Exploring Taylor Swift Deep Cuts: Beyond the Radio Favorites

Is it cliche to say that the deep cuts are always the best? Why? Maybe because they feel personal to you and there’s this connection there that you found with the artist that not many know about. I just know that a Taylor Swift Deep Cut Hits Different–if you know what I’m sayin.

The idea for this post has been with me for a long time. Whenever friends ask, “What’s your favorite Taylor Swift song?” it’s always been nearly impossible to pick just one. But if I had to, You Are In Love would be at the top of my list. It’s a deep cut from her iconic album, 1989. I remember the first time it really hit me—I was working remotely, listening to music in the background, and suddenly, this song stopped me in my tracks. That was the moment I realized how much more there was to Taylor’s music than what I had known from the radio.

It wasn’t until after college that I truly dove into Taylor’s albums. When Red (Taylor’s Version) was released, I had moved back in with my parents and was going on long walks to clear my head after remote workdays. It was fall—Red’s season—and it felt like the perfect soundtrack to my life. Familiar songs from the past mixed with new discoveries, like the All Too Well (10 Minute Version), which blew me away. I remember how my friend Addi and I used to listen to the original Red CD non-stop when she first got her license. The rewritten album was nostalgia mixed with a new discovery.

After that, I downloaded all of Taylor’s albums and spent hours listening to them during walks or while working. Rediscovering albums like Speak Now and 1989 felt like unlocking a vault of songs that transported me to places I didn’t even know existed. Taylor’s songs helped me navigate what I was going through—being young, figuring life out, and dreaming of love. It was a beautiful, bittersweet journey, and as I continued to explore her music, Folklore and Evermore brought a whole new layer to it. I didn’t listen to them when they first came out during COVID. I had completely forgotten or just overlooked them. I have always been a fan of Taylor and loved hearing Teardrops on My Guitar—I didn’t fully immerse myself in her albums until later. on the radio in middle school or watching Our Song’s music video. I always thought she was beautiful and talented but I just didn’t listen to some of her music for awhile.

After my third Era’s Tour, which I feel so lucky to have been able to go to three and for amazing friends that thought of me when they got tickets, I want to share my favorite deep cuts from every album. The ones that aren’t played on the radio, sometimes overlooked, but that’s just what makes them so special. Let’s dive in together to the best, in my personal opinion, Taylor Swift Deep Cuts.

First Era’s Tour: 📍Las Vegas, Nevada

Second Era’s Tour: 📍Tampa, Florida

Third Era’s Tour: 📍Miami, Florida

These are the songs that don’t get played on the radio, the ones that often fly under the radar. But that’s exactly what makes them so special—they’re the hidden gems that create a connection, a personal experience, before the rest of the world catches on. I hope I capture how they make me feel, and hopefully, will inspire you to give them a listen, and you’ll fall in love with them, just as I have.

🦋 Debut: Taylor Swift

Also, please enjoy these some of these old photos of young Taylor at my first Taylor Swift concert in 2009.

“Tied Together with a Smile”
But you’re coming undonnnee. Love this one! I love how deep she is at such a young age. Both of these songs from this album, I feel are. Everyone puts on a smile sometimes when they’re struggling with something, and Taylor captured that perfectly at such a young age. I’ still blown away at her depth when I went back and listened to these early songs.
“A Place in This World”
Even all these years later, this track still feels so relatable. It’s about feeling lost and trying to find where you fit in, something that resonates with me even now at 25.

👸🏼 Fearless

“White Horse”
I remember being young and hearing this, and it immediately became one of my favorites. It’s like a fairytale. This album specifically, with Love Story and White Horse, is like you are a character in a fairytale.

“Come in with the Rain”
I love this one so much. A beautifully intimate song, it’s a little sad but that’s what makes it beautiful. I remember loving when it would rain after work and I could blare this song in my headphones while I ran in the rain. I know this sounds wild, but trust me, this song is just so good.
“Untouchable”
This track has such a dreamy, ethereal feel. Taylor’s soft, almost whispery vocals pull you into the emotional longing of the song, and it’s so easy to get lost in it. “I’m reaching out, and I just can’t tell you whyyy. I’m caught up in youuuuuu.
“That’s When”
From the Vault
I love Keith Urban and had no idea she collaborated with him on Fearless until later. Taylor is still a little country and with Keith, it’s just so dreamy.

💜 Speak Now

“Innocent”
This one is deep and meaningful, reminding us that no matter what you go through, you should never lose sight of that younger version of yourself, the dreams you had, and the lessons you’ve learned. You are not your past, and its never too late to be brand new and reinvent yourself.
“Never Grow Up”
This is a more popular one but I’d still consider it a deep cut. I tear up when I listen to it. I think of my little sister Camille, or my future daughter.
“Sparks Fly”
A classic Taylor track that’s not overly popular. I remember blaring this when I had a crush on a bo about young love and that electric feeling when you’re crushing on someone. It’s vibrant and energetic, perfectly capturing the rush of emotions.

❤️ Red

“Everything Has Changed” (feat. Ed Sheeran)
I love Ed Sheeran, and the intro to this song is just such a vibe. Ed with, “We good to go?” And then Taylor coming on immediately after. It’s the perfect duet.
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”
There’s no song that embodies the Red era quite like “All Too Well.” This extended version, especially, brings new depth to an already legendary track. This, in the fall, is just perfect.

“Sad Beautiful Tragic”
This is slow and oozes all of those feelings you feel after going through a break up or heartbreak. I love the bridge of this song. I just love it. It almost shows gratitude but still recognizes the pain.

💛 1989

I think this might be my favorite album 🫶🏻

“You Are In Love”
My all-time favorite song. The music in the beginning is so powerful and dreamy. I feel like it’s so hard to capture the feeling of love in a song. But this one is it. Everything about it, the lyrics are amazing and so is the music behind it. When you know you’re in love.
“Wonderland”
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this song takes you on a wild, whimsical ride through the ups and downs of a relationship. It’s such a cool way to incorporate all of the enchantment and wonder in Alice in Wonderland tying into Taylor’s classic love songs.
“This Love”
Whimsical and atmospheric, “This Love” feels like floating in and out of a dream. It’s so beautiful and gentle, capturing the way love ebbs and flows.
“Clean”
One of the deepest and most meaningful songs on 1989, it’s about that moment when you finally feel free after a difficult time. The production and lyrics together make it feel like a breath of fresh air.

🐍 Reputation

“Dancing with Our Hands Tied”
Though it’s upbeat and poppy, the lyrics run deep, touching on the struggles and pressures of love. It’s a standout for its contrast of tone and emotion.
“Dress”
Intimate and seductive, this track brings a bold vulnerability to Reputation. Taylor’s lyricism is at its best here, exploring the quieter, more personal moments in a relationship.
“Call It What You Want”
One of the catchier, poppier songs, but with layers of depth. Taylor is both reclaiming her narrative and celebrating the love that survived all the chaos.

💘 Lover

“Cornelia Street”
This song is such a nostalgic nod to Taylor’s time living in New York’s West Village. The storytelling is vivid, and the romance of vowing never to return if things ended makes it feel bittersweet and magical.
“False God”
I love the jazzy, soulful feel of this song. It’s so different from Taylor’s usual style, and it adds a layer of maturity to Lover. It’s a vibey track that captures the New York City atmosphere of the album.
“Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince”
This one has taken on a new life after Taylor opened her Eras Tour with a rendition of it. It’s anthemic and powerful, and the tour version makes it even more iconic.

💚 Folklore

“Cardigan”
A popular pick, but undeniably one of the most beautiful. Taylor’s storytelling on Folklore is unparalleled, and “Cardigan” captures the nostalgia and longing of lost love perfectly.

“Invisible String”
A gorgeous song about soulmates and the idea that everything happens for a reason. It’s romantic, poetic, and hopeful.

🧡 Evermore

“‘Tis the Damn Season”
This song feels like a warm embrace during the holiday season. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and perfectly captures the feeling of returning home.
“Ivy”
With its haunting melody and complex emotions, “Ivy” explores the messy, entangled nature of forbidden love. It’s one of the most beautiful songs on Evermore.

💙 Midnights

“The Great War”
The lyrics of this song are what make it stand out for me. It’s a metaphorical battlefield of love, with stunning imagery and emotion.
“Labyrinth”
This track explores the complexity of feelings, from fear to relief, as you navigate the twists and turns of love. It’s introspective and beautifully layered.
“Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve”
I gravitated to this song when I first listened to the album. I loved the whole story of Midnights about what keeps her up in the middle of night. I feel like this one was was about John Mayer and follows her song Dear John on Speak Now.

🖤🤍 The Tortured Poets Department

“I Look in People’s Windows”
Short, sweet, and reminiscent of winter. This song perfectly captures that feeling of looking for someone from your past.
“The Alchemy”
Filled with mystery and magic, this track feels like a spell being cast, with its rich, layered lyrics.
“The Prophecy”
Another gem from Tortured Poets, “The Prophecy” is poetic and haunting, with an otherworldly quality.
“Fresh out the Slammer”
I think this one is so catchy and fun!

Top Tips for Enjoying the Eras Tour ✨

So make the friendship bracelets….
It’s tradition to make friendship bracelets and trade them at the concert! Spend some time before the concert making friendship bracelets to trade with other fans. It’s a great way to meet people, share memories, and leave with a fun souvenir from each city.

Look for Local Taylor-Themed Specials
Many restaurants, cafes, and shops join in on the fun with special Taylor-themed items, menus, or deals when the Eras Tour comes to town. Look up local spots in advance to see who’s going all out for Swifties—it’s a great way to explore the city and find unique treats! We found a bakery in Tampa that made cupcakes for every era! 🫶🏻

Wear Comfortable Shoes (or Prepare for a Sock-Swap)
With three and a half hours of non-stop standing, comfortable shoes are essential. If you have cute but less-than-comfy shoes, consider bringing an extra pair of socks to slip into at the concert. From my experience—after trying sneakers, flat sandals, and stiletto boots—I’d recommend the socks trick! My friends and I took off our boots at the last concert and enjoyed the whole set sock-footed, which I highly recommend.
Bring a Clear Bag (or No Bag at All)
Many stadiums have strict bag policies, so a clear bag is safest. Or, you can skip the bag altogether! I chose to keep my essentials simple, using my Apple Wallet for my credit card and keeping my ID in my phone case. This way, I had more freedom to move around and enjoy the experience.
….Take the moment and taste it
Make sure you look around and are having fun!!!!! 🫶🏻

Help, I’m still at the restaurant….🥺Hope you guys enjoy this and give these songs a listen, they are absolute gems. 🫶🏻