Welcome to Swiftie reviews, where I dissect Taylor Swift’s discography in all its might and share some of my personal favorite songs.
With 14 studio records and another on the way, Taylor Swift is an undoubtedly versatile artist. From her early country to alternative pop to folk music, I believe there is a Swift song for everyone. For me, my favorite songs are ones I hold near and dear to my heart; or, in true Swiftie fashion, branded around my wrist.
Growing up as a younger sister, it was practically mandatory to dress up and dance around the kitchen singing “Love Story,” but as I got older there were times when my dedication faltered. Towards the end of elementary school and the beginning of middle school, I didn’t consider myself a Swiftie. I listened to her music when it came on the radio or when my sister insisted we put it on, but mostly I thought her style was that of every other cookie-cutter pop artist: boring. That is, until I discovered “False God.”
It’s hard for me to put into words how much I love this song, but for the reader’s sake, I will try.
“False God” is from Swift’s seventh album “Lover,” which was released in 2019. Being the 13th track, coincidently Swift’s lucky number, it stood out stylistically on the album for its melancholy tempo, euphoric jazz beat and sensual lyrics.
The song starts with an eight-second saxophone riff, leading into the first beat drop. Honey-like trumpets and a distorted piano that hums louder and louder complete the euphoric backing track, giving the song a sleepy feeling. However, the true genius of the production lies in the sporadic mechanical snares and squeaks which I believe amplifies “False God” into one of Swift’s most genre-bending songs.
Swift doesn’t try to show off her vocal skills or inflection, she sings almost as if she is telling a secret, whispering quietly in your ear. Her lyrics are the vocal point of the song and make it a piece of art.
“False God” represents the power and pain of loving someone. Swift uses religion as a metaphor to symbolize two lovers, so devoted to each other even when they know they are doomed. In the same way people put their faith in their gods, this couple blindly puts their faith in each other, ultimately getting hurt in the process.
“They all warned us about times like this. They say the road gets hard and you get lost when you’re led by blind faith,” Swift sings.
In the end, the lovers accept their fate and choose to stay together anyway. Maybe they are truly in love or simply can’t let go; the question is left unanswered for the listener to ponder.
Despite the sad and empty feeling the song can impose, every single time I listen to “False God,” I am put into an ethereal state. It reminds me of driving to the beach on warm summer nights; for three minutes and 21 seconds I forget all my worries and simply melt into the sound. A song with the ability to have that kind of effect on a person is one I will proudly wear around my wrist, and urge you to listen to if you haven’t already.
