Wildest Dreams: An Epic of The Wildest Proportions

Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, St. Thomas Aquinas, Immanuel Kant; all were remarkable philosophers who provided immeasurable value to mankind. They have quite spectacularly changed the very way mankind perceives nature.
Their thoughts have had far reaching effects and many of their philosophies are still being taught to this very day. A philosopher of their quality arrives perhaps once a generation. This generation has been gifted with a philosopher greater than any before. In fact, if one were to add up the combined worth of ALL historical philosophers, from the dawn of time to the present day, it would still fall short of TAYLOR SWIFT. TAYLOR SWIFT has provided us with a nearly infinite trove of wisdom and knowledge. She has engaged the powerful forces of our degenerate society and has emerged victorious time and time again. Like the ancient Spartans fighting the Persians, she is the last bulwark between us and absolute annihilation. 

In the song "Wildest Dreams" Taylor Swift digs deep into the tomes of the human soul and sheds light on the essence of what it means to be human. Indeed this song is perhaps one of her most complex and difficult writings. There are quite literally thousands of layers contained in this song, each layer more complex than the last. It has truly been a monumental task that I have undertaken. Hundreds of thousands of hours listening to this song. Analyzing each word time and time again. Finally, after many sleepless nights, I have unlocked the secret to understanding this song in all of its complex perfection. Within these lyrics the key to human happiness can be found. All the difficult questions that have nagged mankind from age to age find their answers HERE. This song is, to put it simply, the most powerful combination of pure beauty and wisdom that has ever been penned. Only one person in the ENTIRE universe has the ability to share this knowledge with the populous. This person is ME. After much reflection I have decided that mankind is not yet ready. I cannot in good conscience distribute what I know will be unappreciated and widely despised. If, before my passing, I deem man to have reached a state of moral readiness, I may release my writings. Until then, prepare your minds. Prepare the minds of your neighbors. Prepare the minds of all people you meet. Wait, and take comfort in the fact that I have all the answers.         
   

He said let's get out of this town
Drive out of the city
Away from the crowds
I thought heaven can't help me now
Nothing lasts forever
But this is gonna take me down
He's so tall, and handsome as hell
He's so bad but he does it so well
I can see the end as it begins, my one condition is

Say you'll remember me
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset, babe
Red lips and rosy cheeks
Say you'll see me again even if it's just in your wildest dreams
Wildest dreams

I said "No one has to know what we do,"
His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room
And his voice is a familiar sound, nothing lasts forever
But this is getting good now
He's so tall, and handsome as hell
He's so bad but he does it so well
And when we've had our very last kiss
My last request is


Say you'll remember me
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset, babe
Red lips and rosy cheeks
Say you'll see me again even if it's just in your wildest dreams
Wildest dreams

You see me in hindsight
Tangled up with you all night
Burnin' it down
Some day when you leave me
I bet these memories follow you around
You see me in hindsight
Tangled up with you all night
Burnin' it down
Some day when you leave me
I bet these memories follow you around

Say you'll remember me
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset, babe
Red lips and rosy cheeks
Say you'll see me again even if it's just pretend

Say you'll remember me
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset babe
Red lips and rosy cheeks
Say you'll see me again even if it's just in your wildest dreams
In your wildest dreams
Even if it's just in your wildest dreams
In your wildest dreams

BREAKING: DONALD TRUMP PICKS TAYLOR SWIFT TO BE VP

 In what is being called "The Most Brilliant Political Move Ever" GOP Presidential Candidate Donald Trump has invited Taylor Swift to join his ticket for the 2016 presidential election. If she accepts, it is widely believed all other Republican presidential candidates will immediately drop out and endorse TRUMP TAYLOR for President. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has emailed several candidates for the Democratic VP, including: Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and the entire One Direction band.

Comments From An Appreciative Reader

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius began his classic work, the Meditations, by thanking everyone that had taught him something that had helped him to grow as a person. I too must begin this my writing in a similar way by thanking Taylor Manchild. He has taught me to appreciate fine music in much the same way that Aristotle taught Alexander the Great. Through his skilled tutelage I have learned much. The philosopher Plato instructed his students in what is called the Theory of Forms. This theory is that a material object is only an imperfect reflection of a perfect immaterial form. This theory can be seen concretely in music. The pop music played today is but a poor reflection of a perfect song, and this perfect song my friends was written by Taylor Swift. This song is as beautiful as the night sky. Each word is like a shining star and every phrase is a galaxy. As the people of ancient times looked into the sky and were amazed by what they saw, so too can we look into what Taylor has written and discover new things about ourselves. Each time we hear a song that she has written we are reminded of the struggle between good and evil, hope and despair. Many secrets are contained within her writings and we must seek them out. This journey is not an easy one nor is it brief. It shall last throughout our lives and only with great toil and hardship will we grasp the knowledge that she is attempting to convey.   

Sparks Fly: Summa Theologica

It is man's sacred duty to better himself through attaining knowledge. This knowledge should be used to better one's life and to improve any virtues/natural gifts that he may possess. There is no individual that is perfectly virtuous. Virtuous perfection is an ideal that can only be attained once heaven is reached. However, to aid us on this earthly journey, God has seen fit to provide us with individuals whom we can model our lives after. One such individual is Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift uses her God given talents/gifts to impart critical knowledge and to provide a sterling example of virtue. She does this with a beauty and power that is mind-numbing. Taylor Swift is truly a modern Cicero. Similar to the Roman Orator of old, Taylor possesses the ability to reach the very hearts of her audience and to arouse the noblest of thoughts. If an individual can listen to a Taylor Swift song without his mind soaring towards heaven, he is either mentally incapacitated, or utterly ignorant.

St. Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica is a massive exposition of Christian doctrine. It has been the defining source for all things Catholic for over 700 years. Besides the songs of Taylor Swift, it may very well be the most Catholic and praiseworthy source of wisdom ever written.  In "Sparks Fly" Taylor captures both the majesty and truth of the Summa Theologica. In a brief four minute song, she expresses ALL of the major arguments and teachings contained in the entire Summa. How this was completed is entirely beyond comprehension.

The interpretation of this song is well above the intellectual scope of the general audience reading this blog. It should be asked, why would I bring forward a song that is incomprehensible to all but a select few? I have done this to provide an important lesson in the hope that it will be instructional. For you, listening to this song will be now become an intense encounter with the theological virtue of Faith. Just as Faith is the act of believing in God and all He has revealed, so to can you strengthen and temper this great virtue by believing unconditionally in my interpretation. I will supply no information that validates my claim. The fact that the song "Sparks Fly" represents the Summa Theologica must be taken on Faith and on Faith alone. If given one million years, I could not prove this fact in a manner that would be both clear and easily understood. I warn the reader not to attempt interpreting this song, reason alone will not suffice.

The song "Sparks Fly" is about St. Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica. That is the truth and one must use the virtue of Faith to accept this. Taylor has cloaked this song in the mist of obscurity in order to expound the importance of this virtue. Every time that the song "Sparks Fly" is heard, it should remind the listener that the virtue of Faith is a critical component in the life of any Catholic. For without Faith, one will ultimately not only see, but also feel, sparks flying.        



Sparks Fly: Taylor Swift

The way you move is like a fall on rainstorm
And I'm a house of cards
You're the kinda reckless that should send me running but I
Kinda know that I won't get far

And you stood there in front of me just
Close enough to touch
Close enough so hope you couldn't see
What I was thinking of

[Chorus]
Drop everything now
Meet me in the pouring rain
Kiss me on the sidewalk
Take away the pain
Cause I see, sparks fly whenever you smile

Get me with those green eyes, baby
As the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
Cause I see, sparks fly whenever you smile

My mind forgets to remind me
You're a bad idea
You touch me once and it's really something
You find I'm even better than you imagined I would be

I'm on my guard for the rest of the world
But with you, I know it's no good
And I could wait patiently but
I really wish you would

[Chorus]
Drop everything now
Meet me in the pouring rain
Kiss me on the sidewalk
Take away the pain
Cause I see, sparks fly whenever you smile

Get me with those green eyes, baby
As the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
Cause I see, sparks fly whenever you smile

I'll run my fingers through your hair
And watch the lights go wild
Just keep on keeping your eyes on me
It's just wrong enough to make it feel right
And meet me up the staircase
Won't you whisper something slow
I'm captivated by you, baby
Like a firework show

[Chorus]
Drop everything now
Meet me in the pouring rain
Kiss me on the sidewalk
Take away the pain
Cause I see, sparks fly whenever you smile

Get me with those green eyes, baby
As the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
Cause I see, sparks fly whenever you smile

And the sparks fly
Oh, baby, smile
And the sparks fly

Welcome to New York: Welcome to Catholicism

The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ approximately two-thousand years ago. It was created in order to continue  his divine mission of preaching the Gospel and to provide a source of divine authority. Catholics have a responsibility to live lives that are in accordance with both the Gospel and the teachings of the Church. This process is often difficult. The modern world is saturated with temptations and opinions that are contrary to the beliefs of a Catholic. Help during this journey is not only desired it is required. This help is attained in large part through supernatural grace and the sacraments. However, in addition to these methods, the songs of Taylor Swift are most helpful. Throughout her work Taylor echos many of the very sentiments that Catholics cherish. Because of this, we should embrace Taylor's work and use it as a means for attaining spiritual perfection.

The song "Welcome to New York" captures both the universality and majesty of the Catholic Church. Once again Taylor succeeds in expressing true Christian doctrine in a manner that is both breathtaking and astounding.  "Welcome to New York" is perhaps the most condensed and edifying discourse on the qualities of the Catholic Church ever written. It is my most sincere recommendation that "Welcome to New York" is used as a secondary source when reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The analysis of this particular song is perhaps the simplest that I have yet encountered. One merely needs to replace the phrase "Welcome to New York" with the phrase "Welcome to Catholicism". Once this is completed, the remainder of the song merely consists of listing particular characteristics and traits that are unique solely to "New York" i.e. the Catholic Church. 

For example, the phrases "Everybody here wanted something more" and "Searching for a sound we hadn’t heard before" are both clear references to the Church's ability to provide a greater level of spiritual fulfillment and guidance than other religions. The line "It’s been waiting for you" is meant to signify the Catholic Church's universality and openness to all people. The section "It’s a new soundtrack I could dance to this beat, beat, Forevermore" illustrates the unique qualities that the Catholic Church possesses, and is also a backhanded reference to the superiority of traditional Catholic "beat" (music). The verse "Like any true love, It drives you crazy, But you know you wouldn’t change Anything, anything, anything" is alluding to the many difficult moral choices that Catholics must face as a result of being faithful to the Church. However, a true understanding Christian morality will lead one to appreciate the Church and to support her unchanging nature. 

The theological truths contained within this song are almost too obvious. Little help is needed to unlock these mysteries; therefore, little help will be given. I will trust the reader to uncover the remaining pearls of wisdom and to reflect upon them. When attempting this interpretation, the reader must note that any apparent discrepancies in this song are a result of his limited understanding and are not actually real.                      


   
Taylor Swift: Welcome to New York

Walking through a crowd
The village is aglow
Kaleidoscope of loud heartbeats
Under coats
Everybody here wanted something more
Searching for a sound we hadn’t heard before
And it said

Welcome to New York
It’s been waiting for you
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York
It’s been waiting for you
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York

It’s a new soundtrack I could dance to this beat, beat
Forevermore
The lights are so bright
But they never blind me, me
Welcome to New York
It’s been waiting for you
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York

When we first dropped our bags
On apartment floors
Took our broken hearts
Put them in a drawer
Everybody here was someone else before
And you can want who you want
Boys and boys and girls and girls

Welcome to New York
It’s been waiting for you
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York
It’s been waiting for you
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York

Like any great love
It keeps you guessing
Like any real love
It’s ever changing
Like any true love
It drives you crazy
But you know you wouldn’t change Anything, anything, anything…

Welcome to New York
It’s been waiting for you
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York
It’s been waiting for you
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York

Source:http://www.directlyrics.com/taylor-swift-welcome-to-new-york-lyrics.html

Picture to Burn: Burning Byzantium

Taylor Swift's music shines forth with an unbearable intensity. This intensity is the intensity of unfiltered and unadulterated TRUTH. As the moon is a thousand-fold brighter than the brightest of stars, so to are her songs compared to the very best of all other music. If one can listen to a Taylor Swift song without recognizing the fundamental truths contained within, he has not yet attained a state of spiritual wellness. This spiritual state can indeed be difficult to reach and is impossible without guidance. One must rely on the knowledge and expertise of those with greater authority and wisdom to unlock the truth. This process is indeed difficult. Only the greatest of minds can see the true content within a Taylor Swift song.

 The song I have chosen is "Picture to Burn" from Taylor's album "Taylor Swift". The worldly interpretation of the song is that of a girl breaking up with her boyfriend. The boyfriend had undoubtedly done something wrong and he was being punished. Setting this interpretation aside, it is clear to me that this song is written from the perspective of Pope Gregory the Third. Pope Gregory the Third was pontiff of the Catholic Church during the time of the iconoclasm heresy in the Byzantine Empire. This song perfectly captures the personal frustration that the Pope undoubtedly felt when dealing with this heresy and the Byzantine people in general. Now, it is important to note that this song merely represents the emotions that Pope Gregory may have felt in a moment of deep frustration. The song does not have anything to do with how he actually acted or truly felt.

The song opens with the Pope declaring how his hope for reconciliation with the Byzantine Church has been undone, "State the obvious, I didn't get my perfect fantasy". He mentions how it is the Byzantine Church's tendency to honor(love) the emperor over the pope " I realize you love yourself, More than you could ever love me" that causes this tension. He refers to the deep cultural differences that exist between the West and the East in the line "You're a redneck". He goes on to despair of ever obtaining reconciliation "So watch me strike a match, On all my wasted time". Next in a moment of playfulness, he states how he considers the Byzantines merely "just another picture to burn". Here is a backhanded reference to the iconoclasm heresy and the Byzantine's desire to burn all religious items/pictures. Pope Gregory goes on to foretell of the eventual weakening of the Byzantine empire at the hands of the West(Franks) in the verse, " And if you're missing me, You better keep it to yourself, Cause coming back around here, Would be bad for your health". Here he refers to the sacking of Byzantium at the hands of the Western Franks. The Franks were called upon by the Byzantines to protect them from an impending Muslim invasion, however, the Franks did little protecting and lots of looting.

Through this song Taylor demonstrates her extreme capacity for creativity. She not only uses her song as a medium for a historical event but also uses this event as an opportunity to impart wisdom. She aptly expresses the emotions that Pope Gregory may have felt, but also teaches us that one must not be controlled by emotion alone. Emotion that is not guided by right reason can only lead to "Burn, burn, burn, baby burn".        

Taylor Swift: " Picture to Burn"

State the obvious
I didn't get my perfect fantasy
I realize you love yourself
More than you could ever love me

So go and tell your friends
That I'm obsessive and crazy
That's fine, you won't mind
If I say, by the way

I hate that stupid old pickup truck
You never let me drive
You're a redneck, heartbreak
Who's really bad at lying

So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
As far as I'm concerned
You're just another picture to burn

There's no time for tears
I'm just sitting here planning my revenge
There's nothing stopping me
From going out with all of your best friends

And if you come around
Saying sorry to me
My daddy's going to show you
How sorry you'll be

'Cause I hate that stupid old pickup truck
You never let me drive
You're a redneck, heartbreak
Who's really bad at lying

So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
As far as I'm concerned
You're just another picture to burn

And if you're missing me
You better keep it to yourself
'Cause coming back around here
Would be bad for your health

'Cause I hate that stupid old pickup truck
You never let me drive
You're a redneck, heartbreak
Who's really bad at lying

So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
In case you haven't heard
I really, really hate that

Stupid old pickup truck
You never let me drive
You're a redneck, heartbreak
Who's really bad at lying

So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
As far as I'm concerned
You're just another picture to burn

Burn, burn, burn, baby burn
Just another picture to burn
Baby burn

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/taylor-swift/picture-to-burn-lyrics/#mRMbOP9Eo0SRrZ8O.99        

Back to December: The Prodigal Son 2.0

What is it that makes a person "good"? According to Aristotle one is considered good only if he lives in accordance with reason. This reason manifests itself through various methods but chiefly through the four cardinal virtues prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. Now many theologians and philosophers have attempted to present these virtues and how best to live in accordance with them. From Aristotle to St. Aquinas great success has been achieved in this department. However, their work was merely child's play compared to what was to follow. Never could they have imagined that human expression could reach the sublimity that it has in our time. This culmination of artistic expression is fully realized in the noble and stirring works of T. Swift. From the depth of despair to the highest pinnacle of joy Taylor's songs never fail inspire virtue. Indeed, contained within each and every Taylor Swift song, nay, each and every word, is the very essence of virtue. The path to achieving this virtue leads through God's forgiveness. It is through God's infinite capacity to forgive that we can obtain the graces necessary to become "good'. Never is this forgiveness depicted more accurately than in "Back to December" from T. Swift's album "Speak Now".    

The basic gist of "Back to December" is the story of a girl apologizing to her x-boyfriend about some misdeed. This superfluous interpretation is hogwash compared to the essence of the message that Taylor intends to convey. "Back to December" is an analogy of the story of the Prodigal Son from the New Testament. Taylor captures the very heart of this parable and transforms it in order to appeal to a more modern/secular audience. She does this without losing any of the power and truth contained within the original.

In the light of this interpretation, it is clear that the girl character in "Back to December" is meant to represent the prodigal son and the ex-boyfriend the loving father. In Taylor's retelling of this parable the father character is meant to represent the Catholic Church/Christ. Throughout the song clear references are made to a rift existing between the  "girl" and her "friend". This rift was clearly created by a wrong doing on the part of the "girl". The nature of the wrong act is not so important; however, it is most important to note that the "friend" is completely innocent of any wrong doing. This tension is mentioned many times throughout the song, most clearly in the line "And then the cold came, the dark days, When fear crept into my mind" and again"It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you, Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine". In the light of these words in is clear that Taylor wishes to convey the sense of loss and despair that one feels upon leaving the Church. The reason for leaving appears to be in search of some perverted sense of "freedom". Taylor captures the moment that the "girl" chose to leave in the lines "When your birthday passed, and I didn't call" and " I'm sorry for that night" and "I go back to December all the time". These lines unmistakably refer to an evil act/omission committed at night during the month of December. What Catholic event/holy-day celebrating a birthday takes place during the night in December? The Christmas Midnight Mass obviously. The girl apparently did not "call" on the "friend" (attend Mass) during his birthday. This resulted in a mortal sin and a separation between the two characters. 

After a brief hiatus from the Church the "girl" recognizes her folly and repents of her misdeeds, "So this is me swallowing my pride, Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night". This is undoubtedly a reference to the Catholic sacrament of confession where one must "swallow his pride" in order to receive forgiveness. Like the father from the Prodigal Son, Christ welcomes the repentant sinner with open arms. Taylor implies this future forgiveness in the line "You gave me all your love". This clearly refers to the all loving and forgiving nature of God.                  
 
Throughout "Back to December" Taylor displays her profound Biblical knowledge and supplements this knowledge with Church teaching and tradition. The sublimity and beauty of Taylor's writing never fails inspire thoughtful reflection and meditation. It is upon this reflection that the wisdom contained within each and every T. Swift song can be obtained and channeled towards our own lives.

Taylor Swift: Back to December

I'm so glad you made time to see me
How's life? Tell me, how's your family?
I haven't seen them in a while

You've been good, busier than ever
We small talk, work and the weather
Your guard is up, and I know why

Because the last time you saw me
Is still burned in the back of your mind
You gave me roses, and I left them there to die

So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time

It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December, turn around and make it alright
I go back to December all the time

These days, I haven't been sleeping
Staying up, playing back myself leaving
When your birthday passed, and I didn't call

Then I think about summer, all the beautiful times
I watched you laughing from the passenger side
And realized I loved you in the fall

And then the cold came, the dark days
When fear crept into my mind
You gave me all your love, and all I gave you was goodbye

So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time

It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December, turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time

I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile
So good to me, so right
And how you held me in your arms that September night
The first time you ever saw me cry

Maybe this is wishful thinking
Probably mindless dreaming
But if we loved again, I swear I'd love you right

I'd go back in time and change it, but I can't
So if the chain is on your door, I understand

This is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December

It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December, turn around and make it alright
I go back to December, turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time, all the time

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/taylor-swift/back-to-december-lyrics/#jfVHg2lMA6AQdW1W.99