A Deep Dive into Conceptual Metaphors of Love: A Cognitive Analysis of Taylor Swift's “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” Lyricism
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Abstract
This research investigated the musical domain of Taylor Swift, with two primary goals: (1) to identify the conceptual metaphors of love embedded in her lyrics and (2) to demonstrate how these metaphors connect with the fundamental nature of love as an emotion. This study utilized data from Taylor Swift’s official website, focusing on her acclaimed album, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”, which includes a collection of 26 outstanding songs. A detailed analysis highlighted the frequent use of love-related metaphors, revealing that Taylor Swift’s lyrical decisions are not random but are carefully crafted, drawing from universal human experiences. The structural metaphor surfaced as the most prominent style in her songs. Furthermore, this examination offers an in-depth look at Taylor Swift’s unique metaphorical portrayal of love, showcasing the significant role of language in shaping perceptions and profoundly connecting with listeners.
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