Taylor Swift’s “Cardigan” - lyrics analysis
At the heart of Taylor Swift's "Cardigan" lies a narrative imbued with symbolisms and references, shaping an intricate portrait of love and heartbreak. Presented in a songwriting style echoing that of an impressionist painter, Swift employs deft brushstrokes of language to portray a complex relationship journey.
Perhaps the most striking symbolism in "Cardigan" is the titular cardigan itself. In the song, an old cardigan under someone's bed isn’t merely an item of clothing, but a symbol representing the feeling of being overlooked, only to later become cherished. This mirrors the dynamics of many relationships where the value of a partner isn't recognized until they're gone or until one faces the prospect of losing them. The cardigan, once disregarded, becomes a source of comfort and sentimentality when finally worn, signifying the protagonist's journey from feeling undervalued to appreciated. This creative use of mundane objects as symbols is reminiscent of Raymond Carver's minimalistic storytelling, where everyday items assume a deeper meaning.
Swift's lyrics employ the metaphor of being 'marked' like a bloodstain to convey the indelible impact of a past lover. This is a potent symbol of the enduring scars of a past love affair, adding to the song's emotional depth. The theme of lost and found love is echoed in many works of literature, from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" to Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "Love in the Time of Cholera," presenting a shared cultural narrative about the lasting impressions left by love and heartbreak.
The mention of "Peter losing Wendy" serves as a direct nod to J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," a classic tale of love and maturity, or the lack thereof. This line strongly infers that the relationship described in "Cardigan" involves an individual unwilling or unable to grow up, reminiscent of the character Peter Pan. The allusion serves to broaden the scope of the song, tying it into a grander narrative about the trials and tribulations of love and the inevitable passage of time.
The narrative of a relationship that is thrilling but ultimately leads to heartbreak also reflects the cultural trope of romanticizing tumultuous love affairs. From Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" to modern media's portrayals like HBO's "Euphoria," the fascination with the highs and lows of love continues to be a common theme.
Swift masterfully plays with contrasting imagery throughout the song. Sequin smiles against sensual politics, the thrill of kissing in cars and downtown bars juxtaposed with the pain of bleeding from emotional scars—these contradictions mimic the complex landscape of romantic relationships, a terrain filled with juxtaposed feelings of joy and sorrow, elation and despair.
The song's introspective tone and exploration of youthful naivety aligns with the coming-of-age trope seen in various literary works and cultural narratives. The lyrics, "When you are young, they assume you know nothing," capture the dismissiveness experienced by young people, a theme common in coming-of-age stories from J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" to Stephen Chbosky's "The Perks of Being a Wallflower."
In conclusion, the layered symbolisms and cultural references in "Cardigan" come together to describe a relationship that is at once personal and universal. Swift's adept use of imagery and allusions situates the song within a broader literary and cultural context, while her poignant storytelling brings forth the deeply human experiences of love, heartbreak, and longing.
