Controversial question here... But, I'm curious what others perspectives are on the this. What are your thoughts on Taylor Swift?? Should we encourage young girls to listen to her music? Why or why not??
Did you grow up listening to Taylor Swift? Were you a fan when she first made her debut in the early 2000's? Is she the same young country girl today as she was back then; playing her acoustics guitar while singing about boys?
If I want to encourage my girls to seek truth in a lost world, you better believe I'm going to be pretty picky about who I let influence their young minds! So, Taylor Swift, should we let you in?
My girls have been coming home from school recently, asking us,
"Who's Taylor Swift? All the girls in our class love her!! Can we listen to some of her music??"
To be honest, I typically don't know a music artist by their name. I only recognize them by their music (if I've heard any of it). Now, I am aware of who Taylor Swift is, but I myself have never been a fan. As a result I really only know of her on a very small scale, as this "Swiftie" fad has just simply not reached our home until now!
So, like with anything my girls acquire an interest in, I began to do a little digging to investigate whether or not I was okay with conceding to the "Swiftie" fad in our home. I had no idea how dark a life I would soon discover as I examined her latest album.
When it comes to this kind of research, I always begin by asking myself 3 important questions. These questions will ultimately become the tools I use as I help my girls navigate where we should stand on the issue.
Questions about Taylor Swift:
Is she a role model for young girls today and if so, is she someone my girls would also look up to?
If the answer is yes to the question above ☝🏼 then questions 2&3 are very important to consider for such young and impressionable minds!👇🏼 These next questions will help further my understandings as to whether or not I, as a mother, am comfortable with allowing Taylor Swift to have such an impact on my girls during their formative years.
Will her lifestyle and music point my girls to Jesus?
Will her lifestyle and music point my girls away from Jesus?
At first, when I considered the idea of Taylor Swift and whether or not I was comfortable with her being someone my girls looked up to, my initial thought was, "Nope, Absolutely Not"! But let's not forget... These questions above☝🏼will need to become the tools, not just for me, but also for my girls as we navigate who we allow to have an influence in our lives. So, I will need to have a reason as to why or why not we will allow a role model like Taylor Swift into our home.
As I dug into these questions, I had to figure out who exactly Taylor Swift is. Honestly, my basic knowledge of Swift is the country girl that always sang about her relationships and her breakups. I think anyone could listen to one of her songs and tell you she has a great voice and catchy music! Let's be honest here, her music is a hit among the youth of today! The idea of saying, "well I just don't like Taylor Swift", is simply not an argument you're going to win anyone over on, especially your kids.
So, let's consider that first question... Is Taylor Swift a role model for today's young girls?? Well... Do remember when you were a young girl between the ages 7 and 14? What is one thing all girls at that age have in common? Well, let me tell you... a desire to be accepted! Most girls at this age will begin to look towards others to find this acceptance. Did you have someone you looked up to? Someone you admired and wanted to be just like? All girls have someone; someone they will act like, dress like, talk like, and be like. Sometimes it's an older sister, sometimes it's a best friend, sometimes it's even a teacher. But for most girls its almost ALWAYS someone in the spotlight. But why? Why is someone in the spotlight so intriguing to us? I think it's because the one in the spotlight portrays a life of acceptance by the world. It's every girl's desire, this desire to belong, to be loved, and to be accepted. If we follow the figure in the spotlight, eventually we will go on to become that older sister, that best friend or even that teacher that others look up to.
So, is Taylor Swift in the spotlight?? She sure is!! Remember how I said she's got a great voice and super catchy music? Well she's also pretty, and has a way of singing and dancing that will capture the heart of any young girl! She portrays the life of a princess adored by her fans across the nation amidst her life of singing and theatrical dancing. It's any little girl's dream come true. I've got two little girls of my own, trust me I know! Their favorite thing to do is put on their swirly dresses while singing and dancing, Of course they will look up to someone like her!!
So, is Taylor Swift someone I want my girls to look up to? Let's take a look 👇
This is the cover of her first album. A young teen in cowgirl boots singing about her high school crush. The music is clean and catchy. My only concern, as a parent to young girls, would be whether or not I want them to become "boy obsessive" by listening to this music. Now don't get me wrong, we love country music this house, but still we keep it in moderation and limit the amount our kids listen to it. I think with general caution and parental guidance, I wouldn't have a problem with my girls listening to her earlier hits.
You may disagree with me on this, but when it comes to music, I prefer music that is in worship to God and draws my heart closer to Him. In a world where Satan is working overtime to drag as many people as he can down with him, I want to disciple my girls to seek Christ in everything and that INCLUDES the music they chose.
When talking about Taylor Swift and the influence she has on young girls, I think it's important to understand that the 34 year old Taylor Swift today, is NOT the same girl who released her catchy new album in 2006. Notice the difference between her very first album ☝️and her most recent album 👇
We need to consider, that as adults, we see things and understand things that our children simply do not see or understand. When I look at the way Taylor Swift dresses during her performance, I do not see pretty... but what I do see is promiscuous and provocative. What about the way she dances?? Again, I see promiscuous and provocative. Now, maybe this is just me, but I simply do not see anything flattering about it.
But... let's not forget, this isn't about me. This is about my girls and all young girls today. So... what would my girls see in her singing and dancing? How would they perceive her, and her way of dressing? Well, I will tell you that the words promiscuous and provocative are words my girls would not use. Why? Well, those words are ideas my girls have yet to be exposed to at the ages of eight and nine years old.
So how then will my girls see Taylor Swift? I believe my girls, and many others like them, will see her at the surface. They will see the pretty and the sparkly in the dress that I, with a more conservative view, will see as promiscuous. They will see beauty in her dancing as they focus on the special effects, while I see provocative. They will see something good, because they are young and their minds are innocent.
Somewhere in the last 18 years Taylor Swift moved from, cowgirl boots and a sundress, to the bedazzled swim suit look with fishnet leggings and whatever those high top boots are. Her lyrics are no longer clean, but instead filled with swear words and hate towards... well I don't even know who?!
So why the change, Taylor?? You are pretty, you are talented, you've got a skip in your step while singing what's on your heart. I watched your Netflix documentary. I saw that young girl; 13 years old, big smile, strumming that acoustic guitar, singing the words she wrote herself. It was catchy, it was clean, it was innocent, it was good!
I see why you changed, I understand that you "had" to according to the world's standards of pop music culture. I can't even begin to imagine the pressure you've experienced. You said, you've learned to live for the applause of strangers, the approval of the world. I'm sorry, but you got it all wrong. Why seek the approval of many, when there is only one that matters? The Bible tells us we have an audience of only one. Colossians 3:23-24 says:
[23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
I understand if you don't claim to be a Christian, but I PROMISE you this life is better! This life leads to eternal life!! Where does yours lead to??
When I think of my girls and the influence you will have in their young lives, I have many concerns. The innocence of a young girl will love the beat of your music, but your lyrics showcase a heart of bitterness and hatred. Whether you realize it or not you are speaking into the lives of many... but what are you speaking? And what are they hearing? The Bible tells us that our words can lead to life or death ... And its not just talking about physical death!
The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat it's fruit. Proverbs 18:21
If I allow you into our home, what happens when my girls want to start dressing like you or dancing like you? What about when they start learning the lyrics to your music and singing those lyrics? Well, this leads me right into questions two and three! Will you and your music point my girls to Jesus or away from Jesus? In a broken world, will you point them to the Creator or to the created?
Questions 2&3: Will her lifestyle or music point my girls to Jesus... or away from Jesus? The answer may seem obvious, but still we need to dig into each question and give a reason as to why or why not. I think that if we are truly being honest with ourselves, there are lots of things that our kids will gravitate towards in life, not all of which will point them to Jesus. But.... Let's not forget... we are talking about role models in the lives of our girls. Remember, if the answer to question one was yes, then questions 2&3 are now addressing the type of role model our girls are wanting to be like, look like, dress like and act like. While role models can point our kids to Jesus... they can also point our kids away from Jesus. I think this calls for us Mama Bears to exercise some extreme caution to protect our cubs!!
So, what does the Bible say about these things, like who or what we expose ourselves to. The first thing that pops into my mind is actually a song. Did anyone else grow up with this song, 🙋♀️🎵"Oh be careful little eyes what you see... Oh be careful little ears what you hear, for the father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see... So be careful little ears what you hear."🎵. Let's take a look at the book of Matthew 👇
Matthew 6:22-23 NIV[22] “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. [23] But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Jesus is talking about the importance of what we let in through our eyes, as it affects the whole body. What the eyes see will affect the heart. And we know that out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 NIV[45] A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
It's interesting that Jesus brings this up in the first place. I mean, Isn't it kind of obvious that what comes in, must come out?! If good is coming in, then it would make sense that good would be going out. Vice versa, if bad is coming in, then it would make sense that bad would be going out.
Is it possible, however, that we could be deceived in understanding the difference between good vs. evil? Is it possible to allow evil in, while believing it be good that whole time? Are we in need of a reminder to exercise this caution?
Is the devil really that sneaky in his antics... "Did God really say...?" "What could be so wrong about this...its pretty, its fun, its catchy, you're happy, its good... why wouldn't it be good?!" ... I guess it makes sense that if the devil is trying to bring people down, he probably would twist everything around and make that which leads to destruction appear good in the eyes of man.
So at this point... I'm going to safely assume that God does warn us to exercise caution about who or what we let in. With that being said it's time we look at Taylor Swifts lifestyle and music.
In the Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, Taylor Swift talks about how writing music is like writing in a journal, it's a way to share what's on your heart. So, let's take a look at what's going on in the heart shall we!
Remember that most recent album above☝🏼, the tortured poets department? Do you suppose there is a deeper meaning behind that kind of name? She's a poet of sorts, right? She's in the department of show biz right? Is she a poet that has been tortured? If so, by who?
In her documentary, Swift talks about the pressures of being an artist in today's culture. The critics always have something to criticize about. As a young and upcoming artist she was there to please, to be good, to do it right. She mentioned not feeling as though she "deserved", to be in the spotlight. She owed it to her fans, so she needed to please them.
But what happens when you focus on pleasing the world around you? Will they ever be satisfied? Will you ever be good enough? Pleasing my family 4 of is exhausting... How on earth is anyone ever going please the whole world?! But that's just it... You can't!! So now what happens when you keep trying?? ... I think its inevitable... you become bitter.
Does anybody like to be criticized? It's an obvious rhetorical question. Criticisms shape us and make us into who we are, but the process can feel like torture. Criticism can be incredibly beneficial or devastatingly detrimental to us! So how do we control the outcome? Are we even able to? I think it boils down to who we are trying to please and where we place our identity.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus talks about the storms of life and what kind of foundation will be able to withstand them. 👇🏼
Matthew 7: 24-27. [24] “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
The storms of life come in all different forms, yes even the critics we face can be the storm that bulldozes our faith and leaves us buried beneath the rubble. We all face them but who can withstand them? Jesus tells us that, "Everyone who hears these words... And puts them into practice" will be able to weather the storm standing firm on a solid foundation. Placing our faith, hope and Identity in Christ ALONE is that solid foundation. So now the question is, what is the foundation we want to our girls to stand on? Will Taylor Swift's lifestyle point our girls to that foundation?
As I dove into that latest album, I honestly felt borderline depressed after listening to and digging into the lyrics. I want to be real and honest about something before I lay out a few of the things that concern me as a mother. I am NOT here to bash Taylor Swift. I believe that we are ALL created in the image of God, but that we have the choice to accept or reject Him. I can't say what anyone will chose, as that is between each individual and God. But what I do know is that each person has the choice to chose "life" or "death", and my hearts strongest desire for my girls is that they chose life! The tongue has the power to speak life or death... So yes, it matters what we let in! It matters who we let influence us! It matters what we hear! It matters what we see!
In the book of Philippians, Paul is addressing the church of philippi while in prison. During their opposition, Paul encourages the church and urges them to proclaim the gospel fixing their eyes on Jesus. In the midst of suffering, Paul reminds them of the importance of what we let into the mind.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is praiseworthy - think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Lets take a look at how Taylor Swift encourages her fans in the midst of her heartaches and sufferings.
After a deep dive into the life of Taylor Swift, one can see that she has been through a lot. She's been in countless relationships, she's worked the last 18 years as a public figure experiencing the harsh realties of the pop music culture, she's been through the cancer journey as she opened up about her moms breast cancer and brain tumor, her songs point to the realities of questioning the existence of a god, as well as the moralities of good vs. evil. In the midst of human suffering what truth is she standing on? What hope has she found? How does she encourage her swiftie fans as they relate to her music?
I've explored a lot into each song on this latest album. Taylor swift uses many metaphors as a way of telling a story that many swifties find relatable. After digging into the meanings behind the lyrics I find it very concerning that people can relate to this, which begs the question, what about my girls?!
I've laid out a few of the lyrics from songs that raise many red flags for me. These are only 4 of the songs from her latest album. Many songs reflect a love that has been sabotaged. The grief stricken Taylor lays out her emotions similar to these lyrics found in Down Bad. Aside from the swear words, I see a lot of anger, hate and possible suicidal verbiage.
Now Im down bad, crying at the gym. Everything comes out, teenage petulance, #uck it if I cant have him. I might just die, makes no difference. Down bad, waking up in blood. (Down Bad)
Another song, fortnight, goes deeper into the way life continues after the breakup. As many can relate to their "lover" moving on, Taylor emphasizes the heart of bitterness that emerges towards this new couple that never should have been.
And for a fortnight there we were forever. Running to you sometimes ask about the weather. Now you're in my backyard turned into good neighbors. Your wife waters flowers, I wanna kill her. (Fortnight)
Taylor also embarks on her rebellious spirit in songs like "But daddy, I love him!" There is a form of religious symbolism throughout her lyrics which suggests speaking to her more conservative church-going fans.
I just learned these people only raise you to cage you. Sarahs and Hannahs in their Sunday best clutching their pearls. Sighing, "what a mess." I just learned these people try and save you... because they hate you. Too high a horse for a simple girls to rise above it. ..... Now im running with my dress unbuttoned screaming, "daddy I love Him! Im having his baby no Im not, but you should see your faces. ... I know he's crazy but he's the one I want. ... Soon enough the elders had convened down at the city hall "stay away from her" the saboteurs protested too much ... I'll tell you something right now, Id rather burn my whole life down than listen to one more second of all this #itchen and moaning. I'll tell you something about my good name, Its mine alone to disgrace. I don't cater to all these vipers dressed in emperors clothing. God save the most judgmental creeps who say they want what's best for me. ... You ain't gotta pray for me, me and my wild boy and all this wild joy. If all you want is gray for me, then that's just white noise. And its my choice! ... we came back when the heat died down, went to my parents and they came around. All the wine moms are still holding out, but #uck 'em Its over! Now im dancing in my dress in the sun and even my daddy just loves him, Im his lady. (But Daddy I love Him)
Furthering her rebellious side, her song, "guilty as sin", showcases the questioning we've all experienced, "what is sin?". Her fans rave about this song for reasons that I personally find appalling, again revealing that I simply cannot allow my eight and nine year old to listen to this!
My boredom is bone deep, this cage was once just fine. Am I allowed to cry? I dream of cracking locks, throwing my life to the wolves or ocean rocks. crashing into him tonight, he's a paradox. Im seeing visions, am I bad or mad? or Wise? What if He's written 'Mine' on my upper thigh only in my mind? One slip and falling back into the hedge maze oh what a way to die. I keep recalling things we never did... messy top lip kiss, how I long for our trysts. Without ever touching his skin, how can I be guilty as skin. .... These fatal fantasies giving way to labored breath. Taking all of me, we've already done it in my head. If its make believe why does it feel like a vow, we'll both uphold somehow? ... What if I roll the stone away? They're going to crucify me anyway. What if the way you hold me is actually what's holy? If long suffering propriety is what they want from me, they don't know how you've haunted me so stunningly. I choose you and me religiously. (Guilty as Sin)
"What if I roll the stone away? They're going to crucify me anyway." Is it just me or did she just compare herself to Jesus and his crucifixion?? I'm sorry, but that was a bold move! According to my own digging on this she is referring to how she has a choice to give in to a fantasy she questions is wrong, or to give up this fantasy. I think its the idea of saying "yes" or no to "sin", something we ALL face! She goes on to express that regardless of what she chooses, her paparazzi and the public eye will judge her anyway. Funny.... It reminds me of something I had mentioned earlier, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" Col.3:23. She goes on, "If long suffering propriety is what they want from me, they don't know how you've haunted me so stunningly, I choose you and me religiously." I don't know about you, but this sounds a lot like the human struggle with temptation. I think Taylor is pretty clear that the suffering of "dying to oneself" as the Bible teaches is simply not worth it to her. Suffering is hard, and yes, suffering through temptation is a real thing! Taylor says "give in, it doesn't matter anyway, but what does the Bible say? The Bible actually has a lot to say on this matter!
"for ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and ALL are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24) "For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only son. (John 3:16-18) Jesus said to his disciples, "whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Paul encourages believers that, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13) Paul talks to the Romans about suffering, "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
If Taylor wants to dig her own grave in sin, that is her choice... but I think that warrants us as mothers to use discretion when we consider her as an influencer to our children. For me, I see an incredible amount of evil in these songs that Taylor Swift herself is completely blinded to. In that last song Taylor says, "What if he's written mine on my upper thigh?", this use of mine implies possession. So my question is this, who actually claims possession over you Taylor?? ... "Did God really say?" ... Yes, the devil REALLY IS that clever!
So Taylor Swift, Should I let you in? Should I let you into my home to speak into the lives of these two precious girls? The Bible tells us that we are in the world, but that we are not to be of the world. We are called to exercise discernment as we disciple our kids pointing them to Jesus. They came home asking a simple question, "Who is Taylor Swift? Can we listen to her music?" I wasn't exactly sure how I felt, but I was willing to fight for them seeking truth and pointing them in that truth. So I did my research, and this is what I settled on.
1.) Would my girls view Taylor swift as a role model? = YES
2.) Will Taylor Swift point my girls toward Jesus? = NO
3.) Will Taylor Swift point my girls away from Jesus? = YES
So the answer is no, I just cant let you into this house! You have an incredible gift, the way you are able to put the beat to your words. I'll admit, I was tapping to your music as I dug into it. The beat is great, but those words hold deep and concerning messages that I simply cannot let my girls listen to. I find the words of Joshua very fitting, so for my closing I will end with this, "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" (Joshua 24:15)
Yikes! I hadn't realized her newer stuff was dark. I know several moms who have become fans after going to/watching the Era tour. I just assumed she was still singing the same fluff, with less clothing :/