This week marks the return of Taylor Swift to the Tampa Bay area — and the highlight of your city editors’ year. To prepare for her Eras Tour stop just 40 miles from Lakeland, we’re imagining a few local spots and stories as the singer’s lyrics.
Fearless
So I sneak out to the garden to see you. — “Love Story”
If we were sneaking out to a romantic garden getaway, it would be in Hollis Garden.
Speak Now
Do you remember all the city lights on the water? — “Mine”
How could we forget downtown’s reflection on Lake Mirror?
Red
I still remember the first fall of snow, and how it glistened as it fell. I remember it all too well. — “All Too Well (10-Minute Version)”
We weren’t there, but Lakeland’s great snowfall of 1977 remains one of our favorite stories.
1989
Are we out of the woods yet? — “Out Of The Woods”
Hopefully you can find your way out of Circle B Bar Reserve on your next hike.
Reputation
I’ve got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined. — “Look What You Made Me Do”
Bring your list of family names to the Lakeland History & Culture Center for genealogy research.
It’s not a “Cruel Summer” with so many Flying Tigers games to attend.
Photo by @jessicasreyna
Lover
Take me out and take me home. — “Lover”
Take us out to the ballgame — a Lakeland Flying Tigers game, to be exact — so we can cheer the runners to home base.
Folklore
Take me to the Lakes where all the poets went to die. — “The Lakes”
Our 38 lakes have certainly inspired local poets, songwriters, and artists.
Are you a Lakeland lyrical genius? Send in your own local, Swift-inspired match-ups and we may share them.
