April 18th 2024.
It's not the first time Courtney has taken a day off just to celebrate Taylor Swift. I may have never met Taylor in person, but I'd do just about anything for her. From traveling around the world to attend her shows, to spending all my money on tickets and merch, and even going crazy trying to solve her Easter egg hunt puzzles (seriously, five holes in the fence?!), I am a dedicated Swiftie through and through. So when it came time to celebrate the release of her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, taking a day off work was a no-brainer for me. It didn't seem odd at all, given how much I love Taylor and her music.
But to my surprise, some of the reactions I received from friends and colleagues were less than supportive. It's almost as if I had committed some sort of heinous crime, rather than just wanting to spend a peaceful day listening to TTPD and sipping wine. But for me, being a Taylor Swift fan is more than just a hobby, it's a lifestyle. And I am not alone in this sentiment. Just take a look at social media, where you'll find countless other Swifties who have also booked the day off to fully immerse themselves in the album.
Of course, this isn't the first time I've taken a day off for Taylor Swift. Last year, I took two days off to attend Swiftogeddon, a club night dedicated to Taylor's music, and recover from the 1989 album release while nursing a hangover. And let's not forget the time I took a whole week off to travel to Arizona for the opening night of The Eras Tour, spending a hefty sum on flights and a hotel. But for us Swifties, this is just par for the course. Being a fan is a full-time job, and as the saying goes, "It's a lifestyle. It's a religion."
But why are we willing to go to such great lengths for Taylor and her music? Simply put, she makes us feel seen. Through her excruciatingly autobiographical albums, Taylor opens up about her own feelings and experiences, and in turn, helps us make sense of our own. Whether it's heartbreak or falling in love, her lyrics speak to us in a way that makes us feel understood and less alone.
For me personally, Taylor's earlier eras hold a special significance as they were the soundtrack to my teenage years. I grew up alongside her and her songs have only become more relatable as the years have passed. And while some may see it as strange to take a day off work just to listen to an album, for me, it's about giving it the respect and attention it deserves. Taylor poured her heart and soul into TTPD, and I want to fully appreciate it without any distractions.
So as you read this, I am probably on my 113th listen of the album, and happily celebrating TTPD Day with my fellow Swifties. And let's not forget to save some time off for when Reputation and Taylor Swift are re-released. Cheers to Taylor, the Tortured Poets Department, and all the dedicated Swifties out there. And to those who may not understand, just remember: it's not just about the music, it's about feeling seen and understood.
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