In the competitive world of pop music, there are artists who come and go, and then there are the game-changers. These game changers of music consistently introduce the world to new sounds, and innovative styles of bringing music to life. One such name, leading the vanguard of this revolutionary troupe, is Taylor Swift. The multiple Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, never fails to impress with her mind-boggling creativity and deep, heartfelt narratives woven into every song. One distinctive piece of work that generated whirls of discussion is the song ‘Cardigan’.
‘Cardigan’ is not just a song in Swift’s eighth studio album ‘Folklore’, but a distinct symbol of emotional maturity, resilience, and the transformation of love through time. Swift, known for her vivid storytelling, took this trait to a whole new level as she dove deep into metaphorical expressions and subliminal messages with ‘Cardigan.’
The song’s video, laden with symbolisms, complements the rich lyrics of Swift’s distinctive storytelling. Among the numerous symbols, one that stands out is the cardigan itself. Swift’s cardigan in the video is no ordinary cardigan; it is a vintage, comfortable, oversized cardigan, which speaks volumes about the comfort one associates with love and intimacy. It makes a profound statement about the familiarity and warmth love brings, much like the feeling one gets when they buy cashmere coats.
Swift, with her masterful songwriting, has often compared love to wearable items. If ‘Dress’ from her album ‘Reputation’ symbolized sultry love, the cardigan in ‘Folklore’ symbolizes mature love. A love that has gone through turmoil and turbulence, surrenders to time but eventually rebounds with resilience, like an old trustful cardigan that nurses you through chilly nights.
Many interpret Swift’s cardigan as her own sense of self – a reminder of her path, her journey, and her growth both as an artist and a person. It’s her armour against the world, a comfort she can always retreat into. When you buy cashmere coats, you buy a sense of protection, warmth and contentment – the very sense Swift lyrically portrays through her iconic ‘Cardigan’.
‘Folklore’ as an album marked a significant shift in Swift’s musical journey. Stripped of the high-paced pop beats she was previously known for, the album serves a rich narrative that gives you a sense of reading a lyrical novel. And ‘Cardigan’ is a gemstone in this album – shining bright with its deep lyrics, mesmerizing sound, and an emphasis on storytelling that Swift is renowned for.
While focusing on the commercial aspect, the cardigan Taylor wore in the music video was made available on her official store, yet another ingenious marketing strategy. Swift’s fans across the globe had the opportunity to relive the ‘Cardigan’ moments and feel the warmth and comfort Swift referred to in the song.
The impact of ‘Cardigan’ extended beyond just the music charts. It affected fashion trends as well, with more people wanting to get their hands on vintage-style cardigans that offer comfort and style, similar to the homeliness feeling that you get when you buy cashmere coats. Swift’s influence is hard to ignore, whether it’s in the world of music, fashion, or beyond.
In conclusion, ‘Cardigan’ by Taylor Swift is more than just a song – it’s a poetic narrative that encapsulates the essence of comfortable love, emotional growth, resilience that love brings over time, much similar to the feeling of security and warmth when you buy cashmere coats. It’s an amazing example of how music and fashion are intertwined, how this versatile artist has made an impact, and how she continues to redefine the pop culture landscape.