. Who can say if any of them are true?

the one thing that unites us all. fear.

i feel like i have more thoughts but i can't articulate any of them right now but the finale is approaching so fast... how has it (including the trailers) been over 200 days already? time passes so fast help)

@a-mag-a-day

#alexa play mastermind by taylor swift #tma #a mag a day #mag 196 #the magnus archives #martin blackwood

14 notes · View notes

katesprydes · 5 months

Note

35, 56 and 61 from your spotify wrapped please <3

35) block me out by gracie abrams

i think i'm burning alive but nobody sees the fire / 'cause when i open my mouth i seem to be stuck in silence / and i thought of leaving tonight, but i couldn't drive this tired / plus after all of this time, i should be a pretty crier

56) mastermind by taylor swift

no one wanted to play with me as a little kid / so i've been scheming like a criminal ever since / to make them love me and make it seem effortless / this is the first time i've felt the need to confess / and i swear / i'm only cryptic and machiavellian 'cause i care

61) brooklyn by maisie peters

flying and flying and flying with you on my shoulder / only one jacket, fine you can have it, you're older / land at 11, straight to 42nd, it's colder / and we're dancing down the street

send me a number from 1-100 and i'll tell you the corresponding song on my wrapped + my fav lyrics from it!

#nivi tag #asks #karolina.txt

2 notes · View notes

earlgreytea68 · 1 year

Note

Hello! You recently mentioned that you were listening to Taylor Swift’s new album quite a lot, and honestly, same ))) I wanted to know what songs are your fave, obvs, but also, which ones you find more interesting, captivating, clever? Which one got the best lyrics, which one best music and rhythm? Basically, what I’m trying to say, talk Midnights to me, please :)) P.S. I almost forgot to ask, if any of the songs got you thinking of fob?)

With pleasure!!

My favorite song on Midnights is Question...? and my favorite, like, passage of Midnights is Question...?, Vigilante Shit, and Bejewelled. I adore every single one of those songs and I think that's the strongest stretch of three songs on the whole album. I have seen some hate for Bejewelled and some of its lyrics make me cringe but also like it's totally what I would want to play as an anthem to perk myself up.

I actually love all the songs on the album, except for Labyrinth, which I find a bit dull, tbh, but that happens! But this album just *moves* and it's full of great refrains and the usual perfect bridges and sometimes I think Jack Antonoff gets to be a bit too self-indulgent of his quirks (I really hate the effect on the bridge of Question...?) but mostly I love when Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift make music together and I appreciated that this album just felt...really fun and less earnest than evermore? I love folklore, but evermore just kind of felt like too much to me, and I'm happy to be going back to having more fun.

I've listened to Question...? the most, and I was just thinking as I was listening to it tonight that I feel like it's kind of crept in to influence my Christmasfic this year, like, its attitude full of "what if"s, and that line about "I just may like to have a conversation," like, all my characters about each other hahaha they're all longing for a conversation. Idk, the relationship in Question...? just feels so instantly complex and interesting to me, like, I want to know so much more about those two people.

Sweet Nothing is kind of a theme song for all of my characters, though, I feel like every fic I write is about a Sweet Nothing kind of love.

Mastermind is totally a Mattrick song from Swan Song. It doesn't sound like a song Matt would sing or write, but it's a song Matt would *think,* if that makes sense.

In general I really appreciated how this album was Taylor kind of accepting that you've got be a bit of a schemer to be a success, which is a theme of Swan Song, too, and so it resonated with me. I mean, Anti-Hero is also very Matt Usher: One day I'll watch as you're leaving 'cause you got tired of my scheming. I like to see Taylor owning "I'm smart and that's okay."

Okay, my favorite lyric on the whole album is: I'm the wind in our free-flowing sails and the liquor in our cocktails. ...Ugh, I just love that line.

I also love, also from Mastermind, "I'm only cryptic and Machiavellian because I care," ha, makes me laugh.

Mastermind is just so tropey, she just writes a trope song so well, that's just a full story, beginning to end, and when you're done you think, ...I've read that fic and it was GREAT, Idk. Her songs can sometimes feel like an entire ship, self-contained.

"Draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man," is, I think, a great opening line, even though I've seen some people hating on it. I think it's great! And I also enjoy "situation-ship" as a term in Glitch. And "no one sees you lose when you're playing solitaire" from Dear Reader.

In general I like the refrain of Karma and appreciate what she's doing there but "karma is a god" just always completely throws me, it's, like, all these metaphors of what karma is and it just feels like that one could also be personal to Taylor: her cat, her boyfriend, her beautiful weekends, her relaxing thoughts....a god. Idk, it bothers me every single time I hear it lol

Okay, so, Fall Out Boy-wise. Taylor Swift is on the record that Pete Wentz is basically her favorite lyricist of all time and that she's been influenced by him, and sometimes I feel like I can sense that influence. Sometimes she does something and I think, That's a total Pete Wentz move. And sometimes it works, but sometimes I think it just doesn't work, because actually what Pete Wentz does is incredibly hard and he makes it look like just anyone can stumble into all those perfect double and triple meanings but it's really, really hard to do. So, to be unkind, that "Get it off your chest, get it off my desk" in "Lavendar Haze" reminds me of a Pete Wentz move, to take an idiom with words in common and juxtapose them (like broken hearts and broken stallions that I just wrote about). But to me it doesn't work here, I don't get it, what are you getting off your desk, why are these two things going together? Is it that you're talking about her relationship and she doesn't want it on her desk? Idk, I just feel like the juxtaposition there doesn't really add anything. She does it again in The Great War: You drew up some good faith treaties, I drew curtains closed. I feel like that one is slightly more successful.

I also appreciate when a Taylor song picks up some Pete Wentz tropes, like in Maroon when she's like "laughing with my feet in your lap like you were my closest friend," or in "You're on Your Own, Kid," with "He's gonna notice me, it's okay, we're the best of friends," yeah, Pete Wentz also is always trying to figure out if someone is his lover or his best friend lol.

Also, "don't put me in the basement when I want the penthouse of your heart" could have been the name of one of Pete Wentz's LJ entries lolololol

And High Infidelity is such a Fall Out Boy title, Pete Wentz is kicking himself he didn't think of it first

Ironically my very least favorite lyrics on the album are from her collaboration with her other favorite lyricist of all time. I just find Snow on the Beach unbearable lyric-wise, it's just...too much? Like, trying too hard the whole way through? And then culminating in lines I absolutely hate: Your eyes are flying saucers from another planet, I'm all for you like Janet. I just cannot with those two lines. So, I've always had this great fantasy of what could come of a Pete Wentz / Taylor Swift team-up and then I heard Snow on the Beach and was like, ...Idk, never mind lol

#taylor swift #midnights

13 notes · View notes