Therapist Reacts To: Mastermind by Taylor Swift!

[@aziumic]

the emotion in her voice in the bridge makes me tear up every time. mastermind is underrated.

[@rebeccasmith7149]

It makes me cry every time. I related to it so much.

[@leavealekalone]

„No one wanted to play with me as a little kid..” this always gets me, the way she sings it 😿😿 I would have played with her all she wanted

[@nishthagupta1357]

Ikr

[@oishikaray2767]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MsAmberAnne]

I think this is all about Joe and how she felt she had to “plan and scheme” in order to land him as her boyfriend. She finally felt for the first time in her life the need to confess and tell him all the lengths she went to in order for their romantic relationship to form. She was so worried and scared that he’d be put off by all of her machinations, but instead he just gave her a knowing smile. He knew all along, and he loved her and accepted her for it anyway. In fact, it seems like he loved her all the more for all of the effort she put in in order to be with him. I’m sure all of her effort and machinations made him feel special, wanted, and valued. It’s very sweet.

[@mendwithmere]

That is beautiful and I totally see ut

[@nishthagupta1357]

Exactly yesss

[@Satans_Niece]

since the night of the midnights release this was my song (along w yoyok). I interpreted it as talking to a partner, but talking to her fans makes sense too. growing up as an autistic female, so much of it rang true. so many things that seemingly came naturally to everyone, I had to teach myself. do research, practice in my head, & practice in real life. placing myself very deliberately in situations with what I was going to say rehearsed to make friends. the bridge hits especially. “I’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since to make them love me & make it seem effortless.” to reference the great gatsby, effortlessness has been my flickering green light. the song also encapsulates the feeling of power that I’ve felt knowing all the little efforts I’m making that nobody has a clue about

[@laura.b.1989]

I love Mastermind but haven’t been quite sure why. I think you just nailed it! I also have autism and have experienced the same things with learning how to fit in!

[@eden-caledoniajohn3168]

Another autistic female here, I identify with Taylor, I recognise in her earlier years the social awkwardness, the high intelligence and the masking. I could be wrong, I don’t know I’m always seeing traits in others! This song describes masking so well! I masked for so many years and felt like I was an imposter, acting so professional, so able, and then being so exhausted and crashing as soon as I got home. My son and daughter both are autistic - my son was diagnosed at 6 and my daughter at 11 - although we had her evaluated since age 4 up but her masking was far too good at that age it wasn’t until she was 10 that everything crumbled around her and anxiety and social rejection set in. Now they are diagnosed it’s wonderful to see my daughter living her life without masking, she has friends who love and accept her as she is - her own little neurodiverse tribe and she has amazing support. I know she won’t have to do what I and Taylor and any other neurodiverse woman has had to just to be liked.

[@Artisian12656]

I view this song in two ways. One about how she met Joe & the other is about her career. Career-wise, we all know she's always the one who drives the bus. I like the message of the song that you can make things happen for you & not to just accept what fate gives you. Thanks.

[@mr.anthropomorphic916]

I think this song is a honest admission to her fans. “I’m only cryptic and Machiavellian cause I care” I think she’s admitting that she has felt that she has to scheme, be cryptic (Easter eggs) and calculated. I hope one day that Taylor realizes how much we love her and that she doesn’t need to worry so much. She has an army around here and I can attest right now, I have been a Swifty since debut, and I’m not going anywhere ever! For gods sakes, I have her name tattooed on my neck.

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

I really like mastermind. She has written before about being bullied as a kid, and how she just didn’t fit in. And you are right, Your On Your Own Kid (YOYOK) touches a bit about that. But, its so much deeper than that. Lets look at her career. The kids told her she was never going to make it and made fun of her; YOYOK touches on this as well as other songs in her catalog; then she actually makes it and makes it big, with Fearless was just a juggernaut of an album at the time and she tapped into an untapped market of teenagers who liked country music. Then what happened, Kanye West interrupts her and tells her she isn’t good enough & doesn’t belong. She bounces back, doesn’t let that ruin her. She comes back strong with SN and Red, then 1989. She did 3 maybe even 4 years of Victorias Secret runway and she met a lot of models and befriended them. Here, she was early 20’s and now all these people wanted to be friends with her, she had never experienced that before, all these cool beautiful cool women wanted to hang out with her. So she had friends. For the first time really in her life. And the media criticized her for it, told her she wasn’t good enough to have THOSE friends, Taylor shoudln’t have model friends, how superficial when really? Who cares who she was friends with, they weren’t hurting anyone or doing anything bad, for the first time in her life she had a group of friends and she was told once again she didn’t deserve to be there. Some of those friends turned out to be fair-weather friends and left her when her stock started going down, again at the hands of Kanye West. Then the media, again, turned on her and told her she should go away. Still she bounced back and came back with Reputation album. Reputation album was the only one of her albums since Fearless that was end of year #1, it was a HUGE album. But the critics slammed her and snubbed her, the biggest album of the year, the end of year #1 album and the Grammy’s snubbed her. Again, sending her the message that she shouldn’t be there, didn’t deserve to be there. Now, she wants to move into directing, something she has done off and on for 18 years. this includes a documentary and a short film and people are slamming her for it, telling her she doesn’t deserve to be in the same room with other directors, “real directors. She has been told her entire life that she isn’t good enough, isn’t liked, doens’t deserve friends, or boyfriends even. So, sorry with the long commentary, but her being a mastermind makes so much sense from the context of her being bullied and she had to come up with a way for, in her mind, for people to like her. She learned that she was not good enough and people hated her. Luckily, she really has a master of a mind, a genius mind, otherwise that would have broken many an artist. But not her. She keeps coming back and she is a planner. i also think any artist at this level, has to be a planner. They have to strategize. I mean, to me thats just being smart. So even early on with her label telling her when they are going to release a song or an album they had their reasons and strategies for that, she learned that too. You have to . But, in her relationship with JOe, yes. Absolutely she is the most insecure of all the artists today because of all this, and she has learned that she has to plan to get people to like her, to fall in love with her, otherwise she thinks she will not have any one. Its very sad to me to think that she believes she doesn’t belong. But, she believes that.

[@davidhampson1958]

I love that...I agree... it breaks my heart to think that Taylor thinks she does not belong...Just remember this Taylor as far as Swifties are concerned...you 1,000% belong...You always have a friend in us....Just call and you will see 😻😻😻😻

[@bobbyrw1398]

Are you a psychologist? If not, you've missed your calling. More insightful words have never been spoken. Your passion for Taylor also comes through, and I love that. Maybe Taylor had to do all those things to arrive at where she is, and maybe it helped put her on top of where she wanted to be and where she no doubt belongs, but she shouldn't have to anymore. I hope she knows how much she is truly passionately loved, adored, and respected for who she is... simply Taylor.

[@davidhampson1958]

@@bobbyrw1398 Amen to that Bobby...By the way Merry Christmas to you and all your family, friends & pets...And I know that 2023 is going to be a special year for you...because you have an Era's ticket :):):)

[@bobbyrw1398]

@@davidhampson1958 Hello my friend. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all of yours too. I wish that for us both. I've started a countdown calendar for April 28th. Can't wait!

[@davidhampson1958]

@@bobbyrw1398 Gave me a smile...thinking about your countdown calendar...You know I wish you the very best for what will be the most magical day..." Do you know where I was April 28th"... I'm really really really Happy for you😸😸😸😸😸😸

[@RoibenxKaye]

the first time i listened to this song and the line "this is the first time i felt the need to confess" came up, i needed to pause cuz i was about to cry cuz of that. taylor really laid the groundwork but also feels like she needs to apolagize for it, as if she is some sort of criminal. its just so good.

[@mendwithmere]

So so good!♥️

[@bobbyrw1398]

I'm so glad you subscribe to the idea that this song is about her relationship with her fans. I've been preaching this for 2 months now, ever since I 1st heard it, but it's been a hard sell to most. Even the line about "wanted your body" I interpret as the body of fans. It all lines up. She's metaphorical in so many of her songs, and this one is a prime example. Oh, and your new haircut truly becomes you.

[@BeautyBliss11]

I honestly think it's about both her relationship with Joe and with her fans as well. These are both two very important relationships to Taylor. She knows we love the easter eggs and cryptic messages (but also she's giving me grey hairs), and she literally does all of those things for OUR entertainment. But at the same time, the line "I laid the ground work and then saw a wide smirk on your face, you knew the entire time" is a good call back to the song 'Cruel Summer' from Lover where she says "I love you ain't that the worst thing you've ever heard? He looks up grinning like a devil." She thinks she's being secretive in both lines, but the love interest just smirks because he knew but was waiting for her to admit it to him.

[@di380]

This sounds like a very dark fantasy song 💖. The first time I heard it the song I Put a Spell on You came to mind. I don’t believe it’s her personal experience but I love her imagination on how she writes her songs 🥰

[@feelingReckless13]

the specific pain caused by "no one wanted to play with me when I was a little kid so I've been scheming like a criminal ever since to make them love me and make it seem effortless" is just...a lot tbh

[@mendwithmere]

Truth ♥️

[@nishthagupta1357]

She's talking to her lover Joe actually. He knew she's a mastermind ❤

[@viktoriejalovcova3038]

Love the interpretation! Could you please do Sweet Nothing next? She wrote it with Joe and it's the cutest.

[@mendwithmere]

Yes!

[@venishapillay9696]

I love this song. I understand this song because I had to change my whole personality to make friends to high school. Also love the red lip and lavender nail polish, that's an awesome nod to Taylor.💜

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you for watching! Glad you liked the nods ;)

[@talia3053]

the whole thing about her only being cryptic & machiavellian because she cares is so relatable. sorry i’m not being fully myself & trying to get you to like me it’s because i want to make you happy & what if the “real” me wouldn’t do that. & the no one wanted to play w me as a little kid so i’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since to make them love me & make it seem effortless. which is why i appreciate so much when ppl don’t hide that they’re trying. it’s so vulnerable for me & it can be so easy for some ppl.

[@andreajaquelinearellanodia6250]

I think this is also touching on the subject of free will and destiny. I believe at the end of the day we all (men and women) have to choose our future every day and it’s way more romantic and powerful to say “I chose to be with you, I made this happen because I wanted it so bad” 🎉 and also applies for every aspect in our lives, “I chose this life, this family, this job” even with all the requirements I have as a women where we are usually expected to be passive and let life happen to us and men take the lead

[@Melissa-kq4ss]

Great take

[@brinacomps8852]

two videos in one day! you are spoiling us for the holidays- some of my favorites too :)))

[@hotsaucewhorror8701]

the gears in the lyric video was an easter egg for the 13th floor of the bejeweled music video which has a bunch of 3s in it & if speak now (her 3rd album) is the next re-record it’ll be her 13th album overall. truly a mastermind.

[@mendwithmere]

Wow!

[@loud_hailer6240]

I really like how you connect the lyrics to her other songs. I appreciate that you spoke about the Sails and liquor, those are super powerful about owning your power in both the strength and the fun.

[@CandylandTraveler]

I always love hearing your takes on the songs. Thank you for sharing your time and perspective with us.

[@nishthagupta1357]

9:33 okay so the reference you said that Joe appreciates her mind is so true.. In "Sweet Nothings" there's a lyric where Joe literally appreciates her mind.. On the way home I wrote a poem You say, "What a mind" This happens all the time So yeah you're right 😂there

[@Charles01343]

That red lips classic thing that i like !!!

[@mendwithmere]

♥️☺️

[@maiteliz3615]

Omg, despiste this masterpiece, u look SO GOOD with bangs and red lips. 💕

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you!!!!

[@brucebrown3837]

I've seen a couple of reactors who think that this is to her fans, and my response was, "wait, do you mean the first time Taylor saw me, she knew she wanted my body?" I really think it's about how she set up meeting with Joe, but, I'm ok either way. I just like the idea of the song, where she thinks she was being all secretive in setting it all up, but in the end, Joe/we all knew and was ok with it.

[@jadamalyn]

this whole series of watching you break down taylor’s song has been so eye opening and insightful, it’s made me love the album even more than I already do. 🥰❤️

[@margaritacherkasheninova4723]

I agree that it’s about all the true fans too 🥰🥰

[@aasthasharma8392]

I'm the wind in our free flowing sails makes me think of someone who is an overthninker and overfunctioning and have a lot of anxiety so they are always thinking and planning for the worst case scenarios and so they actually believe that if they stop doing that then things won't go smoothly. The "sails are freely flowing" because she is constantly working and putting in the effort to make it happen.

[@diannakaplan1189]

My goodness 6 months already that has gone by. The tour is going on. Damn you went to Met Co. I live 15 minutes away. but didn't personally get a chance to go😢. My family have a home in Passaic around the block from ShopRite! I loved your kareoke btw so cute😂! Trust me I don't record my voice lol! Thank you for these videos. I like how you really interpret what every line means to you and the majority of us who love Taylor. I look forward to her new music and videos. Now I will anticipate your breakdowns.

[@emikohenriette]

this is so good! i watch every reaction videos you post and actually learn a lot! thank you for that!!

[@alexh5619]

Hello 1 year ago Mere, 😊 I feel the need to say what I am thinking today amidst The Eras Tour 2024, this song where it is says “you and I ended up in the same room at the same time”… “and now you’re mine”: what if she is saying the old taylor and the new taylor are in the same room at the same time?! Also, the chess analogies I also see the black and white sets being symbolic of 🤍🖤 rep & taylor swift. She speaks of shades of griege in the current TTPD album.

[@newjenrevolution8500]

The first time I really listened to the lyrics I thought Taylor was talking to the fans in this song, like it's our little secret that we know what she's doing when she drops hints and we love it, and she knows we know, and we know she knows we know - ya know? Also, I don't usually comment on people's appearance but your hair is looking amazing here and very Taylor, and I mean that as the highest of compliments haha. Love your insight videos on the lyrics!

[@alysa525]

Love your reactions, thanks for making these 🤍.

[@LYDIEGO_UNOUNOSHIRTS]

this was really cool to watch, thank u.

[@luciihornsby]

this is one of my favorites on midnights! i feel like it’s underrated for sure!!

[@artwithdebarpit1917]

Greatly enjoyed your video and your thoughts. Can I please request analysis of manic and if I can't have love, I want power album by Halsey 💓

[@babyjane534]

Thanks for a true reaction video I love these

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you for watching!

[@kosmikpixie]

I think that this is ALL about Joe. She's telling us in this song that as much as she's a planner and a plotter and thought she had captured Joe with her wily ways, she's had to admit that he 'lit the fuse' by touching her hand in a crowded room, and that the smirk on his face told her that she'd met her Machiavellian match.

[@mendwithmere]

Yes, I totally see this now that I’m thinking about it more

[@maroonscarlet]

I can relate on the bridge part ...

[@daveysversion]

Yes! We’re using the official lyrics video 💖

[@mendwithmere]

☺️♥️

[@christineveasey9226]

Pawns can reach the end of the board and become queens and change the whole game.

[@aidenrushing9841]

Your lipstick is fire and giving big time Tay-Tay vibes!

[@nishthagupta1357]

Omg its so true how women are always used by men for centuries tbh. She did it right by being a mastermind

[@m4svn184]

love this

[@sthefannystorm474]

Not sure If u noticed... But that "touch of a hand" were Also at gorgeous... I think it's about her bf now

[@talia3053]

me & my dad’s favorite on the album after first listening was both mastermind , i guess it’s generic. now i can’t choose a favorite but i still love mastermind

[@talia3053]

*genetic oops

[@julesemmanueltarol2807]

luv yha gurll

[@simplymatt13]

UNDERRATED MASTERPIECE WBK

[@mendwithmere]

Yes!

[@bridgetwhite6803]

There is a fan theory floating around that she has already negotiated to get the rest of her masters back (from Shamrock Holdings, who purchased them from Scooter Braun), and that she will also be dropping all her re-recordings when the ball drops at midnight on New Year's Eve. Times Square was showing a video yesterday of them 'bejeweling' the ball for this year, and Taylor Nation has been posting to meet them at midnight on New Year's Eve and has created a play list. Of course this is a theory and could be way off base, but if it's true, she would be the ULTIMATE mastermind! After all, her tour is called the Eras tour, so wouldn't it make sense that all her recording eras would be free and clear to perform?

[@nishthagupta1357]

Love our feminist Taylor Swift ❤

[@simplymatt13]

exactly

[@crystallight196]

I've seen it about her fans too. 😂

[@richardh776]

Did you ask her why she doesn't trust Taylor? Usually when I ask people why, they don't have an answer.

[@mahisinghvi08]

All of the women had to do it this was I alsways thought of as the women who had to throw the hadkerchief thing in olden times

[@honkhonk5181]

Alternate title: Future Taylor reacts to her own work while acting as a therapist

[@talia3053]

please react to long sleeves by gracie abrams 🫶

[@XxBloggs]

I think it’s about Joe.

[@mendwithmere]

Definitely!

[@SunxSurfxSand]

Your lipstick is beautiful. Care to share?

[@mendwithmere]

www.iherb.com/pr/peripera-ink-velvet-lip-tint-01-good-brick-0-14-oz-4-g/108957?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoeemBhCfARIsADR2QCvzG0ZvQuDbtbQ1_2955GPmEn8zoRpcNgr_X2XyGj1BDL9WGST9ARMaAiqbEALw_wcB

[@mendwithmere]

It’s ink velvet :)

[@michellepittsley4256]

this did not age well

[@mendwithmere]

I know, right? 😂

[@queerqueen098]

Why?

[@danielflynn8530]

Mastermind by Deltron 3030 is a better song.

[@rturney6376]

Manipulative