Castles Crumbling Taylor Swift Lyrics: The Mesmerizing Lines
by Ushapriyanga | Updated Jul 07, 2023
Who is Taylor Swift?
Taylor Alison Swift was born on December 13, 1989, is an American singer-songwriter who has made a significant impact on the music industry. Known for her exceptional songwriting, musical versatility, artistic transformations, and cultural influence, she has become a prominent figure in the 21st century.
In 2018, Swift signed a new contract with Republic Records and subsequently released her seventh album, Lover, in 2019. The following year, she released the autobiographical documentary Miss Americana. Swift explored indie folk and alternative rock on her 2020 albums Folklore and Evermore, and she delved into chill-out styles with Midnights in 2022.
These albums broke numerous records, with their respective number-one singles including "Cardigan," "Willow," and "Anti-Hero." In response to a dispute with Big Machine, Swift embarked on the journey of re-recording her back catalog and released Fearless (Taylor's Version) and Red (Taylor's Version) in 2021.
The extended version of "All Too Well" from Red became the longest song to top the Hot 100. Swift has also directed music videos and films, including All Too Well: The Short Film in 2021, and has taken on supporting roles in other projects.
Castles Crumbling Taylor Swift Lyrics
[Intro: Taylor Swift]
(Once, I had an empire)
(Once, I had an empire)
(Once, I had an empire)
[Verse 1: Taylor Swift]
Once, I had an empire in a golden age
I was held up so high, I used to be great
They used to cheer when they saw my face
Now, I fear I have fallen from grace
[Chorus: Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift & Hayley Williams]
And I feel like my castle's crumbling down
And I watch all my bridges burn to the ground
And you don't want to know me, I will just let you down
You don't wanna know me now
[Verse 2: Hayley Williams, Taylor Swift & Hayley Williams]
Once, I was the great hope for a dynasty
Crowds would hang on my words and they trusted me
Their faith was strong, but I pushed it too far
I held that grudge 'til it tore me apart
[Pre-Chorus: Taylor Swift & Hayley Williams, Taylor Swift]
Power went to my head and I couldn't stop
Ones I loved tried to help, so I ran them off
And here I sit alone behind walls of regret
Falling down like promises that I never kept
[Chorus: Taylor Swift & Hayley Williams, Taylor Swift]
And I feel like my castle's crumbling down
And I watch all my bridges burn to the ground
And you don't want to know me, I will just let you down
You don't wanna know me now
[Bridge: Taylor Swift]
My foes and friends watch my reign end
I don't know how it could've ended this way
Smoke billows from my ships in the harbor
People look at me like I'm a monster
Now they're screamin' at the palace's front gates
Used to chant my name
Now they're screaming that they hate me
Never wanted you to hate me
[Chorus: Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift & Hayley Williams]
My castle's crumbling down
And I watch all my bridges burn to the ground
And you don't want to know me, I will just let you down (Just let you down)
My castle's crumbling down
You don't wanna know me now, now
[Outro: Taylor Swift]
(Once, I had an empire)
(Once, I had an empire)
(Once, I had an empire)
Castles Crumbling Taylor Swift Lyrics Meaning
In 2010, Taylor Swift wrote a song called "Castles Crumbling" for her third studio album, Speak Now. Despite fans gaining knowledge about the song over the years, it was never actually heard until it was released as a From The Vault track on Speak Now (Taylor's Version) on July 7th, 2023. The reimagined version features Taylor's long-time friend, Hayley Williams.
In June 2023, a fan presented Hayley with a Speak Now-themed bracelet, which she found interestingly timed. This sparked speculation among fans about Hayley's involvement in the album, and later it was confirmed when Taylor posted the tracklist, mentioning Hayley's appearance. Taylor also acknowledged that Hayley's band, Paramore, had a significant influence on her during the time she wrote Speak Now.
While "Castles Crumbling" is their first official collaboration, Hayley had previously joined Taylor as a guest star during her 2011 Speak Now Tour and made an appearance in the music video for Taylor's 2015 single, "Bad Blood." There have also been heavy rumors suggesting that Hayley was the inspiration behind the song "Speak Now."
Adding to the excitement, two days before the song's release, Taylor took to Twitter to announce that Paramore would be an opening act for several dates on her upcoming The Eras Tour in 2024
Taylor Swift Music Career
One of Swift's earliest musical memories involves listening to her grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, singing in church. As a child, she found joy in Disney film soundtracks and would create her own lyrics when she ran out of words. Swift credits her mother for instilling confidence in her by helping her prepare for class presentations and nurturing her fascination with writing and storytelling.
The storytelling aspect of country music captivated Swift, and she discovered the genre through influential female artists of the 1990s like Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and the Dixie Chicks. Twain, in particular, became her biggest musical influence as both a songwriter and performer. Hill served as a childhood role model, and Swift often imitated her.
She admired the Dixie Chicks for their defiant attitude and instrumental skills. Swift also explored the music of iconic country stars such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton, considering Parton an exemplary figure for female songwriters. Additionally, she drew inspiration from alt-country artists like Patty Griffin and Lori McKenna.
Joni Mitchell, renowned for her autobiographical lyrics that delve into deep emotions, influenced Swift as a songwriter. She particularly admires Mitchell's album "Blue" for its soulful exploration. Swift's influences extend beyond country music to include pop and rock artists. She considers Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, the Rolling Stones, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, and Carly Simon as her career role models.
Springsteen and the Stones, in particular, impress her for their lasting musical relevance, and she credits the Stones with shaping her career outlook. Swift aspires to follow in the footsteps of Emmylou Harris, prioritizing music over fame as she grows older.
Her synth-pop album "1989" draws inspiration from beloved 1980s pop acts such as Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Phil Collins, and Madonna. Additionally, she cites Keith Urban's musical style and Fall Out Boy's lyrics as significant influences.
Taylor Swift Albums
Album
Year
Taylor Swift
2006
Fearless
2008
Speak Now
2010
Red
2012
1989
2014
Reputation
2017
Lover
2019
Folklore
2020
Evermore
2020
Midnights
2022
Fearless (Taylor's Version)
2021
Red (Taylor's Version)
2021
Speak Now (Taylor's Version)
2023
Castles Crumbling Taylor Swift Lyrics-FAQs
Taylor Swift wrote the song "Castles Crumbling" around 2010.
The song "Castles Crumbling" was released as a From The Vault track on Speak Now (Taylor's Version) on July 7th, 2023.
The reimagined version of "Castles Crumbling" features Taylor Swift's long-time friend, Hayley Williams.
Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989.
Taylor Swift has released a total of twelve studio albums to date.
Yes, Taylor Swift has taken on supporting roles in some movies and TV shows, though the specific projects may vary.