Taylor Swift Lyrics that Every Educator Related to this School Year

Temperatures are slowly rising, the days are getting longer, and summer break is right around the corner. As the school year begins to wind down, it’s likely educators are looking back on the year – one that was unlike anything we’ve seen before. Many emotions come to mind when reflecting back, and what better way to sort through the rollercoaster of feelings we’ve experienced than belting out some Taylor Swift songs? That’s why we’ve rounded up Taylor Swift lyrics that every educator related to at some point this year!

1. When summer break 2020 ended, and you weren’t really sure how the school year was going to look:

“We're happy, free, confused, and lonely in the best way. It's miserable and magical." 

— "22,” Red

2. When you heard it was time to return to your brick-and-mortar classroom and break up with teaching via Zoom:

“We are never ever, ever getting back together”

— “We Are Never Getting Back Together,” Red

3. After seeing your students faces in person for the first time in a few months:

"You've got a smile that could light up this whole town."

— "You Belong With Me,” Fearless

4. Taking roll and realizing you have a new student in your class!

“Nice to meet you, where you been? I could show you incredible things.”

— “Blank Space,” 1989

And also…

“But I've got a blank space, baby. And I'll write your name.”

— “Blank Space,” 1989

5. The first time your students disrupted class and you had to implement your behavior management techniques:

“Look what you made me do.”

— “Look What You Made Me Do,” reputation

6. When you hear it’s your turn for recess duty:

“I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now…”

— “Look What You Made Me Do,” reputation

7. Every time a student “forgets” to turn their assignments in:

“I’ve got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined”

— “Look What You Made Me Do,” reputation

8. When you needed to remind your students what “quiet hours” mean:

“You need to calm down. You’re being too loud.”

— “You Need to Calm Down,” Lover

9. When you indulge in one too many “Teacher Appreciation Week” treats from the breakroom:

“They say I did something bad. Then why's it feel so good?”

— “I Did Something Bad,” reputation

10. How you feel looking at your students and fellow teachers after this unpredictable school year

“Long live all the mountains we moved, I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you"

— “Long Live,” Speak Now

After a year of change, uncertainty, and turbulence at times, it’s important to remember a message that Taylor speaks on often: be fearless. Recently, Taylor accepted an award during the 2021 Brit Awards, and offered inspiration to her fans about working through uncharted territories. One line from her speech jumped out particularly, and one that educators everywhere can relate to:

"I need you to hear me when I say that there is no career path that comes free of negativity," she shared in her emotional speech. "If you're being met with resistance, that probably means doing something new. If you're experiencing turbulence or pressure, that probably means you're rising.”

Educators, this school year is likely one you won’t forget. A year that many of you chose to rise to the occasion and be there for your students. You all were fearless in your unwavering dedication to schools and classrooms. Thank you!