Taylor Swift’s Re-Record of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Pays Homage to Harry Styles Relationship
With the highly anticipated release of Taylor Swift’s re-recorded album 1989 (Taylor’s Version), it’s time to reflect on the main inspiration behind the album: Harry Styles.
Swift, now 33, and Styles, 29, had a whirlwind romance that lasted two months at the end of 2012. Reports suggest that the singers first met at an awards show earlier that year. Their highly-publicized second date took place at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. However, their relationship came to an end the following month after a rumored fight during a vacation.
Although short-lived, their relationship clearly left a lasting impact on Swift, as evidenced by the songs “Out of the Woods” and “Style” on the album 1989. Some argue that other tracks, such as “I Wish You Would,” “I Know Places,” and “All You Had to Do Was Stay,” also reference their time together. Unlike Swift’s previous hit albums Red and Speak Now, 1989 does not include a song bashing an ex.
Speaking to Rolling Stone prior to the release of 1989, Swift explained, “Different phases of your life have different levels of deep, traumatizing heartbreak. And in this period of my life, my heart was not irreparably broken. So it’s not as boy-centric of an album because my life hasn’t been boy-centric.”
Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that Styles served as the perfect muse for Swift’s transition from country to pop music with 1989. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit their relationship:
September 2012
Styles and Swift perform at MTV’s Video Music Awards, sparking rumors of a connection.
November 2012
Dating rumors begin as Swift, fresh from her split with Connor Kennedy, and Styles show PDA during rehearsals for The X Factor. Styles surprises everyone by joining Swift on stage, lifting her up, and carrying her off stage.
December 2012
Styles and Swift are caught by paparazzi at New York City’s Central Park Zoo, marking only their second date. They spend most of the month together, seen on dates in England and Park City, Utah. The new year is welcomed with a kiss in New York.
January 2013
The relationship comes to an end as Swift and Styles are spotted in the British Virgin Islands, but their trip is cut short due to a reported argument. Swift is photographed leaving the vacation alone on a boat.
September 2014
Swift reveals to Rolling Stone that she and Styles remain friends but remains elusive about their romance. She jokes about the song “Style,” saying, “We should have just called it ‘I’m Not Even Sorry.'” Swift also discusses “Out of the Woods” and its references to a tumultuous relationship.
October 2014
Swift releases 1989, which becomes a massive success. The album sells over a million copies in its first week and spends 11 weeks at No. 1 on the charts.
December 2014
Swift and Styles attend the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show afterparty together, indicating they have remained friends.
October 2015
One Direction releases “Perfect,” a song co-written by Styles that sparks speculation about its connection to Swift. The lyrics hint at a breakup and writing songs about past relationships.
November 2015
Styles avoids directly answering James Corden’s question about whether “Perfect” is about Swift.
April 2017
Styles opens up about his relationship with Swift during an interview with Rolling Stone. He reflects on their second date in Central Park, acknowledging the challenges of navigating a high-profile relationship at such a young age.
May 2020
Styles praises Swift’s songwriting skills, acknowledging her talent and the impact her songs have had on him.
March 2021
Fans go wild as Styles and Swift interact at the Grammys, both leaving the event as winners.
May 2022
While promoting his third album, Harry’s House, Styles denies speculation that his song “Daylight” is about Swift.
February 2023
Swift and Styles reunite at the Grammy Awards, displaying a friendly interaction.
Despite their ups and downs, it’s evident that Swift and Styles shared a significant connection. Their relationship may have been fleeting, but the impact it had on Swift’s music is undeniable. As Swift continues to re-record her catalog, fans eagerly await more insights into their past romance.
