Taylor Swift mentions the word "gold" and "golden" a lot in her songs, and in true Taylor fashion, it must mean something!
So what does it mean exactly?
The first mention of "gold" or "golden" appeared on Swift's debut album. According to Swift, the song was dedicated to a friend who was struggling with body image issues.
"Tied Together With a Smile"
Then on her second studio album, Fearless, there's mention of "golden" in a song dedicated to her mother.
"The Best Day"
That's really it until her sixth studio album, Reputation. It's a big theme on this album, with songs like "So It Goes..." and "Dress" mentioning gold cages and golden feelings.
"Dancing With Our Hands Tied"
"Dress"
"End Game"
"So It Goes..."
"King of My Heart"
This idea is later explored more on Lover, as Swift writes in Lover's prologue notes, "This album is a love letter to love itself — all the captivating, spellbinding, maddening, devastating, red, blue, gray, golden aspects of it."
"Daylight"
"Invisible String"
"Invisible String" (again)
"Gold Rush"
Plus, the entire "Cardigan" music video is bathed in a golden light, like when she opens up the top of the piano for the first time.
View this video on YouTube
The gold theme is obviously personal to Swift and definitely seems to mean something important to her.
As for what it means exactly? That is up for interpretation...but I hope you enjoyed this brief deep dive into Taylor's golden lyrics.