“Mirrorball” is the sixth track on Taylor Swift’s 2020 album ‘Folklore.’ The song speaks about how Taylor Swift herself has many facades that the world sees and that she wants the world to see. But as just as pretty they are to look at, they are also quite fragile.
Taylor Swift announced her 8th studio album ‘Folklore‘ just a few hours ahead of the album release on July 24, 2020. The album had no singles prior to the album release, and Taylor stated the reason for the ‘surprise’ album release as the “uncertainty” surrounding the world right now.
A ‘mirrorball’ is similar to a disco ball that reflects light shun onto it away, creating beautiful rays and patterns of light. There are thousands of small reflective surfaces on the disco ball which gives out a thousand different rays of light out. However, these objects are quite fragile although they provide a lot of happiness to everyone around it.
Listen to “mirrorball” by Taylor Swift
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“mirrorball” Lyrics Meaning & Song Review
Verse 1
Taylor Swift spits up facts by identifying herself as a mirrorball or a disco ball. The sole purpose of a disco ball at a club is to entertain the dancers. It will reflect a thousand light beams and create a happy vibrance. Taylor Swift, being an artist of a global reach, has undoubtedly touched, helped, and entertained millions of people around the world. The fact that she is a global superstar with a million fan army does not make her any less vulnerable to her own fears and emotions. In reality, all these walls could also work as a weakness when they all crumble on to her.
Chorus
Taylor says that she shines her best when no one is around. But this could also be a reference to how a person loses themselves in the dance.
Verse 2
In the second verse, Taylor Swift lets us know that the more shattered the mirrorball is, the more reflective it would be. On a more personal note, she also says that she can adjust her personality to match anyone. But this act runs the risk of twisting and bending yourself too much that it may be permenant.
No matter how much entertainment the disco ball provides, should it fall down and crash, the party will not stop. The people in the dance floor, intoxicated, will keep on dancing. Just like in real life, should Taylor Swift retire tomorrow, the fans will move on eventually.
Bridge
In these lyrics, Taylor Swift references to her previous era’s where she changed her personalities. She identifies this as a whole “circus” act in which the main purpose is to go to extreme lenghths to entertain the crowds. However, this stage has been called off. Taylor is much more comfortable in her skin now and is able to express her true emotions.
A ‘tightrope’ is an extreme balancing act, which all of us do, with or without being concious about it.
Let us hear what you think about this song in the comments below. Check the complete lyrics and further meaning breakdown on Genius.
It’s interesting to me how many people see this as the story of a literal performer.
To me it’s about the loneliness of people-pleasing, in a relationship.
Making every effort to focus on a partner; to be what they want; to meet their needs – without considering your own. Then you’re no longer yourself, you’re a mirrorball, reflecting your partner’s every facet, everything about the real you staying hidden within.
There’s tension on your tallest tiptoes, on the tightrope or the trapeze; and all this time they’ve said the end is near…
This is a very good review of the song. The bridge is especially interesting: “I’m still a believer, but I don’t know why. I’ve never been a natural, all I do is try, try, try.”
Probably my favorite part of song. It’s written so well, and it’s extremely relatable.