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August may be slipping away into a moment in time, but Taylor Swift’s genre-bending discography is guaranteed to have the perfect track to add to your summer playlist. Whether driving with the windows down, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a beach sunset, here are thirteen Taylor Swift songs to soundtrack your not-so-Cruel Summer.
1. august
This one is a no-brainer. ‘august’ has shot up the streaming charts with greater and greater demand every year since it was released on folklore in 2020 (streams of the track were up 24% in 2023). From its willowy, hazy production to its carefree, sunny lyricism, ‘august’ is a Taylor summer classic.
2. Our Song
‘Our Song’ is proof that some things really do get better with age. Released in 2006 in the era of full-fledged Country Taylor, ‘Our Song’ is bright, bubbly, and light-hearted. With its catchy, banjo-driven melody and charming lyrics about “the slamming screen door, sneakin' out late” and “riding shotgun with my hair undone,” the song is perfect for soundtracking those nostalgic summer days when everything feels simple and sweet.
3. Cruel Summer
The anthem of passionate yet uncertain summer romance is none other than ‘Cruel Summer.’ With its pulsing synths and bold lyrics, the song explores the thrill and turmoil of a love that’s as exhilarating as it is risky. Swift's powerful vocals and vivid storytelling make ‘Cruel Summer’ the perfect track for a balmy, exciting summer night. Whether you're sneaking in through the garden gate or just reminiscing about The Eras Tour, this track delivers a rush of exhilaration that's impossible to ignore.
4. Mine (Taylor’s Version)
For a summer day when life feels full of promise, ‘Mine (Taylor’s Version)’ beautifully captures the sweetness and uncertainty of blossoming love. Swift’s storytelling never shines brighter as she sings, “Do you remember, we were sittin' there by the water?/You put your arm around me for the first time.” Whether you're laying in the grass basking in the sun or sitting by the water reflecting on past romances, ‘Mine (Taylor’s Version) offers a poignant reminder of the beauty and joy that come with discovering a love that feels like it was meant to be.
5. Mr. Perfectly Fine (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
With its vibrant production and clever wordplay, ‘Mr. Perfectly Fine (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) ’ stands out as a perfect summer track for those moments of letting go and celebrating newfound independence. As one of the first From The Vault tracks released as part of Taylor’s re-recording process, ‘Mr. Perfectly Fine’ sparked a newfound interest in Fearless (Taylor’s Version) thanks to its vibrant production and sassy lyricism. Perfect for a sunny summer afternoon, ‘Mr. Perfectly Fine’ is an automatic Add to Playlist for when you just need to reclaim your own happiness.
6. Starlight (Taylor’s Version)
For a summer evening when you’re feeling nostalgic and hopeful, ‘Starlight (Taylor’s Version)’ offers a magical escape. Creating a dreamy backdrop for those moments of stargazing and turning a simple summer night into an enchanting memory, ‘Starlight (Taylor’s Version)’ will have you feeling like you’re on the boardwalk in the summer of ‘45 along with the song’s protagonists.
7. Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
For a summer playlist that blends sunshine with a touch of heartache, Taylor Swift’s ‘Say Don’t Go’ from 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is a must. The track’s poignant lyrics like “I’m standin' on a tightrope alone” and “Why’d you have to twist the knife?” perfectly capture the bittersweet sting of a summer romance gone awry. Swift’s emotive vocals and the track’s reflective tone make it a poignant addition that adds depth to your summer soundtrack, perfect for moments of icy introspection amidst the summer heat.
8. But Daddy I Love Him
‘But Daddy I Love Him’ from Swift’s newest album The Tortured Poets Department is as passionate and bold as a hot summer night. From the strong declaration of love as Swift proclaims: “Now I'm running with my dress unbuttoned/Screaming "But Daddy I love him!" to the all-encompassing desire of “I’m telling him to floor it through the fences/No, I’m not coming to my senses,” the track highlights the passionate and rebellious spirit of a sultry summer love affair, despite judgment and resistance.
9. the lakes - the long pond studio sessions
If you’re looking for a Sad Girl Summer addition to your summer playlist, ‘the lakes - the long pond studio sessions’ is the best of the best. The live recorded version of this folklore gem transports you to a serene escape with its evocative lyrics, like “I want auroras and sad prose/I want to watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet/'Cause I haven't moved in years/And I want you right here.” Swift’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and the song’s lush arrangement paint a picture of tranquil, otherworldly landscapes, perfect for those quiet moments in a sun-dappled park or beside your own version of “the lakes where all the poets went to die.”
10. Hits Different
To add a twist of raw emotion and dark humor to your summer playlist, Midnights bonus track “Hits Different” is a must-add. The song captures the hilariously messy aftermath of a breakup with lines like, “I pictured you with other girls in love/Then threw up on the street,” and the feeling of love gone wrong. Swift’s candid lyrics and dramatic delivery turn heartbreak into a catchy anthem, making it perfect for a summer slumber party night when you’re laughing through the tears and reflecting on how “love is a lie.” Add this Taylor track to your summer playlist for a dose of bittersweet fun and a reminder that sometimes moving on can be as entertaining as it is painful.
11. Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)
What says summer like a track named after one of the most tropical places on the planet? With lyrics like, “Florida is one hell of a drug,” and “I got drunk and dared the hurricane to wash me away,” ‘Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)’ the anthem for anyone who's ever used a beachside getaway as a way to escape their own mess. This The Tortured Poets Department track is your soundtrack for turning regrets into beachside adventures and reminding you that sometimes you just “need to forget, so take me to Florida.”
12. Getaway Car
For a flashy summer night when you're craving excitement and a hint of rebellion, ‘Getaway Car’ from reputation delivers an exhilarating escape into the thrill of a daring romance. The track’s dynamic production creates a vivid soundtrack for those moments when you’re living on the edge and embracing the thrill of the unknown. And Swift is never more rebellious than she is in this song’s clever bridge: “I'm in a getaway car/I left you in a motel bar/Put the money in a bag and I stole the keys/That was the last time you ever saw me.” ‘Getaway Car’ is a thrilling anthem for those spontaneous nights when everything feels larger than life.
13. Karma
To close out our recommendations for your summer playlist, ‘Karma’ offers a vibrant celebration of poetic justice and self-assurance. Swift’s confident vocals and upbeat rhythm capture the thrill of seeing the universe balance itself out, as she sings, “Ask me what I learned from all those years/Ask me what I earned from all those tears/Ask me why so many fade, but I'm still here.” The song’s lively production and catchy chorus create an energetic backdrop for those moments of reveling in personal victories and life’s little ironies. Whether you’re basking in the sun or simply in the satisfaction of seeing things fall into place, ‘Karma’’s lively production (and possible reminder of the end of a memorable summer night at The Eras Tour) is just as addictive and joyful as summer itself.
