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Track by Track: Taylor Swift’s ‘Speak Now’ (Part 3)

A Song-By-Song Review of Taylor Swift’s Third Album

By Lily KristianPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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The Deluxe Edition Cover of Speak Now

This article is the third part of my three-part review of Taylor Swift’s third studio album, Speak Now. If you haven’t read parts one and two, you can check them out by clicking on my profile!

13. “Last Kiss”

My personal favorite cry-along Taylor Swift song, “Last Kiss” is pure, raw emotion. From the hushed vocals to the chilling melody, “Last Kiss” paints a beautiful but tragic picture of a past romance—one that Taylor thought would last forever. She sings of an intimate love that appears to haunt her to this day. Taylor captures all those small aspects of a relationship that stick with you, although they may not have jumped out at you in the moment. It’s those simple things that stand out in your memory when it’s all over, and Taylor sings about that so vividly. “Last Kiss” is one of the most heartbreaking songs I’ve ever heard.

Favorite lyrics: “All that I know is I don’t know / how to be something you miss” and “I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe.”

14. “Long Live”

“Long Live” is the closing track of the original release of Speak Now, and it’s the absolute perfect song to close out an album. This song was penned by Taylor as a tribute to her band, her fans, and anyone who had supported her on her journey up to that point. It’s about overcoming obstacles and doubters and fears on the road to triumph and success. Taylor gives her sincere thanks to those who stood beside her and captures the feeling of achieving all the things she’d worked so hard for over the last few years. “Long Live” feels a lot like it could be the big sister of “Change” from Taylor’s previous album. Taylor finally got to “sing hallelujah” on this track, and it’s beautiful. Ardent fans of Taylor’s should feel an instant connection to this song, because it really is a song for them if they’ve been a part of Taylor’s success story in any way.

Favorite lyric: “For a moment a band of thieves in ripped-up jeans got to rule the world.”

15. “Ours”

The first of three bonus tracks on the Deluxe Edition of Speak Now, “Ours” was so popular among fans that Taylor decided to release it as a single. “Ours” is an incredibly sweet, simple, real-life love song. It details a relationship others, including Taylor’s own family, don’t approve of or have issues with. But Taylor assures her partner that the words of others can’t get to them. Their love is theirs alone, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or says about it. “Ours” has adorable lyrics, a pretty melody, and a beautiful message. Every time I hear it I’m reminded that it may be one of the best songs overall that Taylor has ever released.

Favorite lyric: “Don’t you worry your pretty little mind / people throw rocks at things that shine.”

16. “If This Was a Movie”

“If This Was a Movie” reveals Taylor reminiscing on a past love she wishes would show up on her doorstep to make things right again, just like in the movies. Taylor recalls how perfect the relationship seemed when she had it and how time seemed to stop for them. But no matter how much she imagines her love’s dramatic return, waiting for her in the pouring rain, it doesn’t seem likely to happen. This song has several lines that remind the listener that relationships are complicated and that things are tough, and unlike a movie, sometimes people don’t resolve them the way we’d like them to. “If This Was a Movie” is a really pretty track, and I’m so glad the fans at least got to have it as a bonus track.

Favorite lyric: “Last night I heard my own heart beating / sounded like footsteps on my stairs // Six months gone and I’m still reaching / even though I know you’re not there.”

17. “Superman”

The final track from the Deluxe Edition of Speak Now, “Superman” is a cute, fun song where Taylor admires her love interest from afar. He’s like a superhero to her—always flying off to the next important thing, leaving Taylor to wait for his return. She admires all his characteristics and traits and blocks out any negative opinions of him from others. Every time he leaves, Taylor remembers that she forgot to tell him she loves him… again. She promises this Superman as he flies away that she’ll be right where he left her, eagerly awaiting his return.

Favorite lyrics: “Something in his deep brown eyes has me saying / ‘He’s not all bad like his reputation’” and “I’m far away, but I never let you go / I’m lovestruck and looking out the window.”

This completes my three-part review of Speak Now! Thank you so much for reading! I had a blast going back through my favorite Taylor Swift album and picking each song apart, and I hope you did too.

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About the Creator

Lily Kristian

Future broadcast journalist and lifelong Swiftie!

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