The opening track for 1989 introduced the world to a brand new Taylor Swift. After experimenting with electronic pop elements on Red, her country starlet persona was all but gone with the release of 1989. The title is a literal way for Taylor to welcome fans to her new sound. Paralleling her own move from Nashville to New York, 1989 as an album reflects her new lifestyle—moving from her country roots to the big city with all its glitz and glamour. -genius.com
Clean is the last song on the original release of the album. “Clean” has a different meaning to fans who’ve had struggles with mental illness, addiction, and abuse – it’s about being quite literally clean. While Taylor didn’t think of that meaning originally, she immediately accepted the fandom-wide meaning once she heard of it. -genius.com
“New Romantics” is a satirical song discussing how “new romantics” view love and life. It addresses the nonchalant and whimsical nature of the way young adults approach love. Notably, Taylor doesn’t segregate herself from these young adults. Her constant use of personal pronouns such as “we” and “I” indicate that she has also embraced this mindset. -genius.com
“All You Had To Do Was Stay” discusses a crumbling relationship that falls apart due to a lover’s indecision.A big theme in Swift’s romantic songs is the prospect of a lover staying with her — see 2012’s “Stay Stay Stay” 2017’s “New Year’s Day,” and 2019’s “The Archer,” another track five. -genius.com