13 Relatable Lyrics From Midnights

On October 21, 2022 Taylor Swift dropped one of my favorite albums, at midnight sharp. I remember feeling anxious, excited, curious, basically all of the emotions, in the days and hours leading up to this release.

This was going to be the beginning of a new era. After the wonderful surprise that folklore was back in 2020, I had no idea what we were going to get.

Then the time came to listen to the new album. As Lavender Haze started to play, I knew instantly this was about to be a great experience. 

One thing that I love about Taylor Swift is the way she is with lyrics. Her songwriting has proven to be one of the best in the industry, and at times has inspired my writing as well.

During my first listen of Midnights I instantly heard some impactful lyrics that gutted me, lyrics that made me believe in love, and every emotion in between. 

13 Relatable Lyrics From Midnights

With so many relatable lyrics coming from this album, I thought I’d share some of my favorites. Here are thirteen of my favorite relatable lyrics from Midnights.

The only kind of girl they see (the only kind of girl they see) Is a one night or a wife – Lavender Haze

Lavender Haze is one of my top favorite songs on this album. It’s all about Taylor’s relationship. There are constant rumors that get picked up trying to pry into her private life.

Taylor is saying that they pay no mind to the rumors. The inspiration came from a phrase, the title of the track, that was used in the 1950s to describe being in love.

While I have never been in love and can not relate to it myself, I know many others can. There seems to be this expectation of how the timeline of a relationship should look like.

This line is saying that most people see it in black and white thinking. In reality, it should be only the couple’s decision on how they want their relationship to go. 

When my depression works the graveyard shift. All of the people I’ve ghosted stand there in the room – Anti-Hero

If you struggle with depression, this lyric hits deep. I know it did for me. Nights can be the worst sometimes because that’s when the world is quiet and your thoughts get loud. 

I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror – Anti-Hero

I interpret this lyric in two ways. First I believe it’s saying that it’s so much easier to spread love and light to others than it is to give that same attention to ourselves.

Another message I get from this line is that staring in the mirror is more painful than staring directly in the sun. Either way, it comes down to a lack of self acceptance. 

Taylor revealed in an Instagram Reel that in this song she delved deep into her insecurities while writing this song. We all have something we are insecure about, so I’m sure we can all relate to this song on some level.

And it’s fine to fake it ’til you make it. ‘Til you do, ’til it’s true – Snow On The Beach

This lyric reminds me of affirmations. It’s always been so hard for me to go through with them on a consistent basis because I don’t believe most of them.

Someone gave me this advice to fake it ‘till you make it. Eventually you start actually believing it. 

You may not relate affirmations to this lyric, but I’m sure there is something in your life that you have struggled with in the past. The more confident you appeared with it, eventually you actually started feeling it didn’t you? Let me know in the comments.

I didn’t choose this town. I dream of getting out – You’re On Your Own Kid

I think we’ve all, at some point, dreamed of what it would be like to leave our hometown and start somewhere new. Whether you actually did it, or it was a short-lived dream, it’s aspirations like that that shape us as we grow in our teens and twenties.

‘Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned. Everything you lose is a step you take. So make the friendship bracelets.Take the moment and taste it. You’ve got no reason to be afraid. You’re on your own, kid. Yeah, you can face this. – You’re On Your Own Kid

This song absolutely gutted me during my first listen. Don’t all track fives do that though? As someone that grew up struggling, and still struggles, with feelings of loneliness and always feeling like I’m on the outside looking in, I know the feeling of being “on my own.” 

This part of the song in particular stands out to me because it offers a little hope. She’s saying to not be afraid to do things just because you are on your own. People in your life may come and go, as well as opportunities, but it’s all a learning experience.

Every step you take is turning you into the person you are meant to be. That is why I’ll continue putting myself out there until I feel less alone.

I’ve done it before, so I know I can face it again. That is my interpretation of this song.

Ladies always rise above. Ladies know what people want. Someone sweet and kind and fun. The lady simply had enough – Vigilante Shit

I’m sure all women can find something to relate to in this lyric. To me it’s depicting how we are always expected to act a certain way to please society. At some point you have to ask yourself when is enough, enough and start doing your own thing.

Baby love, I think I’ve been a little too kind. Didn’t notice you walking all over my peace of mind. In the shoes I gave you as a present. Puttin’ someone first only works when you’re in their top five – Bejeweled 

This is a reminder not to let people walk all over you. I’ll admit, when you are a people pleaser like me it’s easy to get caught up in doing that.

What I love about this song is that it’s all about taking your power back. It’s standing up for yourself and realizing that how this person has been treating you is not okay. You could take this as a friendship, relationship, or even a job/workplace dynamic.

Ask me what I learned from all those years. Ask me what I earned from all those tears. Ask me why so many fade, but I’m still here – Karma

This is the reflective part of Karma. She’s thinking back on all she’s been through, and realizing she’s still standing.

I’ve had a couple of rough years, so for me it’s a reminder that I’m not going through all I’m going through for no reason. I’m going to come out of this troubling time stronger than I’ve ever been, taking what I’ve learned with me. 

So remember, while Karma is often associated in a negative light, it can also be a positive.

They said the end is coming. Everyone’s up to something. I find myself running home to your. Sweet nothings. Outside they’re push and shoving. You’re in the kitchen humming. All that you ever wanted from me was. Sweet nothing – Sweet Nothings

I can’t personally relate to this except for knowing that this is what I want my future to look like. When the world gets to be too much, which seems to be the norm lately, having someone there that makes you feel safe and loved is so important.

I may not have it right now, but thanks to this song I have a glimpse of how it will feel when I do have that special person in my life. What makes it even sweeter is knowing that Taylor and her boyfriend wrote it together. 

Once upon a time, the planets and the fates. And all the stars aligned. You and I ended up in the same room. At the same time – Mastermind

Have you ever had any of those instances where you just have to sit back in amazement at how perfectly everything aligns? This song is from a more methodical perspective, but in my experience I notice these things when I reflect. What about you?

I miss who I used to be. The tomb won’t close, stained glass windows in my mind. I regret you all the time – Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve

In this song Taylor talks about what she would have done had she not entered into that relationship. I think we all have regrets in life that are harder to let go of than others. Whether that’s a relationship, friendship, an argument, etc.

Dear reader. Bend when you can, snap when you have to – Dear Reader

The last lyric comes from the song Dear Reader. The advice she shares is straight forward here. Don’t be too quick to get angry, try compromising when you can.

At the same time, know your worth and don’t let people take advantage of your kindness by walking all over you. Sometimes it means you have to cut someone out of your life. As hard as that can be, keeping your boundaries will help you more in the long run.

These are just some of the relatable lyrics from a single girl in her late 20s. You may have other lyrics and songs that you identify with more. If so, I’d love to hear them. Let me know the lyrics you relate to the most in the comments.

About the Author

Kelly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Even though it took her a little while to find her career path, she was always meant to be in Communications. She remembers writing poems and songs when she was a little girl and pitching to my parents the reasons why I should have a cell phone when I was a teenager. She currently has a blog (budding-joy.com) where she talks about her weight-loss journey, mental health and personal development. Her hope is to encourage and inspire readers and let them know they are not alone. Reading blog posts like that are what helped her in tough times and she wants to pay it forward. She loves dance fitness, listening to music, and creating layouts in her bullet journal. She’s a big fan of planning, especially when cute notebooks and pens are involved.
Her dream job has changed so much over the years; right now she’d love to co-own a dance studio.

Website: budding-joy.com