Taylor Swift

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Make sure nobody sees you leave
Hood over your head, keep your eyes down
Tell your friends you're out for a run
You’ll be flushed when you return
Take the road less traveled by
Tell yourself you can always stop
What started in beautiful rooms
Ends with meetings in parking lots

[Chorus]
And that's the thing about illicit affairs
And clandestine meetings and longing stares
It's born from just one single glance
But it dies and it dies and it dies
A million little times

[Verse 2]
Leave the perfume on the shelf
That you picked out just for him
So you leave no trace behind
Like you don’t even exist
Take the words for what they are
A dwindling, mercurial high
A drug that only worked
The first few hundred times
[Chorus]
And that's the thing about illicit affairs
And clandestine meetings and stolen stares
They show their truth one single time
But they lie and they lie and they lie
A million little times

[Bridge]
And you wanna scream
Don't call me "kid," don't call me "baby"
Look at this godforsaken mess that you made me
You showed me colors you know I can't see with anyone else
Don't call me "kid," don't call me "baby"
Look at this idiotic fool that you made me
You taught me a secret language I can't speak with anyone else

[Outro]
And you know damn well
For you, I would ruin myself
A million little times

For many music lovers, Taylor Swift’s music is always an emotional journey, and “illicit affairs” is no exception. The track, which is one of the finest on her eighth studio album, folklore, delves into the subject of infidelity, a topic that Swift has addressed in previous songs, including “Should’ve Said No,” which was released in 2006. However, what sets “illicit affairs” apart from her previous works is the way she approaches the topic, providing a more nuanced and sympathetic take, recognizing the intense “dwindling, mercurial high” that infidelity brings.

About ​illicit affairs

Sometimes, finding the right words to describe a song can be challenging, but this is not the case with “illicit affairs.” The track, which was written and produced in collaboration with Aaron Dessner of The National, is a haunting ballad that captivates the listener from the very first note. The beginning of the song finds Taylor questioning a secret lover and their willingness to hide their relationship from the world, “Make sure nobody sees you leave, hood over your head, keep your eyes down. Tell your friends you're out for a run, you'll be flushed when you return.”

The song then delves into the ensuing emotions of infidelity. Swift demonstrates the mercurial feelings that can be present with infidelity, as she sings, “Leave the perfume on the shelf that you picked out, it's just another hill for you to climb, ooh. And I'm a credulous fool for this ride, ooh. The chemistry, the trust, the pact that we wrote, ooh. The "oaths" that we swore, but it’s just a clever game, ooh. And the stunning start of "forever," ooh. They'll get the hint, eventually.”

The lyrics and Swift's delivery complement each other to create a visceral experience for the listener—highlighting the pain, fragility, and emotional complexity of infidelity.

The musical backdrop of “illicit affairs” displays Swift’s artistic growth. The melody is moody and subdued, with a piano melody that drives the song's emotional pull. As with the rest of the songs on folklore, Taylor Swift's signature sound takes a backseat to the arrangement, with Aaron Dessner’s indie-rock background playing heavily. Sonically, “illicit affairs” is one of the most pared-down tracks on the album, but it’s effective at building the tension and atmosphere that surround infidelity.

The song’s thematic focus on the ups and downs of a secret love affair is one of the many reasons why it stands out on folklore. In addition, the song tackles a complicated theme that many people can relate to, either as the betrayer or the betrayed, providing an emotional release for the listener and offering the chance for growth and reflection.

In summary, “illicit affairs” is a poignant and evocative song that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the complexities of infidelity or struggles with the idea of loving someone they cannot have. With its exquisite lyrics, ethereal melody, and haunting vocals, this is one of Taylor Swift's greatest achievements.

• Release Date: July 24, 2020
• Artist: Taylor Swift