Unraveling the Enigma: What Does "So It Goes" Mean in Taylor Swift's Lyrics?

Hello there, Swifties! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of Taylor Swift's lyrics to unravel one of her most intriguing phrases: "So it goes." If you're a dedicated Taylor fan, you've probably heard this phrase more than once in her songs, but have you ever wondered what it truly means? Well, grab your popcorn, because we're about to embark on a fascinating journey to decode this cryptic message. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and so it goes meaning taylor swift.

The Phrase: "So It Goes"

Before we delve into the deep end, let's first establish what "So it goes" actually is. It's a simple, three-word phrase that Taylor Swift has sprinkled throughout her discography like a secret ingredient in her songwriting recipe. You'll find it in tracks like "All Too Well" from her 2012 album Red, and "Clean" from her 2014 album 1989. But why does she keep using it? Let's find out!

The Origin: Kurt Vonnegut's Influence

To understand "So it goes," we need to take a step back in time and explore its roots. The phrase originates from American author Kurt Vonnegut's seminal novel Slaughterhouse-Five. In the story, these words serve as a recurring motif, representing the cyclical nature of life, death, and the human experience. Vonnegut's characters use it to acknowledge and accept the inevitable, often in the face of tragedy.

Now, you might be wondering, "What does this have to do with Taylor Swift?" Well, it's a well-known fact that Taylor is a voracious reader and a huge fan of Vonnegut's work. In an interview with Time magazine, she even credited Slaughterhouse-Five as one of her favorite books. So, it's safe to assume that she drew inspiration from Vonnegut's words and infused them into her own storytelling.

The Interpretation: Acceptance and Resilience

Now that we've established the phrase's origin, let's explore what "So it goes" might mean in the context of Taylor Swift's lyrics. At its core, the phrase signifies acceptance and resilience in the face of life's ups and downs. Here's how it plays out in some of Taylor's songs:

All Too Well (2012)

In "All Too Well," Taylor sings about a tumultuous relationship that ultimately ends in heartbreak. The phrase "So it goes" appears in the bridge, as she reflects on the pain and lessons learned from the experience:

> And you call me up again just to break me like a promise, so I'm a little worse for wear... And I'm a little lost tonight, it goes...

Here, "So it goes" represents the acceptance of the inevitable—heartbreak is a part of life, and even though it hurts, we must acknowledge it and move forward.

Clean (2014)

In "Clean," Taylor sings about the process of moving on from a toxic relationship. The phrase "So it goes" appears in the chorus, as she asserts her independence and growth:

> I knew you were trouble, with your words and your love, and your face, and your lies... And I knew it was wrong, I knew it from the start... And I thought I saw a way through, but it was just the same... So it goes...

In this context, "So it goes" signifies resilience—even though the relationship was harmful, Taylor is learning from it and moving on, embracing her growth and independence.

The Evolution: Taylor's Own Twist

While Taylor drew inspiration from Vonnegut, she's also put her own spin on the phrase. In her songs, "So it goes" often serves as a reminder that life goes on, despite the challenges we face. It's a call to accept our past, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

Moreover, Taylor's use of the phrase showcases her storytelling prowess. By incorporating it into her lyrics, she creates a subtle connection between her songs, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and emotions that bind her discography together.

The Legacy: A Swiftian Motif

As Taylor's career has evolved, so has her use of the phrase "So it goes." From its humble beginnings in Red to its inclusion in her later albums, the phrase has become a Swiftian motif, a secret handshake between Taylor and her fans. It's a testament to her artistic growth and her ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Journey

So, what can we learn from "So it goes"? At its heart, the phrase encourages us to embrace the journey, both the good and the bad. It's a reminder that life is a cycle of ups and downs, and it's okay to feel the pain and the joy, as long as we keep moving forward.

As Taylor herself once said, "I think that in life, you're always looking for the next thing to be excited about, the next thing to make you feel alive. And I think that's what I'm chasing."

So, Swifties, the next time you hear "So it goes" in one of Taylor's songs, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Accept the past, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Because, as Taylor would say, "So it goes."

And there you have it, folks! We've unraveled the enigma of "So it goes" and explored its significance in Taylor Swift's discography. Until next time, keep on dancing, keep on singing, and remember: so it goes.