Underrated and unseen: A specific rundown of Birmingham students as Taylor Swift tracks

When most people think of Taylor Swift, they picture chart-topping hits like Love Story or Blank Space. But beneath the sparkle of her mainstream hits lies a collection of hidden gems. At the University of Birmingham, students’ experiences might draw parallels to lyrics of Taylor’s underrated tracks, including those from her spate of re-releases. We have here a rundown celebrating the depth and nuance of her songwriting.

The Archer (Lover)

Student personality: The overthinker, navigating self-discovery.

This song is a delicate confession woven in a whispering voice, a lyrical monologue on the fragile architecture of the human psyche. It’s an introspective mirror held up to the soul, revealing cracks of vulnerability beneath a polished exterior.

For students at Birmingham, The Archer feels like an internal dialogue – those late nights in the Edgbaston library, questioning whether they’re enough amidst the ghostly silence of the old stacks. Perhaps it echoes the quiet moments on the Birmingham university campus’ cloisters or reflections in the historic Aston Webb building, battling imposter syndrome or anxiety. Its poetic lyrics and haunting melody serve as a gentle reminder that even the strongest among us carry shadows of doubt, and healing begins with acknowledgment.

The Lakes (Folklore)

Student personality: The zen UoB Student who’s got everything worked out.

A lyrical ode to longing and escapism, The Lakes conjures images of quiet waters and distant horizons, evoking the desire to retreat from the intensity of student life. For Birmingham students, this song feels like an invitation to find refuge—maybe on the serene banks of Edgbaston Reservoir or the hidden trails of Sarehole Mill. It’s like escaping the city’s hustle, whether via a secret spot in Lickey Hills or the quiet corners of the Digbeth Linear Park. Its poetic metaphors evoke the tranquility of a university break or a mental retreat, urging students to remember that sometimes, the most profound journeys are inward.

Mr. Perfectly Fine (Fearless (Taylor’s Version))

Student personality: The hopeless romantic.

This upbeat yet sharp-witted track is a poetic satire on heartbreak, delivered with a playful tone that masks the pain. Its lyrics are like a clever epigram, capturing the bitter irony of loss and betrayal, perhaps after a date at The Victoria or a failed swipe at the Bull Ring’s mobile units.

For students navigating heartbreak, whether from long-distance love with someone from nearby Solihull or a fleeting romance in the Barber Institute, this song offers a humorous yet cathartic reflection. For students dealing with breakups or the emotional rollercoaster of relationships—perhaps navigating the complexities of dating apps or long-distance love—this song offers a humorous yet cathartic reflection. It’s a witty reminder that even heartbreak can be faced with resilience and a sense of humour.

State of Grace (Red)

Student personality: The excitable new romantic.

An anthem celebrating the chaos and beauty of newfound love, State of Grace is a soaring ode to vulnerability. Its lyrics are like a painter’s brushstrokes – vivid, energetic, and full of longing. For Birmingham students experiencing the thrill of new relationships, whether in the historic Vaults beneath the university or during late-night walks along the canal towpaths, it captures that exhilarating feeling of falling hard and embracing uncertainty. It’s a celebration of the city’s vibrant, unpolished charm—like catching sparks at The Night Owl or in the bustling student scene of the Arcadian.

Come In With The Rain (Fearless)

Student personality: The introverted confidant.

This gentle lyric invites openness and honesty, echoing the tender moments of connection amid the hustle of university life. Its metaphor of rain as cleansing and renewal resonates with students who are learning to trust, shed insecurities, or share their stories in unlikely places—perhaps in the quiet courtyard of the Barber Institute or during an unplanned chat in a Digbeth warehouse. It’s a soft-spoken encouragement to embrace vulnerability in the city’s lesser-known corners, where authentic connections often blossom.

Ivy (Evermore)

Student personality: The thoughtful introspect.

A lush, tangled metaphor of love’s darker corners, Ivy paints a picture of desire creeping like vines – both beautiful and suffocating. For Birmingham students, this could evoke unspoken attractions in the shadowy backstreets of the Jewellery Quarter or the hidden alcoves of the underrated Ikon Gallery. The song’s poetic imagery invites introspection about love’s darker entanglements – perhaps lingering feelings after a night at The Flapper or in the secluded gardens of the university’s green spaces. It’s a reflection on the beauty and danger of emotional entrapment, inspired by Birmingham’s blend of industrial grit and secret serenity.

All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Red (Taylor’s Version))

Student personality: The storyteller, nostalgic and sentimental.

An epic narrative filled with emotional details, this song feels like a Birmingham legend – full of vivid stories and local colour. Maybe it’s the ghostly echoes of old tram lines or the stories passed down about the city’s industrial heyday. The detailed memories, like a night at the Old Crown or a walk through the Jewellery Quarter, resonate with those who’ve experienced love and loss amid Birmingham’s historic streets, capturing the city’s resilience and deep-rooted tales.

You All Over Me (Fearless (Taylor’s Version))

Student personality: The nostalgic dreamer.

Featuring Maren Morris, this nostalgic ballad evokes feelings as familiar as the “Brummie cheek” and its vaunted “storytelling tradition.” It’s like remembering the old “Brum history” – the stories of Aston Villa legends or the traditional banter in a Moseley café. The song’s wistfulness mirrors the way Brummies hold onto memories, whether of a past Maccies on the ramp or a childhood in Small Heath, reminding us that some feelings are as enduring as the city’s proud heritage.

The Way I Loved You (Fearless)

Student personality: The passionate artist.

A raw declaration of turbulent passion, this song is a storm – like the unpredictable weather that sweeps over Birmingham’s skyline. Its lyrics describe love as a wild animal – dangerous and exciting—much like the thrill of a spontaneous night in the Custard Factory or a chaotic rush through Digbeth’s street art scene. For students experiencing the highs and lows of intense relationships, it’s an anthem of the chaos and beauty of loving fiercely – reflecting the city’s own blend of grit and glamour.

Clean (1989)

Student personality: The resilient rebuilder.

A poetic metaphor for recovery and rebirth, Clean speaks to the process of shedding pain and emerging anew. Its lyrics are like water washing away the dirt of heartbreak, leaving behind clarity and hope. Birmingham students, often navigating personal challenges – be it academic stress, homesickness, or relationship struggles – find in this song a soothing reassurance. Yes, healing is possible, and renewal comes with patience and self-compassion.

Bigger Than the Whole Sky (Midnights)

Student personality: The reflective mourner.

A more recent release, this song is an expansive reflection on loss, grief, and the quiet hope for eventual peace. Its poetic lyrics evoke the vastness of the night sky, filled with stars that shimmer with memories and longing. For students facing personal hardships or mourning loved ones, it offers a gentle, empathetic companion – reminding them that even in darkness, there is a promise of light and healing.

I Bet You Think About Me (Red (Taylor’s Version))

Student personality: The witty observer.

An energetic yet bittersweet song about lingering feelings and unspoken truths, this track is like a sharp sonnet—full of wit and layered emotion. For Birmingham students, it’s an ode to the complexities of moving on, whether after a breakup or a chapter of university life. Its playful tone masks deeper reflections, reminding us that memories and emotions often refuse to be silenced, even when we try to forget.

Taylor Swift’s songwriting continues to reach beyond her biggest hits, offering a rich variety of emotion and storytelling. For students at Birmingham, her rarer tracks serve as a soundtrack for growth, reflection, and understanding. Sometimes, it’s the unseen melodies that hold the deepest meaning—and these songs are proof that even the most overlooked notes can create the most powerful symphonies of self-discovery.

Featured image via Canva and YouTube