Taylor Swift – “State of Grace” Lyrics Meaning

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Written By Joanna Landrum

Joanna holds a BSc in English Literature and uses her expertise in literary analysis to uncover the deeper meaning of her favorite songs.

Taylor Swift’s “State of Grace” is a profound reflection on the transformative power of love. The song explores the dynamism of relationships, portraying love as something that is constantly evolving, capable of inciting immense joy and profound pain. The lyrics depict the duality of love, illustrating its ability to be both “brave and wild” and “good and right.” The notion of “state of grace” indicates a period of harmony and bliss within the tumultuous journey of love. Swift seems to capture the essence of falling in love unexpectedly and how it alters one’s perspective forever, revealing love’s relentless nature.


Intrigued about how Taylor Swift encapsulates the essence of unexpected love and its dual nature in “State of Grace”? We’re going to uncover the layers of meaning and the story behind this captivating song!

“State of Grace” Lyrics Meaning

In “State of Grace,” Swift masterfully depicts the journey of love through vivid imagery and profound metaphors. “I’m walking fast through the traffic lights, Busy streets and busy lives, And all we know is touch and go” paints the picture of life’s frantic pace and transient relationships, symbolizing the fleeting moments and the uncertainties of love. The line “We fall in love ’til it hurts or bleeds, or fades in time” resonates the transient nature of love, suggesting it can either be overwhelmingly painful or fade away gradually, showcasing the volatility and the ephemeral quality of relationships.

The chorus “And I never saw you coming, And I’ll never be the same” is reflective of the unforeseen nature of love. It emphasizes the transformative impact of an unexpected relationship, suggesting that you are altered eternally once you experience such love. Swift combines love’s unexpected and transformative essence, portraying it as a catalyst for profound change.

“You come around and the armor falls, Pierce the room like a cannonball,” depicts love’s ability to penetrate defenses and make one vulnerable. The “armor” symbolizes the emotional barriers we erect to protect ourselves, and its falling illustrates the letting go of inhibitions and fears in love. This line conveys the power and the depth of emotions involved in truly transformative relationships.

Finally, “This is a state of grace, This is the worthwhile fight, Love is a ruthless game, Unless you play it good and right” conveys the paradoxical nature of love. The “state of grace” symbolizes a harmonious and sublime existence within love, indicating moments of bliss and contentment. However, it also comes with its battles, deemed “the worthwhile fight.” Swift seemingly implies that despite love being a “ruthless game,” it holds the potential for genuine happiness and fulfillment if approached with honesty and goodness.

The Story Behind “State of Grace”

When Swift penned down “State of Grace,” she was arguably in a place of exploration and revelation in her life. The song reflects her nuanced understanding of love and relationships. Swift is known for her ability to craft narratives that resonate with universal emotions and experiences, and in this song, she appears to draw from her own journeys and realizations about love.

Swift seems to be pondering the ephemeral nature of relationships and the duality of love, viewing it as both a source of elation and sorrow. The song appears to be a culmination of her musings on the transformative power of love and its ability to bring about profound change in individuals. It’s a reflection of her evolving perspective on relationships, showcasing a maturity and a deeper insight into the complexities of love. The recurring theme of unexpected love altering one’s being is perhaps Swift’s acknowledgment of love’s unpredictable and ever-changing nature.

In “State of Grace,” Taylor Swift encapsulates the multifaceted essence of love, weaving a narrative that is both personal and universally relatable. The song stands as a testament to her songwriting prowess and her ability to delve deep into the human experience, reflecting on the myriad emotions that accompany the journey of love.