I’m feeling 22 and fucking tired

This week I celebrated my 22nd birthday, and to the surprise of many, I did not make an Instagram post quoting Taylor Swift’s infamous song. Despite being a classic white girl that loves Taylor Swift (don’t @ me), this song just doesn’t resonate with me. The upbeat pop classic is definitely not representative of my experience thus far, nor my early twenties in general. But because Miss Swift has written a song about an age that has been otherwise neglected in music, she gets all the glory. 

I feel that 22 is a very specific time in people’s lives. Many like me are still students, trying to crawl to the finish line of their degree. 22 however was written by a someone that had been a popstar since age 16, so we probably have some different experiences. I get that she’s had nights where she has forgotten heartbreaks, but has she ever had a night hopped up in 3 cans of Red Bull trying to crank out an assignment that is barely comprehensible, but 3000 words? I think not. For me, “feeling 22” is feeling the slow crushing of tens of thousands of dollars of student debt before my life gets started. But that’s just me. Perhaps it’s time to get some more student focused ‘22’ songs out there?

Therefore, consider this editorial an official request to the music community to write more songs about being 22 so future generations do not have to suffer every time a basic bitch surpasses 21. But I understand music is hard. You are constantly creating, hoping to get the next number-one tune, and that’s ok. So to solve this, I have graciously provided a list of suggestions of songs that have yet to be written and performed, that I would like to see. I’m no music expert, but I am a Taylor Swift fan, so I think I am qualified to discern what good music is.

Billy Ray Cyrus – “Achy Breaky Back”: A nice sequel to his 1992 hit. Would be relevant to me and many others. Could also spark a revival of hoedown music which I would not be mad at.

Post Malone – “Poor and Sad”: I don’t know much about this “rich and sad” business but I sure know about being poor and sad. Post Malone needs to live for a week on mi goreng and then come back to me with his rich people problems. Smh.

Beyonce – “Irreplaceable (No Insurance)”: Queen B. She is irreplaceable, as is my Macbook. Please don’t rob me as I can’t afford to replace it.

Drake – “Degree Plan”: There is a plan, you just have to stick to it. The plan, however, is not obligated to stay the same at any given point, and reserves the right to fuck you over from following the plan up until now. Not looking at anyone in particular (UOA Arts Faculty).