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One Thing Never to Say to Taylor
Taylor Swift
Posted on February 26, 2007 at 8:35 AM
Today's Fan Question:What are the pros and cons of being a teenager in the country music industry?" Shilo Adams, Isom, Kentucky
Click and listen to Taylor's audio answer:
Read Taylor's Answer:
Taylor: That is a really good question because there are a lot of both. A pro of being a teenager in the country music industry is because I feel like people my age haven't had a lot of people in country music that can speak directly to them. I've been there. I've been a country music fan, and I've been 17, so I know exactly what we go through, trying to find songs that we can relate to.I'll be the first to stand up and say "Look, I'm 17! I've never been married or had a kid." I can't relate as much to the songs that are about that, as I can to songs that are about things that I have gone through. I think that's why so many young people listen to pop music — because younger people in pop music sing about younger things.
The cons of being a teenager in the country music industry is that you get some people that will talk down to you, like you don't know what you are doing. Some people ask questions like, 'So how do you feel about your rise to the top being so quick and you being so young? What could you possibly have to say, you are only 17?' I hate the phrase 'You're only 17! It's a horrible, horrible phrase and nobody should ever say it anymore! At least not with the undertones of, 'How could you possibly know?' Because if anyone has been paying attention to what's happening, I mean, obviously there's a place for somebody young to be in country music.
I think people should never ever put an age limit on what someone can accomplish. My parents, ever since the day I was born, have empowered me. There are really two ways to look at it when you are raising kids. You can either say 'You can be whatever you want to be' and then there is actually believing it. My parents actually believed it and so when you get around people who don't believe that you can do whatever you want at whatever age you want, it gets a little frustrating. I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons in this situation. I try not to listen to the people who are negative because negative energy is not cool. It's been really good answering your question and I am glad that you addressed it.
Comments
Hi Taylor, I totally agree. I can't believe I get to say this, but it is like I said when I was on the phone with you the other day...when my wife and I started dating and I told everyone that she was "the one" all the adults in our life said "your just a teenager, what could you possibly know about forever". Well, my wife and I dated since I was 14 and all through college and got married before my senior year at ASU. We have been together now for going on 23 years, and we still love to laugh about her Mom telling us that she only gave it 6 weeks at the most. Two teenagers and a very excited for Pittsburgh 8 year old later, and I sing Our Song and Mary's Song to my wife and I would swear you wrote them just for us. You keep writing hits, and staying amazing to your fans, and they will be calling you "Country Superstar" Taylor Swift in the blink of an eye, and the teenager fixation will be long gone from the picture.
Official TS Crash Test Dummy,
Scott
Posted at February 26, 2007 11:49 PM by Scott
Hey, does it ever get hard being away from your family and friends? Also where did you grow up because I'm from South Carolina.
Posted at February 27, 2007 3:42 PM by Chelsie Guy
Taylor, I'm glad you don't let those people bring you down. Your an inspiration to all of us tennagers that also want to someday to country singers.
Posted at February 27, 2007 4:58 PM by William
Taylor I too hate it when people say you can't do this , you're only 13 years old .It can make you feel like you can't do anything because you're too young, so I get your point on hating it when people say you're only seventeen. Well keep writing music and we'll keep listening. Love ya,
Jacque.H.
Posted at March 3, 2007 11:42 PM by Jacquelyn Horn
hey taylor i was at your concert at west chester u were great i look up to u like a sister. do u have any other family that are ur brothers or sister? lot nlots of love ryan elizabeth
Posted at March 17, 2007 8:25 AM by ryan elizabeth
i think you for all of the courge you have givin me to become a country music star and i love all of your music.
Posted at March 21, 2007 11:17 AM by ty king
Taylor thanx for all the incouragement uve givin me
Posted at April 7, 2007 11:10 PM by kk crenshaw
i know how u feel Taylor. i feel exactly the same. people say " look @ the little 17 yr. old ". & i agree with u it's a horrible thing 2 people. i'm glad u didn't let them bring u down. u really inspire me, teens & many others. well,ciao, Taylor
Posted at May 26, 2007 3:17 PM by kelly deavila
Hey
you are really good singer i always listen to ur songs when i am mad and i calm down real fast and i start singing. i have tons of pictures of u in my room. my faverate song is about all of then. i thing u r really pretty. i wish i could see u in person that would be osm and get an autograph.my sisters think it is weird that i am so cazy about ur songs.
lindsey
Posted at June 18, 2007 5:13 PM by Lindsey
TAYLOR,YOU ARE A AWESOME ROLL MODEL. ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS BY YOU IS TEAR DROPS ON MY GUITAR. ALAYNA, LULAS
Posted at July 5, 2007 12:33 PM by alayna werger
Hi Taylor, your my role model because I am a bassist and I am 13 I have been playing for 4 year now and I want to be famous at a young age like you!
Posted at July 23, 2007 1:33 AM by Eric Samuelson
Hey Taylor I love all your songs and I understand how u feel an all people tell me I can do stuff just cuz ikm 14
Posted at October 3, 2007 9:32 AM by Mariah Dobbins
Hi Taylor your right about putting an age limit on things. Me and my friends have a country band of our own and everyone says that we will never be able to go big and be known like you because we are to young & not experienced. P.S. My band "Small Town Kids" will become famous so remember that name.
Krista Davis
Posted at November 10, 2007 10:02 PM by krista
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Hi Taylor Swift i really think that u r pretty and cool. I just cant believe that u r 17. u look younger:). well t2ul. Bye
Posted at February 26, 2007 3:18 PM by Jessica Stiwinter