None of it was accidental. This week we’re going deep into Midnights favorite “Mastermind.” After looking at this Taylor Swift song from the perspective of satire in our previous episode, we take another look to examine what Taylor is actually “mastermind”-ing. Is it a relationship? Or is it a nod to her many (many) easter eggs she leaves her fans? Maansi explores how Taylor weaves strategic language into the lyrics to reclaim the idea that she’s “calculating.” Jodi finds connections to The Odyssey, Oedipus Rex, and Greek mythology to bring this to an AP-level conversation. And Jenn shares more context about why “all the wisest women had to do it this way,” has deep roots in literature and history. Join us as we unpack this cryptic and potentially Machiavellian song!

Mentioned in this episode: 

TIME Magazine December 7, 1981 “Crazy Over Cats” 

TIME Magazine Person of the Year 2023

Phantom Thread

Mythology, Edith Hamilton 

The Odyssey, Homer, Emily Wilson translation  

Oedipus Rex, Sophocles  

Guys and Dolls

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen 

Hamilton 

Founding Mothers, Cokie Roberts

RBG 

Jackie

The Voices of Neims, Suzannah Lipscomb 

Matilda, Roald Dahl  

Harry Potter, JK Rowling  

Broadway Sings

Mean Girls 

The Woman in Me, Britney Spears

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë

Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn

I Care A Lot

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

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Episode Highlights: 

[02:23] “And now you’re mine” - WHO?

[05:05] Mastermind: Benji’s Vision 

[10:00] “The planets, and the fates…” Greek mythology 

[16:26] “We were born to the the pawn in every lover’s game”

[26:44] “I’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since” The Bridge!

[33:40] “I’m only cryptic and Machiavellian cause I care” 

[43:31] “Check Mate: I couldn’t lose” 

[47:23] What is the purpose of this song?

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig akaScotty Z.