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The song that will be evaluated today is "The Story of Us" from Taylor's album "Speak Now". In brief, the song is the story of a dating couple having a communication problem. This problem leads to distrust and even (perhaps) to a severing of the relationship. This song is one of the most ambitious projects that Taylor has undertaken. Unlike many of her previous works "The Story of Us" is written from the perspective of the antagonist. In order to achieve greater effect, Taylor attires herself in the trappings of her opponents. Similar to the legendary exploits of the Scarlet Pimpernel, Taylor shows her incredible versatility by undermining her adversaries from within.
In many circles of higher philosophical thought "The Story of Us" is considered to be a representation of the schism that exists between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Church of Rome. This is a widely accepted interpretation of the track; however, it is not my own. It is my belief that the song represents the division existing between the Roman Catholic Church and the SSPX (society of Saint Pius the Tenth) schism. While both interpretations have their merits, it is the later that provides a more complete view of the truth.
In this track, Taylor takes the part of the SSPX institution as a whole and Archbishop Lefebvre in particular. Throughout the song she expresses the reasons for the schism while secretly making a strong case for the The Church of Rome. The male character is meant to represent the Catholic Church. The first verse of the song (verse 1) is meant to represent the feeling that initial conversion to Catholicism often brings "How we met and the sparks flew instantly". However, human nature being as it is, this feeling was soon replaced by restlessness and even rebellion. Upon breaking from the Mother Church the rebel begins to feel the consequences of the split. A loss of direction and guidance "I used to know my place was the spot next to you, Now I'm searching the room for an empty seat" and again "I'd tell you I miss you, but I don't know how". The rebel also begins to feel the inevitable and unwelcome association with Protestantism "Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room". The crowd meant to signify the hordes of various Protestant sects all with differing moral standards and doctrines.
There are many reasons for the split, and, in the eyes of the rebels they are justified. For example, the lines "Oh, a simple complication, Miscommunications lead to fallout" and "'Cause lately I don't even know what page you're on" clearly refer to the widespread confusion and uncertainty which followed The Second Vatican Council. The changes made to the liturgy during Vatican 2 were in large part what led to the SSPX schism. The phrase, "So many things that I wish you knew" refers to the SSPX's fear of the somewhat "modern" tone of the Second Vatican Council. Their extreme reaction to this tone was by no means justified; however, today one can see a grain of truth within their concern. Although some of these concerns are in part justified, most are caused rather by faulty human interpretation of the Vatican 2 documents rather than any real doctrinal issues. The line "But you held your pride like you should have held me" refers to the Church's unwavering and uncompromising stance on all doctrinal teachings (In the context of the song "pride" should here be interpreted as honor/steadfastness).
The song "The Story of Us" is a rousing depiction of the SSPX schism and the dangers of miss-communication. When presenting information in any context care must be taken to insure that all members of the debate are on the same page. If this is not the case "The Story of Us" can quickly become "The Story of the Schism".
Taylor Swift: The Story of Us
I used to think one day we'd tell the story of us
How we met and the sparks flew instantly
People would say they're the lucky ones
I used to know my place was the spot next to you
Now I'm searching the room for an empty seat
'Cause lately I don't even know what page you're on
Oh, a simple complication
Miscommunications lead to fallout
So many things that I wish you knew
So many walls up, I can't break through
Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room
And we're not speaking
And I'm dying to know, is it killing you
Like it's killing me, yeah
I don't know what to say since a twist of fate
When it all broke down
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now
Next chapter
How'd we end up this way?
See me nervously pulling at my clothes and trying to look busy
And you're doing your best to avoid me
I'm starting to think one day I'll tell the story of us
How I was losing my mind when I saw you here
But you held your pride like you should have held me
Oh I'm scared to see the ending
Why are we pretending this is nothing?
I'd tell you I miss you, but I don't know how
I've never heard silence quite this loud
Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room
And we're not speaking
And I'm dying to know, is it killing you
Like it's killing me, yeah
I don't know what to say since a twist of fate
When it all broke down
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now
This is looking like a contest
Of who can act like they care less
But I liked it better when you were on my side
The battle's in your hands now
But I would lay my armor down
If you'd say you'd rather love then fight
So many things that you wish I knew
But the story of us might be ending soon
Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room
And we're not speaking
And I'm dying to know, is it killing you
Like it's killing me, yeah
I don't know what to say since a twist of fate
When it all broke down
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now
Now, now
And we're not speaking
And I'm dying to know, is it killing you
Like it's killing me, yeah
And I don't know what to say since a twist of fate
'Cause we're going down
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now
The end
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/taylor-swift/the-story-of-us-lyrics/#xJvuszTf78RC5GEe.99
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