"Women Like Hunting Witches Too"

—Taylor Swift, Mad Woman

Photo by Nick Nice

I’ve been too hard on Taylor Swift about her new album, The Life of a Showgirl. I judged her harshly over actions that pale in comparison to what other female billionaire celebrities have said and done (e.g., J.K. Rowling). Swift is only really guilty of writing some lyrics in bad taste. Over the past 53 years, I’ve written worse. Thankfully millions of people weren’t privy to any of it. "Everyone's got bodies in the attic."

Here’s what I would apologize to Taylor about:

1. Judging clunky and vulgar lyrics when I know she can do so so so much better. I would have loved another Epiphany or The Lakes, but tragedy doesn't have to be her only source of inspiration. Even Shakespeare wasn't above references to genitalia. (I just really wish I didn't know that much about her fiancé, and I wince for their future kids.)

2. Conflating her diss track with sexual assault. The song was gross to me, no question, but to be fair, Charli XCX has been poking a pretty petty bear. Taylor has been very clear that "there is nothing [she does] better than revenge." Maybe, rather than feeling embarrassed or victimized, Charli XCX is happy to have been noticed by new listeners. Her streaming numbers have gone up since October 3rd. You can't buy that kind of publicity.

Taylor Swift's "clean" version of the album is much nicer for me to listen to, and she didn't have to record that. She could have bleeped some words. Instead, she found different ways of saying the same things. While I like check-measuring contests better than the alternative, none other than Mark Twain said:

"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter… but a good swear word often expresses what no other word can."

I don't think anyone should have to apologize for what they find attractive about their partner. I really want to not judge her over Wood.

It's just hard.

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