Continuing the tracklist of my version of Taylor Swift’s latest album…
Taylor Swift’s Asylum
Track #12: ‘Robin’
Even at a heavily abridged 12 songs, Asylum has been a tumultuous journey through the whirlwind of Taylor Swift’s romantic and professional life. I thought it was fitting to end this maelstrom with a lullaby.
‘Robin’ is aimed at a child who is innocently unaware of the “cruel and the mean” world awaiting him, and while it was written for Aaron Dessner’s son, I can’t help but feel it is also aimed at a younger version of Taylor herself.
This is a beautiful song, and a graceful, hopeful way to end an album that’s all about the turmoil of living life as Taylor Swift.
Below is my full Asylum tracklist. I’d love to see yours in the comments.
1- The Bolter
2- The Black Dog
3- Cassandra
4- thanK you aIMee
5- loml
6- Florida!!!
7- But Daddy I Love Him
8- So High School
9- Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
10- Clara Bow
11- I Can Do It with a Broken Heart
12 – Robin
Long may you reign
You’re an animal, you are bloodthirsty
Out window panes talking utter nonsense
You have no idea
[Pre-Chorus]
Strings tied to levers
Slowed-down clocks tethered
All this showmanship
To keep it for you in sweetness
[Chorus]
Way to go, tiger
Higher and higher
Wilder and lighter
For you
[Verse 2]
Long may you roar
At your dinosaurs
You’re a just ruler
Covered in mud, you look ridiculous
And you have no idea
[Pre-Chorus]
Buried down deep
And out of your reach
The secret we all vowed
To keep it from you in sweetness
[Chorus]
Way to go, tiger
Higher and higher
Wilder and lighter
For you
[Bridge]
You got the dragonflies above your bed
You have a favorite spot on the swing set
You have no room in your dreams for regrets
(You have no idea)
The time will arrive for the cruel and the mean
You’ll learn to bounce back just like your trampoline
But now we’ll curtail your curiosity
In sweetness
[Chorus]
Way to go, tiger (Way to go, tiger)
Higher and higher (Higher and higher)
Wilder and lighter
For you
Meet Me In Montauk 
Wow! Plot twist, I totally thought you would pick “The Prophecy” to go out with. That’s one of my favorites from both albums (but admittedly it did grow on me quite a bit from the first listen).
I have to admit that, while the lyrics and sentiment of “Robin” are lovely, it falls much lower on my own ranking of album tracks. I do like the idea of wrapping up the album with Taylor sending a message to her younger self about how to enjoy life and brace for the tough road ahead rather than her praying to whatever force can allow the road ahead of her to change.
Either way, big applause for TTPD and for Clay’s Version tracklist (which should be a viral playlist on apple music).
Thank you for doing this abridged version of the new album(s). I am not nearly familiar enough to quibble with your picks or come up with my own abridged track list, but I’m sure others will play the game.🤪
This was an interesting collection of songs from a talented artist. Somehow I don’t think of her having faced a “cruel and mean world” 🤷🏻♀️
Certainly there are many who face a cruel and mean world in a drastically different way than Taylor has; but I would argue she’s one of our public figures who has been scrutinized and torn down at the highest degree. Judged from every angle and remarkably well adjusted for someone who never really had the opportunity to live life without being perceived (and in her case, usually ridiculed). It’s a testament to her that the narrative surrounding her has morphed to more celebration and recognition of her talents – I hope it stays in that direction 🤞🏼
so do I Maddie ❤️
I’m not yet familiar enough with both albums to make my list, but it’s telling that I’m not quibbling with any of your choices while having already identified other songs I very much enjoy.
As Maddie suggested, I’m imagining this album will continue to grow on me with additional listens. I respect that Taylor has opted to write and record when inspiration strikes and worry less about conventional wisdom. Clearly it’s worked for her this far.