"Starlight (Taylor’s Version)" by Taylor Swift, a charming track from her album "Red," beautifully captures the essence of a magical, whimsical night filled with dancing and dreaming. Released in 2012, Swift herself wrote the song, infusing it with an aura of joy and enchantment, drawing inspiration from the glamorous, old-time parties. This song distinctively stands out on the "Red" album, which explores varied nuances of love, particularly for its joyful and captivating nature.
The inspiration for "Starlight" was an antique photo of Ethel Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy dancing, which kindled Swift’s imagination and led her to fictionalize their meeting in the song's lyrics. The song narrates a whimsical encounter on a boardwalk in the summer of '45, conjuring an image of youthful, carefree love set in a nostalgic era.
Swift's connection to the Kennedy family extends beyond the song. After writing "Starlight," she met Rory Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy's daughter, leading to Swift spending time with the Kennedy family during their Fourth of July celebrations in 2012. There, she performed "Starlight" for the family, receiving warm appreciation from Ethel Kennedy. This interaction not only highlights Swift's fascination with the Kennedys but also underscores her deep respect for their legacy.
Swift's association with the Kennedys also led to a brief romance with Conor Kennedy, Ethel's grandson, which influenced her music. She dedicated "Starlight" to Ethel Kennedy in the liner notes of "Red." Moreover, the hidden message in the liner notes of the song "Everything Has Changed" is "Hyannis Port," the location where Swift and the Kennedys spent time, suggesting that this song too was inspired by her relationship with Conor Kennedy.
The intertwining of Swift’s personal life with her music is further illustrated in the song "Begin Again" from "Red." There are two interpretations of this song's inspiration: it could depict Swift starting a new relationship with Conor Kennedy after her breakup with Jake Gyllenhaal, or it could signify her moving on from Conor to a new love. The hidden message in "Begin Again" supports the former theory, subtly alluding to her relationship dynamics with Gyllenhaal.
"Starlight" continues to be an integral and beloved part of Swift's discography, evident from its inclusion in "Red (Taylor’s Version)" released in 2021. Swift’s performance of "Starlight" as a surprise song during a show in Denver, Colorado, in July 2023, further signifies the track's enduring appeal and charm.
