The Meaning Of "New Year's Day" By Taylor Swift Will Have You Sobbing
All hail Taylor Swift. The kween herself knew we couldn't possibly wait until Nov. 10 for her album release so she gave us an early gift — a new single. Swift took to our TV screens to release "New Year's Day" during TGIT on ABC. While the song is another banger, the meaning of "New Year's Day" is actually really emotional.
ABC's TGIT (Thank God It's Thursday) lineup consists of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder. This week, they added a brand-new drop by Swifty to throw us into a total frenzy. Swift's newest single, "New Year's Day," goes a little like this:
There’s glitter on the floor after the party. Girls carrying their shoes down in the lobby. Candle wax and Polaroids on the hardwood floor. You and me from the night before but don’t read the last page. But I stay when you’re lost and I’m scared and you turn anyway.
I want your midnights, but I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day. You squeeze my hand three times in the back of the taxi. I can tell that it’s gonna be a long road. I’ll be there if you’re the toast of the town babe or if you strike out and you’re crawling home. Don’t read the last page. But I stay when it’s hard or it’s wrong or we’re making mistakes. I want your midnights, but I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day.
Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you. Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you. Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you. And I will hold on to you. Please don’t ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere. Please don’t ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere.
There’s glitter on the floor after the party. Girls carrying their shoes down in the lobby. Candle wax and Polaroids on the hardwood floor. You and me forevermore. Please don’t read the last page. But I stay when it’s hard or it’s wrong or we’re making mistakes. I want your midnights, but I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day.
Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you. Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you. Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you. And I will hold on to you.
Please don’t ever become a stranger (Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you). Whose laugh I could recognize anywhere (Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you). Please don’t ever become a stranger (Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you). Whose laugh I could recognize anywhere (And I will hold on to you).
And here's the full performance video:
Swift is honestly too good to us. She dropped her newest single literally hours before Reputation is supposed to drop in its entirety.
The song sounds heartbreaking. It sounds like Swift is singing to someone she may be on the verge of losing, whether it be a friend or an ex. The party is over – literally and figuratively.
So, where can you listen to "New Year's Day"? A giant question surrounding the release of Reputation has to do with how fans will be able to consume the album. Will Reputation be available on streaming services like Spotify, or will Swift will make her fans work for it?
The New York Times reports that streaming contributes to nearly two thirds of the recording industry's revenue in the United States, making programs like Spotify and Apple Music heavy hitters for recording artists. Still, four anonymous executives at major streaming services said they do not expect Reputation to be available on their platforms, but this, of course, could change at any time.
Industry consultant and former digital music executive Vickie Nauman said, "Taylor Swift is one of the few artists who has the combination of star power and fan cultivation to truly drive how her music is consumed."
Stephanie Kellar, an associate professor at Berklee College of Music, thinks "she will hold it from streaming until she hits some sales mark, and then she will revisit that decision."
Swift is such a wild card and has a very strong opinion about streaming services. All her earlier released singles were available on Spotify, but she may opt to hold off for her entire album.
No matter what Swift decides, Reputation is still going to be amazing. Even before the full release, the album has received tons of praise. A very special review comes from a trusted place — singer, international superstar, and one of Swift's closest friends, Selena Gomez.
Gomez has recently released her own amazing track, as well. "Wolves" is the singer's first collaboration with producer and DJ Marshmello, and it's been extremely well-received by fans.
While doing press for "Wolves," the topic of Reputation came up (of course). During an interview with Zane Lowe for Beats Radio 1, Gomez was asked: "Have you heard the Taylor album? Is it good, is it incredible?"
Rather than simply answering “yes,” because obviously it’s going to be incredible, Gomez gave some hints about Swift's album content and it sounds like it’s going to be freaking spectacular.
Gomez answered: "Would you expect any less?" She added,
It's so inspiring. It's really cool to surround yourself with people and be involved with people who are aspiring and changing the way that they dictate what they love, whether it's acting or music, and she's one of those people who will continue to do that.
Honestly, I'm so pleased with this answer. Selena Gomez's review of Reputation was so supportive and made me even more pumped for the album's release.
She was asked specifically if Swift had personally played the record for her and Gomez replied,
Yeah! For sure. I obviously love her so much and I want her to do what she does and she's killing it and it's everything you would want and more. So, [I'm] very proud, and obviously [a] major fan.
I'm also a major Swift fan. SELENA AND I HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON. Seriously though, it's so great to see female artists supporting each other. I have no doubt Reputation is going to be unbelievable.
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