Taylor Swift, renowned for her personal songwriting and chart-topping albums, has an impressive history not only as an artist but also as a songwriter for other musicians. Before her rise to fame, Swift made headlines as the youngest songwriter ever at Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Even though she eventually focused on her own musical journey, many of her penned tracks have not graced her albums, which is where her Taylor’s Version vault tracks come into play. This unique approach allows her to finally share songs that once remained unheard. Alternatively, Swift has handed some of her written works over to different artists, showcasing her versatility and collaborative spirit.
While Swift is known for her distinctive lyrical style, some of her contributions to other artists have remained less publicized. However, it’s not uncommon for the knowledge of her involvement to emerge. Additionally, she has often revisited and recorded these songs herself, including them as bonus tracks on her re-recorded albums. Although other artists bring their personal flair to her songs, nothing resonates quite like hearing Swift express her emotions and experiences through her own voice. Nevertheless, the interpretations by other artists also deserve recognition for their creativity.
7 This Is What You Came For By Rihanna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOkQ4T5WO9Ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOkQ4T5WO9E
In 2016, Rihanna teamed up with Calvin Harris to release the electrifying hit “This Is What You Came For.”At the time, Harris was dating Swift, which piqued the interest of fans who recognized her voice in the song. The credits revealed the mysterious songwriter Nils Sjöberg, widely speculated to be a pseudonym for Swift, who was later confirmed by Harris as the co-writer and vocalist on the track.
“Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
And everybody’s watching her
But she’s looking at you.”
This collaboration achieved remarkable success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. It marked Rihanna’s impressive 21st entry into the top five. Swift later showcased her version of the song during a solo piano performance at the Formula 1 Grand Prix concert in 2016, followed by an acoustic rendition at a pre-Super Bowl concert. The song also made an appearance during her Eras Tour.
6 You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home By Miley Cyrus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSgOZEK7yg4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSgOZEK7yg4
Fans of Hannah Montana are likely familiar with “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home,”featured in the 2009 film Hannah Montana: The Movie. The song poignantly captures the character’s journey of self-discovery amid fame. Interestingly, Swift penned this catchy tune and made a cameo in the film, performing her own song “Crazier.”
Collaborating with Martin Johnson from the band Boys Like Girls, Swift crafted this heartfelt anthem perfect for Miley Cyrus’s character. While the track reflects Swift’s signature confessional style, it also aligns seamlessly with Cyrus’s unique sound.
5 Babe By Sugarland Featuring Taylor Swift
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l25AL0BdD6whttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l25AL0BdD6w
In 2018, Sugarland released “Babe,”featuring Swift’s vocal contributions. Swift had originally written the song with Pat Monahan of Train while working on her album Red, but “Babe”was ultimately left off the final tracklist. After six years, she gifted it to Sugarland, where she provides backing vocals while Jennifer Nettles takes center stage.
The lyrics narrate a story of infidelity, with Nettles’s portrayal of a distressed housewife in the music video presenting a compelling visual narrative. Swift’s impactful vocals are highlighted in the song’s outro, matching the story perfectly. “Babe”earned a nomination for various country music awards and took home the Collaboration of the Year award at the Golden Boot Awards. Swift later included a solo version on Red (Taylor’s Version), adding more pop elements and enriched vocals.
4 Better Man By Little Big Town
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph9NQ8ASmX4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph9NQ8ASmX4
Originally intended for Swift’s album Red, “Better Man,”was later recorded by the country band Little Big Town and released in late 2016. The song quickly resonated with audiences, hitting number one on both the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. Its widespread acclaim earned it several award nominations, including a Grammy for Best Country Group Performance.
In 2018, Swift visited Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, the iconic location where she launched her career, and delighted fans with an acoustic performance of “Better Man.”The song also found a place in Swift’s own live sets during her Reputation Stadium Tour and the Eras Tour, showcasing its enduring popularity and her multifaceted approach to songwriting.
3 This Is Really Happening By Britni Hoover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiVg04bVJUIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiVg04bVJUI
Demonstrating her early songwriting prowess, Swift penned “This Is Really Happening”around 2004. Though it leaked online, the track was officially provided to country singer Britni Hoover and featured on Hoover’s 2007 album Country Strong. There are currently no known live performances of Swift singing this song, but fans eagerly await any potential future releases as part of her vault tracks.
2 Permanent Marker By Mary Sarah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRbJShNcGGIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRbJShNcGGI
“Permanent Marker”is yet another gem Swift penned during her teenage years that didn’t make it onto her debut album. Nonetheless, a demo of the song exists online, alongside live recordings where Swift performed it as early as 2007. This track was ultimately given to country singer Mary Sarah, featuring in Sarah’s 2010 debut album Crazy Good.
While the song was intended for Swift’s original album, it did not appear as a vault track in Fearless (Taylor’s Version). Interestingly, both artists’ recordings cut a bridge that appeared in Swift’s live performances, favoring an instrumental instead. Rumors suggest that “Permanent Marker”was inspired by Swift’s brother’s experiences with a break-up, yet in her performances, she has stated that it reflects a tumultuous romance involving a meddlesome ex-girlfriend.
“X is the shape
I drew through your face
In permanent marker
Just like the mark you knew
You were making
Who do you think you are
To write on his heart
In permanent marker.”
1 Bein’ With My Baby By Shea Fisher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oE2P-BFFFAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oE2P-BFFFA
Among the many songs Swift created in her youth, “Bein’ With My Baby”stands out as a charming love ballad. Swift’s demo, though rough, captures her undeniable talent and country roots. The narrative revolves around the joys of a young romance, portraying themes of togetherness and adventure.
Although Swift’s version was never officially released until much later, Australian artist Shea Fisher finally brought it to the light in 2015, offering a more polished take compared to Swift’s initial recording. Fisher’s stronger vocals lend a different dimension to the song but honor the youthful essence Swift captured in her original lyrics. Swift’s strategy of allowing Fisher to interpret the song ultimately expanded its reach and provided it with a fresh perspective.
While Taylor Swift boasts an extensive personal discography, her contributions to other artists reveal a different facet of her artistry. These tracks not only highlight her songwriting genius but also leave room for unexpected surprises in future vault tracks, capturing the fascination of her fans.