November 29, 2021

We all know Taylor Swift as the award-winning country pop star with a long list of ex-lovers consisting of Hollywood’s most elite. As fans, we praise Swift for her music and are infatuated by who could have inspired her lyrics. Lucky for us, Taylor provides her “Swifties” with little peeks into the highs and lows of her relationships, uncovering the details of her breakups through her music. Recently, Taylor re-recorded two of her albums: Fearless and Red. As I belted her new songs like it was 2010 again, I couldn’t help but wonder: who were each of these songs about? Through careful research and lyrical analysis, I drew my conclusions. From Joe Jonas to Harry Styles, I provide a timeline of Taylor Swift’s full dating history, and the songs you must add to your Spotify queue.

Joe Jonas

Joe and Taylor’s brief romance began in July of 2008 and ended tragically in October of the same year. Taylor reveals to Ellen that Joe broke up with her over the phone. Lucky for us, we get to listen to, “Forever and Always,” which tells the story of their quick love affair.

Taylor Lautner

After the Taylors met on the set of Valentine’s Day in the fall of 2009, relationship rumors sparked. Swift broke it off after a little and allegedly we can thank Lautner for the hit song, “Back to December.” 

John Mayer

Shortly after her short romance with Lautner, Taylor at the age of 19 started dating 32 year old John Mayer in December of 2009. The pair broke it off in February of 2010 and Taylor wrote, “Dear John” in tribute to Mayer.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Currently, the most hated man in Hollywood, Gyllenhaal and Swift’s romance began in October 2010. He broke up with Taylor out of the blue, resulting in several songs on one of her most famous albums, Red. Most notably her hit song, “All Too Well” is about this ex-lover and how he took advantage of their ten-year age difference.

Conor Kennedy

One of Taylor’s most low-key relationships was with Connor Kennedy, descendant of JFK. The two broke it off in October of 2012 and we get to listen to “Begin Again” as a result.

Harry Styles

The fan-favorite relationship, “Haylor” began in November 2012. The pair were first spotted strolling through Central Park, visiting a zoo. The two split in October 2013 and Taylor released “Out of the Woods” in reference to Styles.

Calvin Harris

One of Taylor’s longest relationships was with Calvin Harris. The happy couple started dating in February of 2015 and went public with their relationship at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. They called it quits in May of 2016, and Harris hinted in one of his songs that Swift may have been unfaithful. Taylor claps back by releasing her song, “I Forgot That You Existed” which is in reference to Calvin Harris.

Tom Hiddleston

The shocking relationship between Swift and Tom Hiddleston was revealed in May of 2016. Things got serious pretty quickly, as Tom even met Taylor’s parents. Unfortunately, the two broke it off in September of 2016 and supposedly “Getaway Car” is about Hiddleston.

Joe Alwyn

Taylor Swift finally met Mr. Right in May of 2017. This relationship is unlike any relationship she’s had, as it has been kept extremely private. While keeping out of the public eye, most of her recent songs are about him from “End Game” to “Paper Rings.”

Thanks to Taylor Swift and her many eligible bachelors, we are able to enjoy both breakup and love songs every day - her albums are filled with memories of past lovers and she has become a true icon for individuals growing up globally.