The Language of Midnights: A Stylistic Exploration of Taylor Swift’s Lyrics

Author(s)	Ms. Ilhame Ait Ammou
Country	Philippines
Abstract	This study examines the stylistic features found in the lyrics of Midnights, the tenth studio album by Taylor Swift. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, the research analyzes the figurative language and phonological elements present in the album’s thirteen tracks. Guided by Perrine’s framework of figurative language and the phonological model of Leech and Short, the study identifies stylistic devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, symbolism, irony, hyperbole, and other figures of speech, as well as sound patterns including rhyme, alliteration, assonance, and consonance. The analysis reveals that Swift consistently employs a wide range of figurative and phonological devices to enhance emotional expression, thematic depth, and musicality in her lyrics. These stylistic features contribute to the album’s introspective tone, reflecting themes of self-reflection, love, identity, and personal growth. The study highlights how Swift’s lyrical craftsmanship transforms popular music into a form of poetic expression and demonstrates the significance of stylistic analysis in understanding contemporary songwriting.
Keywords	stylistic analysis, figurative language, phonological features, contemporary songwriting
Field	Sociology > Linguistic / Literature
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-20
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.71279

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