Taylor's "Labyrinth" II

Enveloped in the quiet embrace of synth whispers, "Elevator Hearts" feels like it’s stolen a page straight out of the ethereal dreamscape that Taylor Swift constructed in “Labyrinth”. We find ourselves standing at the precipice of love, drenched in the bittersweet memories of past heartaches.

The lyrics “Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out, I'll be getting over you my whole life” carry with them a sense of rawness reminiscent of Swift's emotional exploration. The process of healing is portrayed not as a destination but as a journey, a sentiment that echoes through the halls of Swift’s discography.

With “You know how scared I am of elevators, Never trust it if it rises fast, It can't last,” we are thrown into a metaphor that hits as brilliantly as Swift’s lyrical ingenuity. The elevator as a metaphor for love signifies the hesitancy in embracing a whirlwind romance that may very well leave one stranded between floors.

Much like Taylor's lyricism in “The Great War”, there is a poignant awareness of the emotional battles fought in love. However, where Swift often uses war imagery, here the song uses the metaphors of elevators and planes to depict the terrifying descent, ascent and unplanned 'rerouting' of romantic emotions.  Joni's "This Flight Tonight" comes to mind.

“Lost in the labyrinth of my mind” – this line is an explicit nod to Taylor’s “Labyrinth”, and it evokes the same sense of getting entangled within one’s thoughts and emotions. It's a maze but its the mastermind who plays ten-dimensional chess with itself, you need an elevator to get around.

The chorus, “Uh oh, I'm falling in love, Oh no, I'm falling in love again, Oh, I'm falling in love, I thought the plane was going down, How'd you turn it right around?” reflects a hesitant surrender to love, resembling Taylor’s enchanting vocal play in “Labyrinth”. The fusion of fear and exhilaration is painted with a delicate touch.

"Elevator Hearts" is a symphony that flutters and cascades through the airwaves. With its delicate balance of fear, heartache, and renewal, it invites listeners to step into an elevator, unafraid of where it might take them.

Best line: “I thought the plane was going down, How'd you turn it right around?”