“marjorie” is the thirteenth track on Taylor Swift’s second 2020 album ‘evermore.’ The song is heavily speculated to be about Taylor’s grandmother who’s name is Marjorie Finlay as well.
Taylor Swift announced her 9th studio album ‘evermore‘ in quick succession to her previous studio album ‘folklore‘ which was released in July 2020. Both albums follow a similar theme and Taylor called them ‘sister-records.’ “To try and put it more poetically, it feels like we were standing on the edge of the folklorian woods and had a choice: to turn and go back or to travel further into the forest of this music. We chose to wander deeper in,” said Taylor Swift announcing the album. The ‘evermore’ album releases on December 11, 2020.
The thirteenth track on ‘folklore’ album was titled “epiphany” and touched on Taylor’s grandfather, Dean. Taylor’s grandmother, Marjorie, was an opera singer herself and was a big influence on Taylor pursuing a career in music. Marjorie Finlay is given background vocal credits on this track.
Listen to “marjorie” by Taylor Swift
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“marjorie” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Throughout the song, Taylor drops some serious words of wisdom;
Never be so kind / You forget to be clever
Never be so clever / You forget to be kind
Never be so politе / You forget your power
Nevеr wield such power / You forget to be polite
These are some words to live by, essentially talking about the balance in life–being humble and powerful at the same time.
Marjorie Finlay passed away in 2003, and Taylor knows better than to say that she is still with us. But she feels like she is still listening to her songs, and being the proudest grandmother ever. However, the influence she had on Taylor and the words of love and affection she passed on will live on forever through Taylor and her music.
In the bridge of the song, Taylor seemingly narrates some of the faint memories she had with her grandmother. Taylor only wishes she had more time, and she collected more memories with her. At the time, Taylor did not know that her grandmother could be taken from her at any moment.
Despite everything, Taylor cannot help but feel like Marjorie is with her in spirit. At least Taylor knows that her grandmother’s influence on her lives with her. This is all she has left now.
Let us hear what you think about the song in the comments below. Check out the complete lyrics and further meaning breakdown on Genius.