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