Opening her tenth studio album with the words “Meet me at midnight,” there was no better lens to frame the story of “Midnights” than “Lavender Haze.”
Introduced to Taylor through an episode of Mad Men, “Lavender Haze” was used throughout the 50s to describe the all-encompassing feeling of falling in love. Entranced by the expression and the hues it painted in her mind, it was a must to begin this release with a layer of this color.
Whether it be falling in love with someone or an idea -- the euphoric, hazy, above-the-clouds feeling of such is one like no other. However, unlike the 50s, with the connected, yet lonely, digital age of today, it can be harder than ever before to stay in the “honeymoon-stage” with the opinions of others so accessible via the internet and social media. Having experienced this invasive judgement of relationships herself, she stresses focusing on the love you have, rather than the remarks of those viewing it from a different colored lens.
The differences in shades of purple between the album name, “Midnights” and intro-track, “Lavender Haze” are very obvious. Starting out in pastels, deepening the hue with each track, this release once again colors the growth of Taylor between both herself and her career.
Singing, “I’m damned if I do give a damn what people say” sums up the story of this euphoric reflection of her story so far. Whether it be on the topic of love or not, the moment you care about what others are saying is the moment you compromise your own growth and wellness.
The reactions to her tenth studio release have been bold, however one thing is for sure: as weeks pass, more and more are finding a place for “Midnights” in their own narrative.
You can follow the story of Taylor and all to come from her ever-developing discography at https://www.taylorswift.com/.
"Lavender Haze Official Lyric Video - Taylor Swift":