“The Outside” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s “The Outside” centers on one of the most relatable feelings people experience, even in the midst of crowd; loneliness. Throughout the track, the singer makes it clear that loneliness is not only felt when one is in an empty space, but can be duly felt in the presence of hundreds of people. Another concept that is clear in this song is that people who seem to be ‘different’ from the majority are more likely to face rejection and solitude in their lives.

As is evident in the lyrics of the song, Taylor narrates her experience of vainly trying to fit in among her peers. She does not initially see the truth about why the many girls she tries to befriend almost always reject or leave her out of their groups. Though this is quite worrying, especially for a teenager who places value on the way people see her, the artist realizes that she might have some hitches in the beginning, but has the power to travel the path many fear to tread.

Swift goes on to express how much she desired to fit in but simply couldn’t because the people around her never gave her the opportunity to share her opinions or secrets. Since they are unwilling to listen or let her in on their groups, she constantly questions her worth and feels like an outcast.

Inspiration behind “The Outside”

Taylor has revealed that she wrote “The Outside” when she was as young as 12. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about her inspiration, she stated that at the time she wrote the song, she usually felt like a castaway among her peers. She explained that most of the lyrics were inspired by her observation of people and the experiences they had from an outsider’s perspective. According to the singer, lyrics of “The Outside” were penned out of pain, however, she admits feeling lucky because music has always been her escape route rather than alcohol or drugs.

The artist has also mentioned that this song focuses on the main reason why she began writing songs. And what’s this reason? It is the fact that she felt like an outsider during her school days. Taylor said she never seemed to fit in with the other kids and had diverse interests, prominent among which was her love for music.

Facts about “The Outside”

Taylor Swift is the sole credited writer of this song. And she actually did so around the time she first began penning tunes, at the age of 12.

This track was produced by the duo of Nathan Chapman and Robert Ellis Orrall.

“The Outside” is featured on Taylor’s Swift first album, which is named after the artist. Big Machine Records released it on 24 October 2006. In addition to “The Outside”, Taylor’s maiden album also produced a ton of other hit songs, including the likes of ‘Tim McGraw” and “Picture to Burn“.