At the risk of sounding like a Swiftie…
It was rare. I was there. I remember it all too well.
Although no. As much as I would have liked it, I wasn’t there in the flesh. However, I was there in spirit. And for many of us, that’s enough to make it an unforgettable experience to cherish now and forever.
From being surprised with Midnights, an album I wasn’t expecting but immediately loved (not over the shock of Antihero and what followed), to the first announcement of what was about to become the greatest tour in history (it seemed ambitious from the start, but the magnitude of it turned out to be something else), it was like stepping into a dream. And an outstandingly wonderful one at that. One that I never wanted to wake up from. To say I was dumbfounded would be an understatement.
Taylor Swift, giving her absolute all to make every minute and every moment special, bringing her fans more than they could or should even ask for, engulfing everyone attending within a massive atmosphere of what I can only describe as the most extraordinary manifestation of work that is done with, in, for, and out of love. You just had to be there.
That’s definitely a state I can voluntarily subscribe to and wish the world ran more on. But while it isn’t the default, at least we had this ‘escape’ (more like a floating bubble you can still see out of) that she crafted and provided, taking us through all of her eras and more - while also mashing up songs on a whim as if that’s not a superpower.
And the cynics were outraged, screaming, "This is absurd!"
SPOILER ALERT! Keep reading at your own risk. There are spoilers ahead...
Of course, after all of that, I wouldn’t miss the docuseries. No matter what mood I’m in. I looked forward to and waited for it as the opportunity to relive those years, yet, from a different angle. If there was hate in my heart, it had to take a seat, far back, where it wouldn’t interfere and disturb me. So then I could immerse myself in it as if life were just one big pajama party.
I couldn’t care less about Travis Kelce, to be honest, but I did appreciate seeing more of what Taylor and her crew are like. As well as other stars that joined her for the show. It’s true; they are not only passionate but also some of the best around. And I just adore seeing so many people that invested in what they do, reaching for and fulfilling their potential. It is inspiring, too.
Speaking of inspiration, this pep talk she gave is literally priceless (and timeless):
“And so I’ll see you getting rejected, not getting the job, not getting the part, not getting the solo. I’ll see all of those things that happened all along the way, the doors that were shut, the doors that were open, the windows you pried open. And then sometimes I’ll see you when you’re older…”
Lately, given the climate and what she has and hasn’t done, people have been wondering about where she stands. There’s been concern, to say the least. Is she done and turned away from everything we knew her for? Was it ever real? What now? But if, at the date, what’s been portrayed reflects her stance and serves as a statement, then, at the very least, it is safe to say that there’s still a weirdo (affectionate term) in there that intensely enjoys making music and just… art. With all of its colors.
The End of an Era was bittersweet, but such a treat. Thank goodness this docuseries was made. For closure and also as a keepsake. Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you.
