Taylor Swift has been named among the 30 greatest living American songwriters by The New York Times Magazine, following a poll of over 250 music industry insiders and critics.
In a new interview with Time, she opened up about her songwriting process and creative evolution.
Songwriting process
Speaking to The New York Times, Swift reflected on the instinctive nature of her songwriting, admitting: “I’ve been writing songs for so long… and I still don’t quite understand how it works.”
While inspiration may arrive unexpectedly, Swift emphasises that the work itself is meticulous.
Songs are rewritten, refined and reshaped through a disciplined process.
She describes being particularly attentive to language, revealing an obsession with “little phonetic things” and a preference for techniques like alliteration to elevate her lyrics.
READ MORE: Taylor Swift files trademark application to protect voice, likeness from AI amid deepfake concerns
Reclaiming authorship in the age of fan theories
Swift also addressed the culture of fan interpretation that surrounds her music.
While she acknowledges her audience’s engagement, she pushes back against narratives that reduce her songwriting to speculation about her personal life.
“That dude didn’t write the song. I did,” she said.
At the same time, Swift embraces the idea that meaning evolves once a song is released, adding: “If you don’t [like it] now, hope you do in five years, and if you never do, then I was doing it for me anyway.”
Artistry versus celebrity
A key theme seen in Swift’s reflections is the distinction between being a public figure and being a songwriter.
She described songwriting as an inherently vulnerable act, requiring emotional openness rather than self-protection.
It is about being “attuned to your own intuition and your own feelings even if they hurt,” she said.
As the industry evolves, Swift’s focus on storytelling and craft cements her place not just as a pop star but as one of the defining songwriters of her generation.
READ NEXT: Film news: Nara Smith set to make acting debut in upcoming thriller ‘Tyrant’
Shameeka Voyiya 
KC Maderia 
Newsjustnews writers