Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, has been released and offers insightful observations about millennial life. In her duet with Florence Welch, “Florida!!!”, Swift sings about the stark divide within friendship groups of 30-somethings, with lyrics like “My friends all smell of weed or little babies.” This reflects the delayed transition into adulthood that many millennials have experienced, as college often prolonged their youth, especially in an era of economic uncertainty.
Following the 2009 economic downturn, many millennials faced a challenging job market and a lack of prospects for career advancement, compounded by issues like the housing crisis and high rents. As a result, the dream of owning property seemed out of reach for many young people, leading them to focus on enjoying the present moment instead. Shared housing arrangements and the convenience of services like Uber made it easier for millennials to socialize and indulge in partying, contributing to a prolonged period of youthful hedonism.
The 2010s saw the rise of dating apps, providing millennials with a seemingly endless array of potential romantic partners. This “gamification” of relationships added to the trend of delaying settling down in favor of exploring different options and maintaining a sense of “the grass is greener” mentality. As a result, many millennials have yet to find a long-term partner, leading them to prioritize experiences such as attending concerts and events while they are still single. This is reflected in statistics showing a significant increase in the average age at which people get married and have their first child compared to previous generations.
The changing landscape of relationships and adult responsibilities has reshaped the traditional timeline of milestones like marriage and parenthood for millennials. While previous generations typically married in their mid-20s, the average age for women getting married in 2019 was 37, while men were on average 39. Similarly, the average age for having a first child was 30.9, highlighting a shift towards later stages of adult development for millennials. These trends reflect a broader cultural shift towards delayed milestones and a focus on personal fulfillment before committing to traditional markers of adulthood.
Overall, Taylor Swift’s album captures the essence of millennial life and the complexities of navigating adulthood in a changing world. The lyrics of “Florida!!!” and other songs on the album provide a poignant commentary on the experiences of this generation, from the challenges of finding stability in careers and housing to the evolving dynamics of relationships and family life. Swift’s keen observations and relatable themes make The Tortured Poets Department a timely reflection of the millennial experience and an album that resonates with many listeners facing similar struggles and triumphs in their own lives.
