E86: Under the Big Top — Taylor Swift and the Circus Metaphor

“I was tame, I was gentle til the circus life made me mean.” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we delve into the recurring motif of the circus in Taylor Swift’s discography. From the tightropes of emotional vulnerability to the grand illusions of public persona, we analyze how Taylor employs circus imagery to convey themes of performance, control, and otherness. This episode includes discussions on the historical exploitation within circus culture, including forced labor, racism, and animal cruelty. For more information, we recommend the article from the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the podcast Circus Stories for firsthand accounts. Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com Mentioned in this episode: Circus Stories Podcast Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen The Night Circus The Phantom of the Opera The Prestige (2006 film) Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Disney’s Dumbo and Bambi 60 - Witches 61- Deep Dive “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me” The Second Sex Great Expectations Episode Highlights: [00:45] Introduction to the circus metaphor in literature and music [10:50] “Say Don’t Go” 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) [24:53]  “…So It Goes” reputation [33:26] “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” The Tortured Poets Department  Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!  TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts Libro.fm →  tinyurl.com/aptslibro Contact us at [email protected]  Affiliate Codes:  Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!  Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.