As Taylor Swift continues her record-breaking tour, fans have a new way to connect with her music through a book that delves into the stories behind her songs. Author Annie Zaleski has written a comprehensive guide that explores the meaning and inspiration behind Swift’s lyrics. Zaleski, a longtime fan, was approached by a publisher to take on the project. “Taylor’s having such an amazing career upswing,” she said. “We’re looking for someone to do a book on all the stories behind her songs, and I’m like, all right, when do you need this? How fast do you need it? I am totally in.”

The book presents an in-depth look at Swift’s catalog, offering fans insights that may not have been obvious. Zaleski did extensive research, drawing from interviews, liner notes, and videos to compile her findings. “I had so much fun digging into videos and liner notes and interviews she’s done to try to get everything together because it was a big undertaking,” she said.

The book follows the timeline of Swift’s career, from her debut album to her most recent work, allowing fans to see how her songwriting has evolved. “Obviously, her very early stuff was so autobiographical because she was a teenager and writing about what she knew,” Zaleski explained. “But she’s able to make her songs so much more universal now, talking about more sophisticated things like anxiety, loneliness, and depression.”

One of the book’s highlights is the breakdown of songs across Swift’s eras, showing how her music has grown over the years. Zaleski, who describes herself as an “OG Swifty,” has been following Swift’s career since the beginning. She was particularly fascinated by songs like “The Last Great American Dynasty,” which tells the story of socialite Rebecca Harkness, and “Long Live,” a song celebrating Swift’s bond with her band.

Zaleski noted that there are many misconceptions about Swift’s music, particularly the notion that she only writes about past relationships. “Nothing makes me angry when people say, ‘Oh, she only writes about her exes.’ I’m like, that is so wrong. And I could tell you 10 songs that will debunk that right there,” she said.

The release of the book has coincided with Swift’s ongoing tour, and Zaleski has found it rewarding to see fans connect with both her work and Swift’s. “It’s overwhelming and it’s joyful,” she said. “I am so thrilled that I was able to write about such a seminal artist who means so much to women and be able to really talk about why her songs matter so much.”

Taylor Swift’s tour will make a stop in Indianapolis in November, and fans will be able to enjoy a deeper connection to her music through Zaleski’s book.