Taylor Swift is one of the most successful pop stars in the world, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. However, even global superstars have fears and anxieties. For Taylor Swift, her biggest fear seems to be the fear of not being in control.
Fear of Losing Control Over Her Music and Image
One of Taylor Swift’s biggest fears appears to be losing control over her music and public image. Early in her career, Swift struggled to take back control of her masters (the original recordings of her songs) from her former record label Big Machine Records and music executive Scooter Braun.
In 2019, Scooter Braun acquired Big Machine Records and with it, the ownership rights to Swift’s first six album masters. Swift described this as her “worst case scenario” and she publicly feuded with Braun over the situation. It represented a loss of control over her life’s work.
Eventually, Swift began re-recording her early albums so she could own these new versions. Her drive to re-record and control her masters stems from her fears over losing control over her musical legacy.
Control Over Public Image
Beyond her music, Swift also aims to control her narrative and public image. She frequently calls out those who criticize her dating life and strongly defends herself against accusations in the media. Swift’s Instagram feed is highly curated to show her life and career in a carefully tailored light.
Swift also withdrew from interviews for a full year to reset her overexposed public image. Her drive for privacy and curating her own story point toward fears of losing control over how the public sees her.
Fear of Being Replaced
Swift has spoken out about her fear of being replaced at the peak of her fame. Despite her huge success, she worries about losing relevance as new young stars emerge in pop music.
In her Netflix documentary Miss Americana, Swift revealed:
My fears revolve around my career being demolished because of my personality… Every year in my life I’ve met somebody who’s thought it was really exciting I’ve gotten big and then really exciting once I started to slowly get smaller. That’s kind of how it goes.”
She has realized that the music industry is always looking for the next hot new thing. Staying relevant requires constant output of music and re-invention of her image. Her fears of being replaced drive her to continually evolve as an artist.
Public Backlash
Swift also fears recurring backlash from the public. She told Vogue: “I’m trying to learn to brush off people tendentiously misunderstanding me, but it’s really hard for me to let that go.”
She aims to clarify misconceptions yet struggles when the public views her negatively. Maintaining control over her narrative helps Swift combat her fears over public backlash.
Overcoming Her Fears Through Her Music & Career Choices
Despite her deep-seated fears, Swift has found positive ways to take control of her career and public image.
Owning Her Narrative Through Songwriting
Swift channels her anxieties into honest, introspective songwriting. She writes candidly about criticism, fame, and backlash. Songs like “Look What You Made Me Do” and “Shake It Off” flip off her haters.
Through lyrical expressions, Swift controls her own narrative. Songwriting becomes therapeutic while allowing her to define herself for fans.
Career Breaks for Mental Health
Swift recognizes when she needs a break from the industry’s pressures. After exhaustive touring in 2016, she paused celebrity appearances and interviews in 2017 to detox from fame.
Taking this time for herself rather than churning out constant content demonstrates Swift protecting her mental health and resisting industry expectations. It’s an act of self-care and retaining control.
Advocating for Artists’ Rights
In addition to personal actions, Swift advocates more widely for artists’ rights and creative control. She has pressed Congress for better protections for music creators and publicly battled with Apple Music over artist compensation.
Her advocacy springs from personal fears yet ultimately aids the creative community in taking back power.
The Role Her Fears Play in Connecting with Fans
Swift’s openness about her fears help cement her bond with fans who relate to her vulnerabilities. Her honesty makes her more human and approachable despite her elite celebrity status.
Vulnerability Endears Her to Fans
When Swift shares her anxieties around career longevity, public criticism, and controlling her narrative, it allows fans to connect with someone viewed as “perfect.” Her vulnerability emphasizes her relatability.
Message of Overcoming Fear Inspires Fans
Swift’s perseverance through deep-rooted fears also inspires admirers facing their own struggles. When she combats her fears by creating empowering music, her message resonates with fans.
She demonstrates that anxieties don’t have to inhibit achievements. This empowers her predominantly young and female fanbase.
Controlling Her Story Lets Fans Into Her World
By tightly controlling what she shares and how she is depicted, Swift provides fans an inside look into her world. Instagram offers carefully curated glimpses into her personal life fans crave like behind-the-scenes at major events.
Swift parcels out details from a place of fear yet it satiates fan desire to get closer. Manicured narratives like her Reputation magazine covers allow Swift to control her image while giving fans insight they love.
Conclusion
In summary, Taylor Swift’s biggest fear seems to revolve around losing control – of her music, public narrative, career stability, and continuity of her success. However, she has learned to channel her fears into positive actions.
Swift’s candid songwriting provides a therapeutic outlet for her vulnerabilities. By boldly defending herself, taking career breaks, and advocating for fellow artists, she resists industry pressures and expectations fueled by her fears.
And by being open about her struggles, Swift forms an emotional bond with fans who can relate. Though fame comes with anxiety, Taylor Swift demonstrates that giving into fear does not have to block amazing achievements or connection. She models resilience despite deep fears.