How Old Was Taylor Swift When She Wrote 22: What is the Real Meaning Behind The Song: 22?

Taylor Swift, a multiple Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter and country-pop sensation, is living out every adolescent’s fantasy. She altered the way the present generation viewed country music despite having humble beginnings in a tiny community.

When she released her first album at the age of sixteen, Swift was already being compared to country music legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.

How Old Was Taylor Swift When She Wrote 22?

The infectious song “22” by Taylor Swift was written when she was exactly 22 years old. The song celebrates the freedom and new experiences that come with being in one’s early twenties, capturing the essence of those years.

After its initial 2012 release as part of her “Red” album, the song “22” immediately became an anthem for individuals dealing with the uncertainties and possibilities of their twenties. The upbeat tempo and engaging lyrics of the song by Taylor Swift wonderfully capture the exuberance of a young woman of 22.

Watch The Song 22:

The Meaning Behind The Song: 22

One of the most popular artists of our day is Taylor Swift. She’s the recipient of a slew of honors, including 11 Grammys, and a spot on Time’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” list. Many of Swift’s listeners have said that she has helped them through difficult times because of her honest and personal songwriting.

22 is one of her best-known songs, having been published in March 2013 to widespread acclaim for its upbeat, infectious melody. The song has a surface meaning, but the lyrics also provide light on the artist’s worldview and personal experiences.

Here is the lyrics of the song 22 by Taylor Swift:

[Verse 1]
It feels like a perfect night
To dress up like hipsters
And make fun of our exes
Uh-uh, uh-uh
It feels like a perfect night
For breakfast at midnight
To fall in love with strangers
Uh-uh, uh-uh

[Pre-Chorus]
Yeah
We’re happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time
It’s miserable and magical, oh, yeah
Tonight’s the night when we forget about the deadlines
It’s time, oh-oh

[Chorus]
I don’t know about you
But I’m feeling twenty-two
Everything will be alright if
You keep me next to you
You don’t know about me
But I’ll bet you want to
Everything will be alright if
We just keep dancing like we’re
Twenty-two, twenty-two

[Verse 2]
It seems like one of those nights
This place is too crowded
Too many cool kids
Uh-uh, uh-uh (Who’s Taylor Swift, anyway? Ew)
It seems like one of those nights
We ditch the whole scene
And end up dreamin’
Instead of sleeping

[Pre-Chorus]
Yeah
We’re happy, free, confused and lonely in the best way
It’s miserable and magical, oh, yeah
Tonight’s the night when we forget about the heartbreaks
It’s time, oh-oh

[Chorus]
(Hey!) I don’t know about you
But I’m feeling twenty-two
Everything will be alright if (Ooh)
You keep me next to you
You don’t know about me
But I’ll bet you want to
Everything will be alright if (Alright)
We just keep dancing like we’re
Twenty-two (Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh), twenty-two (I don’t know about you)
Twenty-two, twenty-two (Ooh)

[Bridge]
It feels like one of those nights
We ditch the whole scene
It feels like one of those nights
We won’t be sleepin’
It feels like one of those nights
You look like bad news
I gotta have you
I gotta have you (You)
Woah, ooh, yeah, eh-yeah

[Chorus]
(Hey!) I don’t know about you (I don’t know about you)
But I’m feeling twenty-two
Everything will be alright if (Ooh)
You keep me next to you
You don’t know about me (You don’t know about me)
But I’ll bet you want to
Everything will be alright if
We just keep dancing like we’re (Dancing like we’re twenty-two)
Twenty-two (Woah-oh), twenty-two (Dancing like)
Twenty-two (Yeah, yeah), twenty-two (Yeah, yeah, yeah)

[Outro]
It feels like one of those nights (Twenty-two)
We ditch the whole scene
It feels like one of those nights (Twenty-two)
We won’t be sleeping
It feels like one of those nights (Twenty-two)
You look like bad news
I gotta have you
I gotta have you

The Inspiration Behind The Song 22

The Inspiration Behind The Song 22

As the album’s name implies, Swift penned 22 when she was 22 years old. The song is about a young person in their twenties having a good time with their pals and learning to navigate the world. In interviews, Swift has said that the song was inspired by her own life and the lives of her friends.

The lyric, “We’re happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time” which is prominently featured in the chorus is a relatable sentiment for many individuals in their twenties. Swift said that this lyric in particular was very personal to her. When being interviewed on Good Morning America, she said “I was 22 when I wrote the record, so it was kind of the perfect age because you’re still young enough to feel like you’re still learning, but you’re old enough to know anything can happen, you know?”. Swift believes that it is an age where individuals are still figuring things out and have the potential to make big life decisions.

Symbolic Meaning of the Number 22

The significance of the number 22 in the song’s context is unmistakable. It’s a lucky number, and it’s typically used to signify a turn for the better. Swift was aware of this, and she has stated that age 22 was a pivotal year for her. She declared, “I think I may have been born under a lucky star – 22 has always been a lucky number for me. It’s my favourite number. I like that it’s kind of a balanced number.”

The value of 22 is elevated to “Master Number” status in the field of numerology. It’s a label commonly applied to those with big dreams and the wherewithal to make them a reality. Swift, in the early stages of her career, may have found this importance alluring.

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