by: Asti Hayan
It takes endless learning and unlearning to figure out what we want to do with our life. The experience of losing and growing while navigating our life is beautifully written by Taylor Swift in her song, You're on Your Own, Kid. The song features many personal and vulnerable lyrics that might resonate with all of us. Here are some takes of her lyrics from which we can learn a thing or two.
"I didn't choose this town, I dream of getting out"
Sometimes where we are and what we become right now is something that we don’t expect it to be. We yearn for something bigger and better, we have so much in store that we believe the world has yet to see. We dream of getting out. However, little did we know, we can bloom here in this very place. We don’t need to wait to get out, we just need to constantly grow while also living our life.
"My dreams aren't rare"
We are just like everybody else trying to get a hold of this life. We dream, desire things, and seek something to fill our cups. There are times when we think it’s just us alone who struggle. No, it’s everyone’s. Sometimes we dream the same dream and want the same things, and that’s kind of relieving to know that many people don’t get it easy, we share the same struggle, and that’s what makes us human.
"There were pages turned with the bridges burned"
There will be hard times, for sure. Just like Taylor said in her speech at NYU that she loses perspective all the time, as she said, “In your life, you will inevitably misspeak, trust the wrong people, underreact, overreact, … deny any wrongdoing, not take the steps to make it right, feel very guilty, let the guilt eat at you, hit rock bottom, finally address the pain you caused, try to do better next time, rinse, repeat”. We will eventually make mistakes and encounter hard times, but it’s okay, it’s part of growing up and we will learn from it.
"Everything you lose is a step you take"
When we lose something, it means that we have other more important things to keep. Losing things isn't always bad, it could be a sign to move forward and leave the unnecessary things behind. We can’t carry them all, decide what is yours to hold and let the rest go. Make enough room for your own peace and joy.
"So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it"
This line metaphorically tells us to live in the moment and cherish the little things around us. Sometimes, we are too caught up with our desires, ambitions, things that are out of our control and we forget to be in the present moment. Just like kids who found joy in the little things like friendship bracelets, life could be much lighter if we can find joy in things around us and appreciate the “now”.
"You're on your own, kid, you can face this. you always have been"
The song is closed with a hopeful and encouraging note. At the end of the day, we realize that we can only rely on ourselves, and all these times we've been doing that, just fine. Remember girls, your life choices are entirely yours. As Taylor remarks in her speech at NYU;
“Scary news is: You’re on your own now.
Cool news is: You’re on your own now."
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