If the world could see people the way their loved ones do, 

hate wouldn’t stand a chance.

That thought came to me during a lunchtime conversation—not one filled with heavy debates or dramatic revelations, but a simple, casual exchange that somehow meandered to Taylor Swift. Not Taylor the queen of breakup anthems, but Taylor the extraordinary person she has proven herself to be.

‘‘I wish more people recognised her

 for the powerhouse she truly is.’’

This is the artist who took on Apple Music and won, forcing them to pay artists during free trials and changing an industry standard. This is the woman who stood her ground in court against sexual harassment—not for a settlement, but to make a point. She’s spoken out against gender inequality in the music industry, championed artists’ rights to own their work and advocated for equal pay legislation.

Yes, she writes about heartbreak. And yes, I’d love to see her push her creative boundaries in new directions. But watching her re-record her albums has made me understand the power of reclaiming ownership. While her name often evokes visions of heartbreak ballads and diary-entry confessions, her legacy extends far beyond romance. Swift is a multifaceted artist who has championed causes, fought for justice and used her platform to make meaningful changes—both within and beyond the music industry.

Not that heartbreak, relationships, or the personal lives of women as artists should ever be underrated—after all, we all grow from the pain and lessons they bring.  But to truly appreciate Taylor Swift, we need to look beyond just those stories. Take my love for some of her songs below as a starting point, an invitation to open your heart to the depth and breadth of her artistry.

Even for those who can’t yet call themselves fans, Swift’s legacy as a fearless advocate and storyteller is one worth rooting for.

In her early years until now, Taylor Swift consistently shared songs that resonated with her grounded perspective and encouraged listeners to lean into her music as a source of inspiration to live their lives fully. Other songs with the same carefree, empowering vibe include 22 (Red), a joyful ode to living in the moment, with its iconic line, “We’re happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time,” and ME! (feat. Brendon Urie, Lover), which boldly declares, “I’m the only one of me, baby, that’s the fun of me,” a playful celebration of individuality and self-love. Like Shake It Off (1989), these tracks remind us to embrace life in an unapologetical way.

 Shake It Off (1989, Taylor’s Version)

Dismiss it as pop fluff if you dare, but Shake It Off is a masterclass in defiance. With its infectious beat and cheeky attitude, it stands as a self-love anthem wrapped in confidence. The genius lies in its simplicity—Swift gleefully brushes off the noise of her critics and offers listeners a sparkling guide to embracing their individuality and silencing the doubters.

Fighting for Artists’ Rights

In 2015, Swift stood up to Apple Music, challenging their policy of not paying artists during free trials. Her open letter not only led to a policy reversal but also set a precedent for fair treatment of musicians. Later in 2021, she took on a battle for ownership rights to her work, re-recording her albums to regain control—a bold move that speaks volumes about her resilience and determination.

A Voice for Women

In 2017, Swift testified in court against a radio DJ who had sexually harassed her. Refusing a settlement, she sought symbolic justice, demanding just $1 and setting a precedent for others to speak out. She’s also been a vocal advocate for equal pay and gender equality in the music industry, embodying the fight she sings about in The Man—a sharp critique of double standards faced by women.

The Man (Lover)

Swift doesn’t pull any punches in this anthem. With biting lyrics like “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man,” Taylor Swift doesn’t hold back, she calls out the sexism ingrained in society. A scathing critique of double standards and gender inequality, The Man is a satirical anthem where Swift imagines how her career and public image would differ if she were male.

Songs That Tell Bigger Stories

Beyond her activism, Swift’s songs are some of the most poignant storytelling in modern music, often delving into the depth of her artistry beyond the breakup ballads.

Only the Young (Miss Americana)

Written for her documentary, this politically charged anthem is a rallying cry for young people to demand change. With its simple yet stirring refrain, it’s both a challenge and a call for hope in the face of systemic frustrations. The song’s refrain “Only the young, only the young, can run” is a challenge for young people to fight for a better world because no one else will. It’s both sobering and uplifting, proving that even in despair, Swift finds a way to inspire—encouraging young listeners to stand up, speak out and use their voices to vote.

Ronan (Red, Taylor’s Version)

This haunting ballad, based on the true story of a young boy who died of neuroblastoma, pulls directly from his mother’s blog. Every penny of the song’s proceeds went to cancer charities, a testament to Swift’s commitment to using her art for good.

The Best Day (Fearless, Taylor’s Version)

Swift’s ode to her mother, Andrea, captures the purest kind of love: the bond between parent and child. Written as a secret Christmas surprise, the song’s lyrics are steeped in nostalgia and warmth, recalling moments of comfort and joy from her childhood. This track is Taylor at her most sincere, her lyrics stripped of ornamentation to reveal raw emotion that resonates universally. It’s a simple yet profound reminder of the bonds that ground us.

Championing LGBTQ+ Rights

With You Need to Calm Down from her Lover album, Swift delivered a rainbow-painted finger pointed squarely at online trolls and homophobes everywhere. The playful yet pointed anthem became a call for acceptance and equality, with its music video spotlighting LGBTQ+ icons.

You Need to Calm Down (Lover)

This earworm pairs bright pop with a bold message: embrace kindness, reject hate and make room for everyone at the table. It’s Swift at her most playful and political. She channels her pop instincts into a bold, glittery anthem for acceptance and LGBTQ+ rights. It’s playful but pointed, the kind of earworm that makes you want to shout it from rooftops—or at least from the comment section of every hate-filled thread you’ve ever read.

Why These Songs Matter

These tracks serve as reminders that Taylor Swift’s artistry is more than personal heartbreak; it’s about connecting to something bigger. Even in her simplest heartbreak moments, there’s something relatable that resonates with listeners. Whether she’s empowering young activists, celebrating family, or advocating for gender equality, her songs resonate with truths that are as personal as they are universal.

In these moments, Swift proves that her music transcends categories, cementing her place as one of the most meaningful storytellers of our time. Together, these tracks prove that if you take a closer look, you’ll see a fearless advocate for feminism, women’s rights and artistic integrity—a reminder that influential figures can drive meaningful change. And if your heart is open to seeing it, you’ll find plenty of good in this woman and the impact she continues to make.    

We don’t see her as a perfect angel, but there’s a goodness in Taylor Swift that’s hard to ignore—something her fans, myself included, have recognised for nearly two decades.