#@lover

Ooooooh-oooohhh-oooooohhh

Dear Taylor, 

I've been waiting for months for your new album to release and as we're 1 hour away from the debut, I felt compelled to write you a love letter in honor of your new album Lover. You see, I am 36 years old and your music has basically become the soundtrack of my life. I'm sure you've heard this many times over, but I thought I would give you the history of my life, according to the connection I’ve had to your words and lyrics.

I met you when I was 23, struggling to figure out who I was, longing for purpose in my life. I immediately gravitated toward your lyrics, toward the sounds in your songs. While I loved Tim McGraw, Picture to Burn, Should've Said No, and sang those at the top of my lungs in my car with my sister, I was drawn to the sweeter, softer songs, like Stay Beautiful, Mary's Song and Tied Together With a Smile, and those were the songs I would sing to myself and play quietly in my room when I was dreaming up ideas for my future. It's funny how music brings you back to a state of mind, a place you might have forgot about..."You're beautiful, every little piece love, don't you know; you're really gonna be someone, ask anyone." Your songs lifted me up at a time in my life when I felt most vulnerable.

Next comes Love Story. I remember the moment I heard this song, and it was on a CMT special on television with an artist named "Taylor Swift", who was debuting her new song "Love Story". I already knew who you were and loved every bit of your first record, but Love Story was the song that solidified my love for miss Taylor Swift. I, again, would play this song over and over in my car, in my room, play it for my friends, for my family; I'm sure they thought I was weird and crazy, but I didn't care, because I hung onto every lyric in that song, and come to know, that was the year I would reconnect with my now husband, Ryan. We dated on and off in college, but that was the year that we made a decision to try again at our relationship, and love story gave me the inspiration to give this another shot. Also, I'd like to note, that this was the year you opened for Rascal Flatts, and my sister and I purposely bought tickets to see you at that show, sat in the nosebleeds, and loved every second of the few songs you performed.

Also when Fearless was released, I watched every late night talk show and interview that you were in, and loved seeing you perform. I still to this day make sure to watch every performance or interview, Snapchat, Instagram story, Facebook post, etc...usually because your words inspire me and I always find some sort of revelation in what you say. One of my favorite performances you did was the Grammys where you performed with Stevie Knicks. Miss Swift, I feel like we have the same taste in music. :)

Speaking of concerts, I have attended every tour you've put on, including one tour twice when you were in Michigan (both Detroit and Grand Rapids). You see, I have a crew that I go to your show with and I have the best memories from these girls nights. You always play the BEST music before the show to get us pumped up; there are always dance parties and light up signs (that are so much fun to make!). And of course we sing so loud that we have NO voices the next day! Please see attached pictures and you'll see my love for attending your shows. I wish I had pictures from every concert but we were too busy having fun! I can't wait for the next tour because my friends and I have already decided that we are going to take a girls trip somewhere to see you (place tbd!).

Speaking of friends, I'm not the only one who loves you. My closest friends also adore you. I've turned all of my sisters (I have three younger ones) into Swifties, and my closest friends and I love to analyze every new song, every new lyric, every style change. I know I have a true connection with someone if they love you as much I do.

Back to the music...after Fearless, I was on a search for more of your music. And that is exactly what I found... through a random search on the internet, I stumbled upon an unplugged version of Sparks Fly, and little did I know this song would be on your next album. Gosh, the entire Speak Now album was so good. Sparks Fly was just the start. I loved Mine. I loved Back to December. I loved Dear John. Basically I loved every song. I clung to the lyrics. "I'm shining like fireworks over your sad little town." "I was enchanted to meet you." Long live all the magic we made." So much brilliance in every single word. Your ability to create magic with your words is the work of a genius.

Let me also mention that every time you release a new album, I say, “this is my favorite album.” But honestly, I don't have a favorite, and thats because I love every bit of art you've created. I have one huge playlist that is all Taylor Swift, and I know every lyric to every song.

Next up, Red. Gosh, I just have pure love for this album. You were so creative with your words. Ryan and I had just been married, and this album was on repeat as a newlywed. It also was my escape and my comfort, as we took in our one-week-old nephew for 9 months of that year because he needed a safe home. This was a period of heartache and pain, and I remember driving in my car or going for a walk, and listening to your music to escape my thoughts. Your songs were such a point of comfort and light in a time of extreme stress and unease. They would take me to a place that was full of love, and a reminder of happiness. "Darling it was good...where we stood was holy ground." "Your eyes look like coming home."

Red was also PURE FUN. I loved seeing you interact with your friends in the 22 music video. And singing with pure joy We are Never getting back together and I Knew You Were Trouble. My sister and I had many dance parties together in my living room to this album.

I feel like I'm getting a little long winded in this letter..but there are just a few things I need to mention. 1989 was a perfect Pop album. I listened to every song on repeat, per usual. But I purchased the Target edition which had some special songs that were my favorite. I loved New Romantics.  It reminded me so much of the friendships I have with my closest friends. We support each other. We love each other. "We were too busy dancing." Your acoustic version for the Grammy's of Wildest Dreams still gets played in my car when I need a good acoustic pick up me.

I don't want to skip Reputation but I feel like I'll follow suit here and say that "There will be no further explanation, just reputation. ;)

As you can see, I have a long history with your music, and thought I would tell you how much your songs have carried me through life. From that 23 year old to now 36 year old, and all those years in between, the music has defined me.

Lastly and most important, State of Grace has been life changing for me. I didn't realize what this song would mean to me until a few years ago, when I had my first daughter, named Grace. (she's named after the song Amazing Grace as a tie to someone very close to me in my life.) I loved the song before she was born, but now it has a totally different meaning now that she's here. She's a three year old ball of energy, who challenges me to my core, but the love I feel for her is something I can't quite explain. "And I never saw you coming. And I'll never be the same. This is a state of grace." This song has been the theme to raising my daughter and also has the ability to bring me to tears when I hear it, although I'm positive for you it had a much different meaning. And now your song Lover has given me a sense of wholeness, and a sense of comfort I have never felt before. You put into words a way to describe the emotion I feel for my family- my husband Ryan, sweet Grace and also now a son, Thomas.

That's what I love about your music. You write for you and your fans are able to interpret it in a way that applies to their own lives. I suppose that's the point of this whole love letter. I felt as if I needed you to know how much you've meant to me through the years and how much you've inspired me and helped me grow.

Thank you for your art. Thank you for your ability to connect with us and care for your fans in a way that no other artist has been able to. And a heartfelt Congratulations on the new album. I can't wait to see what you do next.

xoxo

Melissa