The Real Meaning of Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-Hero’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

The lead single from her 2022 album Midnights, ‘Anti-Hero’ contains some of Taylor Swift’s darkest lyrics. They are also among her most thought-provoking. However, they are also some of her most allusive, referring to numerous other pop-culture phenomena which need deciphering in order for them to make full sense.

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The Curious Meaning of ‘Behind These Hazel Eyes’ by Kelly Clarkson

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Behind These Hazel Eyes’ is one of Kelly Clarkson’s greatest songs. It appeared on her second album, Breakaway, and Clarkson has commented that the song is her favourite track on the album. Indeed, the album was very nearly named after ‘Behind These Hazel Eyes’ rather than ‘Breakaway’.

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