Songs for Enneagram Types by Taylor Swift

As Taylor Swift wows audiences with her record-breaking Eras Tour and celebrates the release of her 11th studio album, pop culture can’t get enough of her music. Fans are posting hour-long deep dives into the Tortured Poets Department on YouTube. Concert-goers are planning extravagant Eras Tour outfits, and heartbroken Swifties are identifying with particularly depressing lyrics on social media.

But despite the Swiftie-mania, it’s important for long-term fans to remember why they connected to Swift’s music in the first place: her songwriting. Spanning not only genres but emotions, Swift’s lyrics touch on so many aspects of life that everybody is bound to relate to at least one song. Today, we will be looking at the song that you relate to, based on your Enneagram type.

Type One: “long story short”

Like the other songs on Evermore, Taylor opts for self-reflection in “long story short.” The entire Evermore album marks her transition from writing about present heartbreaks to reflecting on her career as a whole. In this particular song, she details the blows to her public image during the Reputation era and the poor choices she made as a result. However, she also sings about the lessons she learned. From the other side of the heartache, she realizes that everything bad in the past needed to happen so that she could feel content in the present.

Like Taylor in this song, Type Ones have a penchant for objective reflection and are constantly examining the track they are on. Just as Taylor acknowledges that she entered the wrong relationship out of loneliness, Ones can also recognize the role that they play in their own misery. Ones, like Taylor in this song, see life as a story – and from stories, you can always learn something.

Type Two: “New Year’s Day”

Choosing a song for the lovable Two from an album known as Taylor’s edgiest may seem counterintuitive. However, Reputation is a love album before it is a career rebrand. Between the songs that declare Taylor’s new dark persona (in my opinion, the weaker ones) are ballads about new love.

“New Year’s Day” is about being afraid to lose someone who has just entered your life, but has become a crucial part of it. To her new lover, Taylor promises devotion through the ups and downs of their relationship. She offers unconditional love in the face of her fear of them leaving.

As Taylor does in this song, Twos tend to offer unconditional love to the people in their lives. They see the success of their friendships and romantic relationships as a reflection of who they are, and are afraid to lose someone they love because it would be a blow to their self esteem. So, they offer others so much love that they feel less inclined to leave.

Twos know what it is like to be cast aside or mistreated, so they take special care to make those in their inner circle feel cared for. Unfailingly loyal, they are able to see people through the worst parts of their lives and love them more for it. And that’s what Reputation is all about.

Type Three: “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

Taylor Swift is a Type Three herself, and can speak to the type Three experience (and she does on “You’re On Your Own Kid”, “Anti-Hero” and “Sweet Nothing”).

This song, however, has become the Three’s anthem in a matter of weeks.

“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” is a testament to Swift’s ability to push her feelings aside for the sake of success. In this song, she sings about the pain of undergoing a public breakup while performing every night for a world tour, re-recording albums, orchestrating a tour movie premiere, and writing new music. Despite the heartbreak of having someone crucial walk away, she has tasks to get done.

Threes feel just as much as any other Enneagram type, but their drive for success allows them to set aside negative emotions for the sake of productivity. This can be extremely useful – during an exam season or busy work week, being able to separate work and your inner world can be an invaluable skill. However, the routine ignoring of your emotions in the favor of extrinsic success can be damaging. How often have you tried to treat a heavy heart with a to-do list?

Type Four: “A Place in This World”

Though it’s arguably her weakest album, Taylor Swift is a strong debut. It’s filled with all the musings of sixteen-year-old Swift, which chime with the astonishment and wonder that Fours hold towards the world.

In this song, Taylor – who is at the beginning of her musical career and has just moved to Tennessee – is looking out at the world and determining what her place in it will look like. She is on the brink of adulthood and wondering which of her childhood values she will be allowed to take with her.

Regardless of age, Fours are always doing this. Type Fours commonly describe their default mindset as “on the outside looking in” and they’re always trying to find their place in the world. They fluctuate between being excited by the future’s possibilities and despondent because they don’t know how to stick with a specific life path.

I could write about other “Four” Taylor Swift songs (anything on Folklore and every sad song on Midnights) but “A Place in This World” highlights what is so beautiful about being a Four: all the possibilities you see.

Type Five: “the lakes”

This, at first glance, is a song about Fours. Taylor’s longing for “auroras and sad prose” on a day at the lake is such a Type Four desire. However, further dissection of the lyrics betrays them as a Type Five’s musings.

“the lakes” is really about being so fascinated with the natural world that you want to step away from other human beings to admire it fully. Taylor’s interest in “Windermere peaks” and wisteria seem just as analytical as romantic. She seems so put off with the outside world and the media that she seeks nature as a refuge.

Not all Fives are introverts, but most would rather learn as much as possible about the world and the way that it works than duke out the complications of their social lives. Like Taylor, Fives usually find themselves indulging in their hobbies and safe spaces, where they can pursue their interests without interference.

Fives are also independent. More than any other type, they are comfortable with doing things by themselves, or with a small group of people. This is reflected in Taylor’s desire to have only one trusted person with her on this adventure.

Type Six: “Out Of The Woods”

One of the greatest love songs that Taylor has ever written, “Out Of The Woods” details a romance filled with unease. It’s about a perilous relationship, which Taylor has constant doubts about – because of her incompatibility with her lover and her fear of having the relationship exposed by the media.

This causes the objects of the song to love each other in private – dancing in the living room, sharing tense moments in a hospital room  – and constantly fear being found out.

Because of the doubt that surrounds their decisions, Sixes can have a similar mindset in regards to their own relationships. Their fear of being betrayed or getting abandoned can lead them to show less love than they are capable of.

However, this song is also about loyalty. Despite the relationship being what it is, Taylor sticks with her lover through difficult times. More than their doubt, Sixes are known for staying by their loved ones’ sides no matter what. Sixes treat others with loyalty, since they know what it’s like to be treated without it.

Type Seven: “Fearless”

Because the media tends to reduce Type Sevens to flighty party types, an early dance (“22,” “Shake it Off,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”) song was probably expected as the Seven song. However, Sevens have more emotional depth than they are often given credit for. In fact, “mirrorball” was almost the Seven song because of the responsibility they feel to entertain others.

“Fearless” perfectly captures the Type Seven experience because it is earnest and nostalgic at the same time. In this song, a much younger Taylor describes what it’s like to be on the edge of a new, scary thing (in her case, a relationship) and be afraid – but to pursue it wholeheartedly.

Charging into situations with their signature optimism is just what Sevens do. Their choice to be joyful and upbeat regardless of struggles they face is a sign of fearlessness. This is why the entire Fearless album feels like it was written for Sevens.

Type Eight: “Mean”

In “Mean,” Taylor speaks to the hometown bullies who belittled her dreams when she was just starting out. Instead of brooding over their mistreatment, she simply promises that her success will be her revenge. In the same way, Eights love to take revenge by becoming better. An Eight’s biggest motivation to improve is the people who kicked them when they were down.

Eights’ outward confidence is often a coping strategy from when they were weaker – the times when they were mistreated or taken advantage of were fuel to help them become the most self-assured version of themselves.

Instead of taking other people’s mistreatment as proof that there was something inherently wrong with them – as some other types would have – Eights used those obstacles to motivate themselves towards becoming better people. They were not roadblocks, simply challenges.

While true maturity is realizing that you do not have anything to prove to the people who mistreated you, using traumatic experiences as fuel to build a better life is much better than wallowing in sadness.

Type Nine: “The Archer”

A fan favorite, “The Archer” is an uncomfortable recounting of Taylor’s flaws. She admits that she sabotages her happiness and plays a role in the combustion of her relationships. However, the song is also about her steady determination to avoid acknowledging her insecurities.

Taylor’s avoidance of herself is a direct parallel to how Type Nines tend to avoid any conflict, including self-conflict. Nines are empathetic and agreeable, forever seeing the positive side. This is a problem, however, when they do not confront their difficult emotions. It stunts personal growth.

Nines also need to play the mediator role in large groups of people. They tend to put on an understanding, empathetic face so that everybody else can feel happy – and this leads to them never fully feeling true to themselves. They live in constant fear of being “found out” as different from the face they put on. This is reflected in Taylor’s repeated cry of “They see right through me.”

In this song, Taylor wonders who could know who she truly is and stay in a relationship with her. Similarly, Nines often wonder who would still want to be associated with them if they weren’t exactly who people would like them to be – “They see right through, I see right through me.”

MUNA NNAMANI

Muna Nnamani is a college student. As an English major, her favorite hobbies are making book playlists and over-identifying with fictional characters. As a pre medicine student, she is passionate about providing healthcare to low-income communities. She’s an INFP 4w3.Muna Nnamani is a college student. As an English major, her favorite hobbies are making book playlists and over-identifying with fictional characters. As a pre medicine student, she is passionate about providing healthcare to low-income communities. She’s an INFP 4w3.

Songs for each Enneagram point

One | ‘Tis the Gift to be Simple (Shaker song by Joseph Brackett)
‘Tis the gift to be simple
‘Tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
It will be in the valley of love and delight

 

Two | People Who Need People (Barbra Streisand)
People
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world,
We’re children, needing other children
And yet letting our grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside,
Acting more like children
Than children.

Three | You’re So Vain (Carly Simon)
You walked into the party
Like you were walking on a yacht
Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
Your scarf, it was apricot
You had one eye on the mirror
And watched yourself gavotte
And all the girls dreamed that they’d be your partner
They’d be your partner, and

You’re so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You’re so vain,
I’ll bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you?
Don’t you?

Four | Anything for You (Gloria Estefan)
Anything for you
Though you’re not here
Since you said we’re through
It seems like years
Time keeps dragging on and on
And forever’s been and gone
Still I can’t figure what went wrong

Five | If  You could Read My Mind (Gordon Lightfoot)
If you could read my mind love
What a tale my thoughts could tell
Just like an old time movie
About a ghost from a wishing well
In a castle dark or a fortress strong
With chains upon my feet
You know that ghost is me
And I will never be set free
As long as I’m a ghost you can see

Six | Devoted to You (Everly Brothers)
Darlin’, you can count on me
Till the sun dries up the sea
Until then I’ll always be devoted to you

I’ll be yours through endless time
I’ll adore your charms sublime
Guess by now you know that I’m devoted to you

I’ll never hurt you, I’ll never lie
I’ll never be untrue
I’ll never give you reason to cry
I’d be unhappy if you were blue

Seven | Happy Talk (Rodgers and Hammerstein from South Pacific)
Happy talk, keep talkin’ happy talk
Talk about things you’d like to do.
You gotta have a dream, if you don’t have a dream,
How you gonna have a dream come true?

Eight | If I Were King of the Forest (Arlen and Harburg from The Wizard of Oz)
If I Were King Of The Forest not queen, not duke, not prince.
My regal robes of the forest would be satin, not cotton, not chintz.

I’d command each thing, be it fish or fowl,
with a woof and a woof, and a royal growl.
As I’d click my heel all the trees would kneel
and the mountains bow and the bulls kowtow
And the sparrows would take wing, if I were king.

Nine | Watching the River Run (Loggins and Messina)
If you’ve been thinkin’ you were all that you’ve got
Then don’t feel alone anymore
‘Cause when we’re together then you’ve got a lot
‘Cause I am the river and you are the shore

And it goes on and on, watching the river run
Further and further from things that we’ve done
Leaving them one by one
And we have just begun, watching the river run
Listening and learning and yearning to run, river, run

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, the author of six best-selling Enneagram-business books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs for professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications, and is past-president of the International Enneagram Association. Visit her website: TheEnneagramInBusiness.comginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

Songs for each enneagram type

There are several songs that are emblematic of each enneagram type. They are amusing to hear, and I often use type-based music in enneagram trainings to give people a different sense of each type. Here are the ones I use most often, including some key lyrics. When played with the melody, they are even more illuminating than the words alone.One | Maybe You’re Right (Cat Stevens)
Now maybe you’re right and maybe you’re wrong
But I ain’t gonna argue with you no more
I’ve done it for too long.Two | Getting to Know You (Julie Andrews)
Getting to know you
Getting to know all about you
Getting to like you
Getting to hope you like me

Three | Nobody Does It Better (Carly Simon)
Nobody does it better
Makes me feel sad for the rest
Nobody does it half as good as you
Baby, you’re the best

Four | Yesterday (The Beatles)
Oh yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh I believe in yesterday

Five | You Don’t Know Me (Ray Charles)
You give your hand to me
And then you say hello
And I can hardly speak
My heart is beating so
And anyone can tell
You think you know me well
But you don’t know me (no you don’t know me)

Six | Maybe I’m Doing It Wrong (Randy Newman)
Maybe I’m doing it wrong
Maybe I’m doing it wrong
It just don’t move me
The way that it should
Maybe I’m doing it wrong

Seven | Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin)
Here’s a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy
Don’t worry, be happy now

Eight | Steamroller (James Taylor)
Well, I’m a steamroller, baby
I’m bound to roll all over you
Yes, I’m a steamroller, baby
I’m bound to roll all over you

Nine | Sitting by the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding)
Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun
I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch ’em roll away again, yeah
I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, the author of six best-selling Enneagram-business books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs for professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications, and is past-president of the International Enneagram Association. Visit her website: TheEnneagramInBusiness.comginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

Songs

Please enjoy these slightly lesser-known but ridiculously enjoyable songs.

1. Type One — “Burn It Down” by Daughter.

Always said I was a good kid
Always said I had a way with words
Never knew I could be speechless
Don’t know how I’ll ever break this curse

Ones, the Reformers, care about being ethical and all-around good individuals, and “Burn It Down” is an anthem for those who have always tried to be good but are now feeling slightly disillusioned. Listeners can either choose to interpret the call to burn it down as burning down this concept of being good or burning down their disillusionment. Either way, it’s an emotional track that you’ll undoubtedly put on repeat.

2. Type Two — “Rosa Dear” by Ruth.

I wanna be there for you, honey
Working my job and making money
I wanna be cool for you, baby
But I’m just a fool for you, girl
But you know you’re my world

Twos are the Helpers, desiring to be loved and needed, often attaining this by taking care of their loved ones. These caretakers intensely love, and this song perfectly captures Twos’ hearts. It acknowledges that “there’s nothing wrong with being strong,” but the singer can’t help but want to take care of the person they love.

3. Type Three — “Cassiopeia” by LAYLA.

I’m giving out light like Cassiopeia
I’m covered in white like Cassiopeia
And I’m gonna take flight like Cassiopeia
I’m gonna switch on the light like Cassiopeia

This song is all about wanting to be significant and great, much like the constellation Cassiopeia (and the vain Greek goddess the constellation was named after whoops). LAYLA sings of waiting for “what seems like an age / to feel a feeling like this…I never thought it’d be so good.” Threes, as the Achievers who desire affirmation, attention, and feeling valuable, can relate to this search for significance.

4. Type Four — “Kitchen Sink” by twenty øne piløts.

I’m a kitchen sink
You don’t know what that means
Because a kitchen sink to you
Is not a kitchen sink to me, okay, friend?

Since I’m a Four myself, this song resonates with me. Individualists care about expressing themselves and creating an identity, and this whole song is about that very topic. Tyler Joseph (whom I join with my sister in suspecting of being a fellow Four) implores listeners to embrace their individuality and personal struggles and to transform it into art. It can be worthless writing or a wordless painting, but creating will cause purpose to surface and could be the beginning of defeating your demons.

5. Type Five — “Sell My Soul” by Storm Circus.

I’d sell my soul
To discover things unknown
Set fire to all that’s cold
Watch the world unfold
But the truth is that I’m terrified
There’s nobody on the other side
There has never been a reason for this life

Fives, the Investigators, want to possess the knowledge and understand the world around them so as to better protect themselves. Their basic desire is to be capable and competent, which only happens through accumulating knowledge. However, the flip side of discovering the truth is that it’s not always pretty. While I do believe there’s Somebody on the other side and a reason for this life, this song still confronts the fear Fives may subconsciously feel as they search for knowledge.

6. Type Six — “Composed” by Mutemath.

You keep my head composed
You keep my head afloat
You give this old man hope

This song starts with acknowledging the “panicked stranger” in the mirror and the desire to “slow down the fear I bleed.” Its chorus lauds the person in their life who helps the singer feel composed, hopeful and centered. Basically, this song is the epitome of what Sixes, the Loyalists, want: to fight against their anxiety and insecurity by feeling secure and supported by their loved ones.

7. Type Seven — “Wolves” by Coasts.

We’re out of the woods
We’re running with wolves
Into the wild again
We’ll never be tamed
We’re singing it out
Running around
We’ll figure it out
Running around
With wolves

“Wolves” is an underrated song for the literal party animal (ew, puns). Sevens, the Enthusiasts, isn’t always the stereotypical party animal, but they do enjoy the worthwhile experiences in life, desiring freedom and happiness. They think they can rationalize their way out of negative circumstances and feelings, preferring to focus on the positive ones. This song could be interpreted as a night out, but it goes deeper than that. It’s about the desire to be adventurous and enjoy life as it comes—exactly what Sevens want.

8. Type Eight — “Dangerous Man” by Little Dume.

They say I’m a dangerous man
Better run as fast as you can
Don’t you look back
Every bone in my body’s bad
Fire’s burning, the skies are turning black
They say I’m a dangerous man

Eights are the Challengers, the self-reliant, powerful types who want to prove their strength, dominate their environment, and stay in control of the situation. “Dangerous Man” is the Eight’s warning to everyone else: “Don’t test me. Don’t cross me. Don’t try to control me. I’m far too dangerous to mess with.” Every one of their bones is bad, y’all; you better steer clear (or just try not to make their decisions for them).

9. Type Nine — “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” by Mike Mains & the Branches.

Hush now, baby, don’t you cry
I’mma sing you to sleep tonight
I know it’s strange and hard to grasp
The fact that we can’t understand
The meaning of this life
But if we learn to look between the lines
I think that if we open our eyes
We’re gonna see the sunrise
Everything, everything’s gonna be alright

As the Peacemakers, Nines are concerned with maintaining harmony in their environments and within themselves, achieving inner stability and their own peace of mind. This song is a peppy anthem and proclamation that everything will be fine in the Nine’s life and in the lives of their loved ones. Even if the Nine don’t understand how things will work out, their comfort with paradoxes helps them cope with the ambiguity of the situation.