Want to know who your favorite Taylor Swift song is about, but don't know which rumor to believe? Look no further! You can find out the real inspirations for Taylor's songs right here, and evidence to prove it!
Red
1. State of Grace.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? "Twin fire signs" refers to Taylor and Jake, both of whom are Sagittarius. "Four blue eyes" also refers to Taylor and Jake, who both have blue eyes.
Hidden Message: LOVE DOESN'T COUNT AFTER GOODBYE
2. Red.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? The couple dated in autumn, so the lyrics, "Like the colors in autumn," may refer to that. Also, the hidden message could either refer to Sagittarius or Screen Actors Guild, which both are good descriptions for Jake.
Hidden Message: SAG
3. Treacherous.
Inspired By: John Mayer
Why? The hidden message in this song may refer to Mayer's statement to Rolling Stone. "It made me feel terrible," he said. "Because I didn’t deserve it. I’m pretty good at taking accountability now, and I never did anything to deserve that. It was a really lousy thing for her to do." Most likely, Taylor is telling John that she won't stop writing about the heartache Mayer caused her until it's over. And Mayer is the king of breaking the hearts of girls - wouldn't that qualify dating him as treacherous?
Hidden Message: WON'T STOP UNTIL IT'S OVER
4. I Knew You Were Trouble.
Inspired By: Harry Styles (Yes, they dated after Red was released. However, they had a reported fling before that, and before Conor Kennedy [things ended when Taylor found out that Harry was on a date with Emma Ostilly]).
Why? After their split, Taylor performed IKYWT at the BRIT Awards. When The Sunday Times asked her if she was horrified to perform it in front of Styles, and she responded, “Well, it’s not hard to access that emotion when the person the song is directed at is standing by the side of the stage watching.” Styles is a known womanizer, and sources say that Taylor was horrified and heartbroken when she caught Harry with model Emma Ostilly (most likely the "her" the song refers to).
Hidden Message: WHEN YOU SAW ME DANCING
5. All Too Well.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? The hidden message clearly points to their favorite coffee date drink. The lyrics, "Left my scarf there at your sister's house," reference Gyllenhaal's sister, Maggie, and the lyrics, "We're singing in the car getting lost upstate," refers to their upstate apple-picking adventures. "Oh your sweet disposition," could refer to one of Gyllenhaal's favorite bands, Temper Trap, who have a song entitled "Sweet Disposition."
Hidden Message: MAPLE LATTES
6. 22.
Inspired By: her friends, namely Ashley Avignone, Dianna Agron, Claire Callaway, and Selena Gomez
Why? Well, this one's a duh! It's not about any guys, but her BFFs.
Hidden Message: ASHLEY DIANNA CLAIRE SELENA
7. I Almost Do.
Inspired By: Adam Young (from Owl City)
Why? Taylor's song, "Enchanted," from her album Speak Now, was directed to Adam Young. So in response, Adam and his band did a cover of "Enchanted" and with it, he added a letter.
"Dearest Taylor,
I'll be the first to admit I'm a rather shy boy and since music is the most eloquent form of communication I can muster, I decided to record something for you -- a sort of a "reply" to the breathtaking song on your current record. This is what I wanted so badly to tell you in person but could never quite put into words:
Everything about you is lovely. You're an immensely charming girl with a beautiful heart and more grace and elegance than I know how to describe. You are a true princess from a dreamy fairy tale, and above all, I just want you to know... I was enchanted to meet you too.
Love,
Adam."
But Young said that Taylor had never contacted him back. Apparently, she has now! Her hidden message tells him that this is her response, instead of calling. Also, "I bet this time of night you're still up," could be a nod to Young's insomnia.
Hidden Message: WROTE THIS INSTEAD OF CALLING
8. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? In the music video, Taylor's ex-love interest gives her a scarf, and Gyllenhaal gave Taylor a scarf. He also wears a navy blue down vest that is very similar to one Gyllenhaal wore on one of their dates. Taylor wears a bracelet that looks suspiciously like the $100,000 bracelet he gave her for her birthday. Also, during a performance of this song, Taylor yelled what was widely believed to be, "Jake, it's your turn!" And Taylor and Jake were definitely an on-off again couple. A source has told US Weekly, "It's definitely about Jake."
Hidden Message: WHEN I STOPPED CARING WHAT YOU THOUGHT
9. Stay Stay Stay.
Inspired By: Conor Kennedy
Why? Kennedy has been called Taylor's Camelot prince, and one of the reasons is that he has very good manners. Such as, he would carry her groceries for her ("But you carry my groceries."). Also, Kennedy plays football at Deerfield Academy ("That's when you came in wearing a football helmet.").
Hidden Message: DAYDREAMING ABOUT REAL LOVE
10. The Last Time, featuring Gary Lightbody.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? Gyllenhaal and Taylor definitely had an on-off relationship. And the hidden message points to Gyllenhaal, because he's an actor and would be in L.A.
Hidden Message: L.A. ON YOUR BREAK
11. Holy Ground.
Inspired By: Joe Jonas
Why? The secret message points to Joe being spotted at two of her concerts. Was he spotted at the San Diego concert? No, but he could have easily been there. Also, in 2008, Taylor flew to New York to be with Joe as he filmed the Jonas Brothers 3D concert movie. "We had this big wide city all to ourselves," could easily refer to their time together in NYC.
Hidden Message: WHEN YOU CAME TO THE SHOW IN S.D.
12. Sad Beautiful Tragic.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? The hidden message, and "I stood right by the tracks," could point to Gyllenhaal's film, Source Code, which he filmed while dating Taylor. OR this line could refer to Gyllenhaal joining Mumford and Sons for their Railroad Revival tour, which was literally on a train.
Hidden Message: WHILE YOU WERE ON A TRAIN
13. The Lucky One.
Inspired By: Joni Mitchell
Why? Taylor has called Mitchell an "idol" and an "inspiration." Mitchell retired from the spotlight years ago. And the hidden message refers to upcoming, top-secret biopic in which Taylor is set to play Mitchell.
Hidden Message: WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO KNOW
14. Everything Has Changed, featuring Ed Sheeran.
Inspired By: Conor Kennedy
Why? The hidden code clearly refers to where the Kennedy compound is located, and where Taylor purchased a house. The song mentions green eyes, which is Kennedy's eye color.
Hidden Message: HYANNIS PORT
15. Starlight.
Inspired By: Ethel Kennedy (Conor's grandmother)
Why? "I met Bobby on the boardwalk," refers to Bobby Kennedy. They also dreamed of "having 10 kids" - they actually had 11! And if that wasn't clear enough, the hidden message spells it out.
Hidden Message: FOR ETHEL
16. Begin Again.
Inspired By: "He": Jake Gyllenhaal
"You": Conor Kennedy
Why? Taylor and Kennedy got together "eight months" after her last breakup (with Gyllenhaal, the "he"). And, referring to her secret message, her shortest ex is probably Gyllenhaal.
Hidden Message: I WEAR HEELS NOW
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? "Twin fire signs" refers to Taylor and Jake, both of whom are Sagittarius. "Four blue eyes" also refers to Taylor and Jake, who both have blue eyes.
Hidden Message: LOVE DOESN'T COUNT AFTER GOODBYE
2. Red.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? The couple dated in autumn, so the lyrics, "Like the colors in autumn," may refer to that. Also, the hidden message could either refer to Sagittarius or Screen Actors Guild, which both are good descriptions for Jake.
Hidden Message: SAG
3. Treacherous.
Inspired By: John Mayer
Why? The hidden message in this song may refer to Mayer's statement to Rolling Stone. "It made me feel terrible," he said. "Because I didn’t deserve it. I’m pretty good at taking accountability now, and I never did anything to deserve that. It was a really lousy thing for her to do." Most likely, Taylor is telling John that she won't stop writing about the heartache Mayer caused her until it's over. And Mayer is the king of breaking the hearts of girls - wouldn't that qualify dating him as treacherous?
Hidden Message: WON'T STOP UNTIL IT'S OVER
4. I Knew You Were Trouble.
Inspired By: Harry Styles (Yes, they dated after Red was released. However, they had a reported fling before that, and before Conor Kennedy [things ended when Taylor found out that Harry was on a date with Emma Ostilly]).
Why? After their split, Taylor performed IKYWT at the BRIT Awards. When The Sunday Times asked her if she was horrified to perform it in front of Styles, and she responded, “Well, it’s not hard to access that emotion when the person the song is directed at is standing by the side of the stage watching.” Styles is a known womanizer, and sources say that Taylor was horrified and heartbroken when she caught Harry with model Emma Ostilly (most likely the "her" the song refers to).
Hidden Message: WHEN YOU SAW ME DANCING
5. All Too Well.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? The hidden message clearly points to their favorite coffee date drink. The lyrics, "Left my scarf there at your sister's house," reference Gyllenhaal's sister, Maggie, and the lyrics, "We're singing in the car getting lost upstate," refers to their upstate apple-picking adventures. "Oh your sweet disposition," could refer to one of Gyllenhaal's favorite bands, Temper Trap, who have a song entitled "Sweet Disposition."
Hidden Message: MAPLE LATTES
6. 22.
Inspired By: her friends, namely Ashley Avignone, Dianna Agron, Claire Callaway, and Selena Gomez
Why? Well, this one's a duh! It's not about any guys, but her BFFs.
Hidden Message: ASHLEY DIANNA CLAIRE SELENA
7. I Almost Do.
Inspired By: Adam Young (from Owl City)
Why? Taylor's song, "Enchanted," from her album Speak Now, was directed to Adam Young. So in response, Adam and his band did a cover of "Enchanted" and with it, he added a letter.
"Dearest Taylor,
I'll be the first to admit I'm a rather shy boy and since music is the most eloquent form of communication I can muster, I decided to record something for you -- a sort of a "reply" to the breathtaking song on your current record. This is what I wanted so badly to tell you in person but could never quite put into words:
Everything about you is lovely. You're an immensely charming girl with a beautiful heart and more grace and elegance than I know how to describe. You are a true princess from a dreamy fairy tale, and above all, I just want you to know... I was enchanted to meet you too.
Love,
Adam."
But Young said that Taylor had never contacted him back. Apparently, she has now! Her hidden message tells him that this is her response, instead of calling. Also, "I bet this time of night you're still up," could be a nod to Young's insomnia.
Hidden Message: WROTE THIS INSTEAD OF CALLING
8. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? In the music video, Taylor's ex-love interest gives her a scarf, and Gyllenhaal gave Taylor a scarf. He also wears a navy blue down vest that is very similar to one Gyllenhaal wore on one of their dates. Taylor wears a bracelet that looks suspiciously like the $100,000 bracelet he gave her for her birthday. Also, during a performance of this song, Taylor yelled what was widely believed to be, "Jake, it's your turn!" And Taylor and Jake were definitely an on-off again couple. A source has told US Weekly, "It's definitely about Jake."
Hidden Message: WHEN I STOPPED CARING WHAT YOU THOUGHT
9. Stay Stay Stay.
Inspired By: Conor Kennedy
Why? Kennedy has been called Taylor's Camelot prince, and one of the reasons is that he has very good manners. Such as, he would carry her groceries for her ("But you carry my groceries."). Also, Kennedy plays football at Deerfield Academy ("That's when you came in wearing a football helmet.").
Hidden Message: DAYDREAMING ABOUT REAL LOVE
10. The Last Time, featuring Gary Lightbody.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? Gyllenhaal and Taylor definitely had an on-off relationship. And the hidden message points to Gyllenhaal, because he's an actor and would be in L.A.
Hidden Message: L.A. ON YOUR BREAK
11. Holy Ground.
Inspired By: Joe Jonas
Why? The secret message points to Joe being spotted at two of her concerts. Was he spotted at the San Diego concert? No, but he could have easily been there. Also, in 2008, Taylor flew to New York to be with Joe as he filmed the Jonas Brothers 3D concert movie. "We had this big wide city all to ourselves," could easily refer to their time together in NYC.
Hidden Message: WHEN YOU CAME TO THE SHOW IN S.D.
12. Sad Beautiful Tragic.
Inspired By: Jake Gyllenhaal
Why? The hidden message, and "I stood right by the tracks," could point to Gyllenhaal's film, Source Code, which he filmed while dating Taylor. OR this line could refer to Gyllenhaal joining Mumford and Sons for their Railroad Revival tour, which was literally on a train.
Hidden Message: WHILE YOU WERE ON A TRAIN
13. The Lucky One.
Inspired By: Joni Mitchell
Why? Taylor has called Mitchell an "idol" and an "inspiration." Mitchell retired from the spotlight years ago. And the hidden message refers to upcoming, top-secret biopic in which Taylor is set to play Mitchell.
Hidden Message: WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO KNOW
14. Everything Has Changed, featuring Ed Sheeran.
Inspired By: Conor Kennedy
Why? The hidden code clearly refers to where the Kennedy compound is located, and where Taylor purchased a house. The song mentions green eyes, which is Kennedy's eye color.
Hidden Message: HYANNIS PORT
15. Starlight.
Inspired By: Ethel Kennedy (Conor's grandmother)
Why? "I met Bobby on the boardwalk," refers to Bobby Kennedy. They also dreamed of "having 10 kids" - they actually had 11! And if that wasn't clear enough, the hidden message spells it out.
Hidden Message: FOR ETHEL
16. Begin Again.
Inspired By: "He": Jake Gyllenhaal
"You": Conor Kennedy
Why? Taylor and Kennedy got together "eight months" after her last breakup (with Gyllenhaal, the "he"). And, referring to her secret message, her shortest ex is probably Gyllenhaal.
Hidden Message: I WEAR HEELS NOW
Sources: Vulture, Crystal Bell for Celebuzz, Ethan Sacks for New York Daily News, Chiderah Monde for New York Daily News