“Mirror Ball” - Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's song "Mirrorball" provides ample context for diving deep into the foundations of
what it means to be human. Drawing on Plato, Aristotle, Kierkegaard, and Friedrich Nietzsche, we can
see how these themes are expressed and represented in the song. Plato famously said that humans are
trapped in an imperfect body, a mere shadow of their ideal form. He believes that worldly things distract
us from the pursuit of truth and virtue. Aristotle, on the contrary, emphasizes the unity of body and soul,
arguing that human progress is a harmony between the two.

In "Mirror Ball", the main theme of "Mirror Ball" can be interpreted as the reflection of
imagination. The glass ball reflected Plato's idea of the deception of the material world and symbolized
light shining and emerging. But the song also expresses the complexity of human incarnation, more in
line with Aristotle's theory of unity. The song expresses the tension between external and internal
emotions, showing that the truth of human experience lies in the interaction between body and mind.

Kierkegaard explores the importance of subjectivity and originality in human life. He believed
that people must struggle with the tension between the expectations of the outside world and their own
inner world. Taylor Swift captures this struggle in “Mirrorball.” Expressions of willingness to adapt to
change and “getting settled” describe the desire to adapt to the culture. This reflects Kierkegaard's
emphasis on the influence of the external world on our sense of self. However, beneath the shiny exterior
lies vulnerability and uncertainty, revealing the inner turmoil that arises when truths are compromised.
The song invites us to think about the social anxiety of not being able to see our true self, which leads to a
“Kierkegaardian” reflection on the nature of thought.

Friedrich Nietzsche introduced the concept of self-transcendence by proposing to transcend the

current self in order to achieve a truer, more authentic self. Premium version. Nietzsche's philosophy
encourages people to break free from social restrictions and discover their true self. "Mirror Ball" can be
seen as a testament to a man's desire to transcend himself. The saying "I am a glass ball; I can change
everything about myself depending on the situation" demonstrates a willingness to adapt to external
influences. However, this change can be both positive and negative. The ironic lyrics reflect Nietzsche's
call for individuals to acknowledge their agency in self-transformation while recognizing the danger of
losing truth in the process. The ever-changing glass ball represents a constant journey of self-discovery
and self-improvement.

Overall, Taylor Swift's "Mirror Ball" cleverly combines philosophical ideas about human
emotions, feelings, and self-defeat. The song reminds of the contradictions of the human condition,
making listeners think of the eternal struggle between external and internal reality, overcoming
relationships and the quest for true self-discovery. In “Mirror Ball,” Taylor Swift shares an unimaginative
moment of understanding the human body in an ever-changing world.

I Identify myself as a mirror ball. Just like what the lyrics said “I’ve never been a natural, all I do
is try, try, try.” I have never been naturally talented in any aspect of life when someone will ask me what’s
my talent, I do not know what to say. Throughout my whole life, I’ve always tried my best but I just can’t
find something that I am good at; and I haven’t found it yet until now. I know that “skills are made; it’s
not something that everyone is born with”, but this quote never comforts me.