Bridges Burn, I Never Learn: What is a Bridge In A Taylor Swift Song?
“Remember when you hit the brakes too soon?”
We’ve all heard people say things like, “Taylor must have been an architect in a previous life because she knows how to build a bridge”. If you found yourself nodding and smiling without actually knowing what everyone is talking about, I’ve got you.
Bridges create those magical moments that hit you right in the gut. Picture a bridge in her song as your favorite scenic spot during a road trip— it connects the verses and choruses, but it's also the place where you pull over, take a breath, and soak in the view. Intrigued?
Let’s first list some fan-favorite bridges so you know what we’re talking about:
Out Of The Woods
Remember when you hit the brakes too soon?
20 stitches in a hospital room
When you started crying, baby, I did too
But when the sun came up, I was looking at you
Remember when we couldn't take the heat?
I walked out, I said, "I'm setting you free"
But the monsters turned out to be just trees
When the sun came up, you were looking at me
You were looking at me, oh
You were looking at me
2. Champagne Problems
Your Midas touch on the Chevy door
November flush and your flannel cure
"This dorm was once a madhouse"
I made a joke, "Well, it's made for me"
How evergreen, our group of friends
Don't think we'll say that word again
And soon they'll have the nerve to deck the halls
That we once walked through
One for the money, two for the show
I never was ready, so I watch you go
Sometimes you just don't know the answer
'Til someone's on their knees and asks you
"She would've made such a lovely bride
What a shame she's f***** in the head, " they said
But you'll find the real thing instead
She'll patch up your tapestry that I shred
3. All Too Well
And maybe we got lost in translation
Maybe I asked for too much
But maybe this thing was a masterpiece 'til you tore it all up
Running scared, I was there
I remember it all too well
And you call me up again just to break me like a promise
So casually cruel in the name of being honest
I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here
'Cause I remember it all, all, all
Too well
First things first - I know there are more iconic ones, such as Cruel Summer, Your On Your Kid, and Cowboy Like Me, but if I would list them all, this post would never get to the point.
Taylor Swift Bridges Explained
Now, let's break it down a bit. In music theory, a bridge, also known as a middle eight, acts as a section in a song that connects the verse to the chorus. It is a pivot point that brings a fresh perspective by introducing new melodies, chord progressions, or lyrical themes.
Taylor Swift's bridges stand out for their ability to add depth and complexity to her songs, like in "All Too Well" from the album "Red". When she dives into her past relationship, the bridge becomes a powerful moment of vulnerability. It changes the song's mood with emotional lyrics and a strong melody. She doesn’t only paint a picture of where we are in the story like she did in the first verses. In the bridge, it’s like she’s speaking to him directly, going from: remember these moments? to: this is how everything I just mentioned made me feel.
Similarly, in "Blank Space" from "1989," Taylor uses the bridge to bring us a twist in the storyline, shedding light on media portrayals of her love life. This section introduces a new chord progression and melody, creating a contrast that captivates us till the end of the song.
But Taylor doesn't stop there. In songs like "The 1" and "champagne problems," the bridges are warm, comforting, and make you think. And don't even get me started on "exile" or "my tears ricochet." We would be here all night…
Simply put - the bridge plays an important role in Taylor Swift's music by connecting different parts of her songs and taking emotions to a new level. It's where feelings and storylines intensify, drawing us further into her life. Whether she’s breaking your heart with "All Too Well" or making you laugh with "Blank Space," the bridges act as emotional highlights, leading all us Swifties through experiences of love, heartbreak, and everything in between.
So, the next time you're bopping along to one of her songs, pay closer attention to the bridge— you might experience it differently now. As Taylor herself would say, "Are you ready for it?"
