The snow is slowly, and begrudgingly, melting on campus as the warm sunshine and beautiful foliage of spring makes its way back to Hamline’s scenery. This stark change in weather from gloomy and chilly to bright and cheery calls for a playlist revamp — and what better artist to start with than Taylor Swift? With a discography bubbling with light and airy tunes and sunny instrumentals, there is plenty to choose from…

Taylor Swift AKA Debut

“The Outside”

A bright and cheery melody but deep lyrics about Swift feeling like no one truly ever “lets her in” creates a juxtaposition that goes perfectly with the back and forth weather of Spring, but overall sets the tone for warmer weather with its upbeat instrumentals. This song is perfect for chilling out on the lawn to just take in what spring has to offer.

Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

“Come In With the Rain (Taylor’s Version)”

Visions of a lover coming in with the rain sets the scene for April showers with this wistful piece. This song is perfect for relaxing by the window and doing homework, or any preferred spot to get the best view on campus.

“Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”

A certified classic, “Love Story” has been providing upbeat guitar riffs with a fairytale edge for as long as Gen-Z can remember. A nostalgic piece for sure, this song can be enjoyed by picking out your favorite drink from the first-floor Ando Starbucks and just enjoying the vibes and good memories of warmer weather.

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

“Ours (Taylor’s Version)”

Bubbly instrumentals with lyrics about people not being able to take what is theirs from Swift and her lover deliver a dynamic duo that simply doesn’t allow for negativity. This song is well-enjoyed out on any campus patio, such as Ando 1st or 3rd floor, to enjoy the newly delivered sunshine.

Red (Taylor’s Version)

“Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)”

Calm but focused on renewal, this popular piece tells tales of Swift finally having a lover that validates her when she’s being herself over a track featuring various types of guitar and a violin that draws in this listener. Soft and inspiring, “Begin Again” is done justice by the Blue Garden among the benches or a spot to lay out a fuzzy blanket, especially when the waterfall is calmly rushing in the background.

1989 (Taylor’s Version)

“Clean (Taylor’s Version)”

After a long and freezing winter that wasn’t easy to get through, a song about washing away the past with bright and jingly instrumentals is perfect for making the seasonal transition. This song is well enjoyed by grabbing a snack from Leo’s or the C-Store and taking the time to sit down and feel relieved.

Reputation

“Gorgeous”

Infectiously upbeat and detailing the admiration of a partner’s look, this cutesy song is perfect for brighter days ahead spent enjoying the scenery. A fantastic place to enjoy the upbeat notes of this song is sitting by the gardens near Ando, with plenty of bench options and foliage to enjoy.

Lover

“Daylight”

Take a sunrise walk around campus when everyone is just getting to their 8 AMs or waking up with a drink from Starbucks to enjoy the delightfully beaming instrumentals and lyrics of this song about finding joy and peace.

Folklore

“Invisible String”

Cute and heartwarming lyrics about Swift finding her way to her partner over soft guitar make this song perfect for optimistic spring days. This song is well listened to while studying with a friend in the library to power through the second half of the semester while being grateful for the people met along the way at Hamline.

Evermore

“Long Story Short”

Funky folk instrumentals with lyrics about making it through hard times serve to entice feelings of new beginnings. Listen to this song while walking to class while it’s newly sunny rather than bitterly cold to enjoy the warmth of in-between moments of the day.

Midnights

“Snow on the Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey)”

A fun song detailing the absurdity of the idea of snow on the beach over nostalgic and twinkling instrumentals is excellent for Minnesota springs while the snow isn’t quite gone yet. This song is perfect for days spent grabbing a meal at Leo’s and overlooking the Midway, thinking about the amazing weather to come.

Tortured Poets Department

“Imgonnagetyouback”

Flirty and charged in sound and lyrics, either about getting a lover back or deciding to mess with them after a breakup, this song makes for a fun bop that’s superb for days getting vitamin D again and having fun. With its amusing imagery and sound, it is perfect for reading or relaxing in Bush Memorial Library with a book or a sweet beverage..