thirteen blocks | swiftie savers round 2

Background Information

Written between 2004 and 2005, Thirteen Blocks (Can't Call It Love) never made it onto Taylor's debut album. It was written during her developmental deal with RCA records. A studio recording is the only version in circulation

[Verse 1]

Stumble off the porch step, sat down in the car. Only thirteen blocks across this town to get to where you are.

The song begins with Taylor getting in the car to drive to the home of her significant other. It's ironic that Taylor's lucky number is used in regards to their relationship, which is unfortunately fading.

And that don’t offer me much time to make up my mind, so I best be driving slow on my way to letting go.

Taylor is undecided about what turn to take with the relationship: to let go of him or give him another chance. By driving slower, she buys herself more time to work through her feelings.

These headlights they just wanna fade off into the night. But if they’re half as stubborn as me, they’ll just keep on shining bright.

Taylor considers avoiding her feelings and driving far away, shielded by the darkness and anonymity of nighttime. But, part of her is determined on setting her feelings straight and confronting her boyfriend once and for all.

I ain’t ever been one to settle like the dust does on the dash. Since the feeling ain’t strong, I’ll just move on and leave this in my past.

Teenage Taylor wasn't one to settle in a relationship she is bored or unsatisfied with. For the moment, she sticks with her gut feeling of letting go, knowing she lacks the ion she seeks in a relationship.

[Chorus]

Once you're gone I know your memory'll somehow get the best of me, so I question everything I do.

Taylor is so indecisive because she fears the hurt and longing that comes with a breakup. Although it's clear she's unsatisfied, love often "hangs around after you walk out" (Taylor Swift, Long Time Going). [It's summer break and I used a CITATION jesus christ].

Unsure of turning you away. Wondering love how I’ll feel today, until you find somebody new.

Taylor's feelings change daily, pretty much. Him finding someone else and moving on first is just the push she needs to will her away from him.

So I’ve been holding on way too long, but not another minute. I'm gonna miss you bad, but you can’t call it love if you ain’t in it.

She may have some sorts of feelings for him, but nothing strong enough to be considered love. The hurt and longing she may feel after the breakup aren't worth staying with someone she isn't ionate about.

[Verse 2]

Red light turns to green, then back to red again. I wish there were some other travelers out here to slow my traveling.

Despite her efforts to take her time, the drive seems to be going too quickly. Thas lit rally it oop

Even though the wheel rolled on, inside I still don’t know. Oh and it troubles me so.

She's abandoned the decision she made in the chorus and questions herself yet again, but continues driving anyway. It's as if the car drives involuntarily, forcing her into a decision.

[Chorus x2]

[Outro]

The car comes to a rest in the drive. You open up the door and I see you smile.

Her thirteen blocks are up. The delightful sight of his smile completes the lyrics with a sense of relief, but the production continues on for a while before fading out. This suggests that the storyline continues, and the ending is open to interpretation.

lovelovelove

-h-

or whatever