Why Taylor Swift's "Midnights" Is a Sagittarian Anthem
An Astrologer Decodes the Most Sagittarian Lyrics in Taylor Swift’s “Midnights”
Located at the centre of the Milky Way, the constellation Sagittarius is the protector of the galaxy and life as we know it. Represented by the Archer, it points the arrow it's armed with at the heart of the Scorpion (the constellation Scorpio). The cosmic position of Sagittarius is quite literal, being the only one of the 12 zodiac signs armed with a weapon to protect all living beings. The same could be said about Taylor Swift, who's a Sagittarius. Instead of a bow and arrow, she opts for a pen to write off her enemies. After all, as the old adage goes: "The pen is mightier than the sword." Swift offers us her words as a source of both armour and solace, allowing us to feel empowered and to feel seen.
Sagittarius is a fiery, passionate, reactive, and impulsive sign known for its resilient attitude, directness, and love of freedom. The Archer (yes, coincidentally also the name of a song on Swift's "Lover" album) doesn't shy away from confrontation; they approach things head-on. They take big risks in life and often gamble against the house in order to reap big rewards by making their own rules. They never stop seeking to expand their minds through travel, philosophy, and education — and as such, they will never go backward, only forwards. This also means that they don't play the fool more than once. They learn from their mistakes.
Upon listening to Swift's 10th studio album, it's clear that she relishes in her Sagittarian-ness. The lyrics in "Midnights" depict her autonomous, rebellious, honest, and principled outlook on life. In true Sag form, she owns up to her astrological DNA in the words to some of her fabulous new songs. Take a look.
"Maroon"
"And I chose you
The one I was dancing with
In New York, no shoes
Looked up at the sky and it was
The burgundy on my T-shirt
When you splashed your wine into me
And how the blood rushed into my cheeks"
In a way, "Maroon" is all about living in the moment. Unlike other zodiac signs, Sagittarius doesn't live in the past or the future but only in the present. This allows them to have a beautiful outlook on life and cherish every second like it's their last — honestly, we could all take a note from their free spirit and "joie de vivre" outlook. In the case of "Maroon," Swift's swept-up-in-the-feeling romance ends in heartbreak, but that doesn't necessarily mean it wasn't worth the ride. If you're not a person who can embrace this sentiment, hopefully this song will help you lean into the Sagittarius attitude, and carpe diem.
"Anti-Hero"
"I should not be left to my own devices
They come with prices and vices
I end up in crisis
(Tale as old as time)
I wake up screaming from dreaming
One day, I'll watch as you're leaving
'Cause you got tired of my scheming
(For the last time)"
The lesser-known shadow side of Sagittarius is that they tend to have tempers. Although they rarely let their negative side come out or be seen by others, there are moments in which they may unleash the beast within. Sagittarians have an extreme amount of patience — until they do not. When pushed to their absolute limit, Sag can go wild; their passions brew deep within them and need an outlet to be released. Once they let their frustrations out, then they can relax. "Anti-Hero" alludes to Swift's hidden dark side that she keeps from the world, the "monster on the hill" — something she feels no one sees, and that worries her. But as she finds out, it's not so secret: "everyone agrees" that she's the problem, and she knows they're right.
"Question…?"
"Good girl, sad boy
Big city, wrong choices
We had one thing goin' on
I swear that it was somethin'
'Cause I don't remember who I was
Before you painted all my nights
A color I've searched for since
But one thing after another
Fuckin' situations, circumstances
Miscommunications and I
Have to say, by the way
I just may like some explanations"
Sagittarius has a fun spirit, but they often put their foot in their mouth and create problems due to their careless words. Thanks to their impulsive and fiery nature, Sagittarius tends to rush into asserting themselves and speaking their minds before hearing all the details. In the song "Question…?," Swift owns up to the fact that miscommunication is one reason why her relationship is being torn apart but also continues to probe with question after question — including many she likely doesn't want the answer to.
"Karma"
"You're talking shit for the hell of it
Addicted to betrayal, but you're relevant
You're terrified to look down
'Cause if you dare, you'll see the glare
Of everyone you burned just to get there
It's coming back around
And I keep my side of the street clean
You wouldn't know what I mean"
Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter, which represents themes of philosophy, higher learning, and morality — meaning, they tend to try to be ethical at all times. Every Sag knows that what goes around comes around and that they shouldn't mess with karma. It's no surprise that Swift wrote a song exploring her feelings about someone deceiving or betraying her. She tries to keep her "side of the street clean" due to her honest nature and would never throw someone under the bus for publicity — that's not her style. In the song "Karma," Swift makes it clear that she always tries to put herself on the good side of karma, and she'll smugly enjoy the benefits, living her best life, while the person on the other side's life falls apart.
"Bejeweled"
"Best believe I'm still bejewelled
When I walk in the room
I can still make the whole place shimmer
And when I meet the band
They ask, 'Do you have a man?'
I could still say, 'I don't remember'
Familiarity breeds contempt
So put me in the basement
When I want the penthouse of your heart
Diamonds in my eyes
I polish up real, I polish up real nice"
There's nothing more swell than a Sag who's feeling themselves. As a fire sign, Sagittarius tends to be egocentric and has a bravado of which no one else can compare. They love receiving admiration from others, even if it's short-lived. They simply can't resist receiving accolades and won't shy away from or dismiss compliments. That said, they don't necessarily need them; Sags are self-assured and already think highly of themselves. In this song, Swift is acutely aware of her "It" factor and takes comfort in knowing it's a power she can wield when she wants — in this case, to seek attention elsewhere when she feels she's being undervalued in a relationship.
"Labyrinth"
"It only feels this raw right now
Lost in the labyrinth of my mind
Break up, break free, break through, break down
You would break your back to make me break a smile"
Sagittarians long to be free. These wild horses cannot be tamed and will resist captivity if they feel as though their autonomy is being threatened. When a relationship that isn't working ends, they're not upset. Instead of shedding tears, the archer moves on fast. They don't stop and dwell over love gone wrong, as they set their sights on finding their newest conquest. In "Labyrinth," Swift explores the ending of a relationship, and the fact that she's (seemingly accidentally) bouncing back "just like that" — finding someone new who lifts her spirits and brings her higher than she thought was possible.
