The number 13 holds special meaning for Taylor Swift. Throughout her career, Swift has incorporated the number 13 into her music, performances, merchandise and more as a way to connect with fans. Some key facts about Swift’s association with 13:
- Swift was born on December 13, 1989
- 13 is her lucky number
- She often incorporates 13 into dates and times related to new music releases
- Swift has the number 13 tattooed on her hand
So why is 13 such an important number to Taylor Swift? Read on to learn more about the origins of Swift’s connection to 13 and how she continues to incorporate it into her work.
The Origins of Taylor Swift’s Lucky Number
Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989. This date is a significant part of what sparked her association with the number 13. As Swift explained in a 2009 interview, “I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first #1 one song had a 13-second intro. Every time I’ve won an award I’ve been seated in either the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section or row M, which is the 13th letter.”
Ever since she was little, Swift had considered 13 to be her lucky number. So when she started achieving success in the music industry and noticed 13 cropping up in relation to significant career milestones, she took it as a sign. 13 became Swift’s go-to number and a way to connect with and excite her fans.
Examples of 13 in Taylor Swift’s Music
As Taylor Swift’s career has progressed, she has continued to incorporate the number 13 into her music and the themes surrounding each album. Here are some key examples:
Fearless Album
Swift’s second studio album Fearless was released in November 2008. The album title itself contains 13 letters. Its release date was shifted from November 11, 2008 to November 13, 2008 at the last minute – a switch Swift made in order to align with her lucky number.
Speak Now Album
Speak Now, Swift’s third studio album, was released on October 25, 2010. The album’s release date adds up to 13 (10 + 25 + 20 + 10 = 13). Speak Now was Swift’s third album and she released it at the age of 13 (though this was her age in years, not days).
Red Album
Red, Swift’s fourth studio album, was released on October 22, 2012. The album’s release date also adds up to 13 (10 + 22 + 20 + 12 = 13). There are 13 tracks on the standard edition of the album. The album’s title, Red, has 13 letters when written with its parenthetical title: Red (Taylor’s Version).
1989 Album
1989, Swift’s fifth studio album, was released on October 27, 2014. Swift made announcements about the album on August 13th and August 18th, 2014 – dates that add up to 13 and 13 backwards. There are 13 tracks on the standard edition of the album.
Reputation Album
Reputation was released on November 10, 2017. Swift made several announcements about the album on August 13th, August 23rd, August 25th, and September 2nd – all dates that connect to 13. She also hosted 13 nighttime Instagram live streams in anticipation of the release.
Lover, folklore, evermore, and Midnights
Swift continued incorporating 13 into her later albums. Lover was released on August 23rd (8 + 23 = 13) and had 13 tracks and 13 letters in its title. Both folklore and evermore had 13 letters in their titles.
Most recently, Swift announced her new Midnights album by posting a video at exactly 13 seconds past midnight on August 29, 2022.
The Presence of 13 in Taylor Swift’s Concerts & Performances
Beyond her music, Taylor Swift works visual and numerical nods to 13 into her live shows and TV performances.
During her Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018, the opening number of the setlist was performed while Swift was raised 13 feet into the air on a pillar. She performed for 13 nights at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
At the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, Swift opened the show with a performance of “ME!” During the performance, audience members held up signs with the word “ME” on them – and 13 of these signs were lit up.
During Swift’s City of Lover concert in Paris in 2019, one of the special guests was Swift’s goddaughter, Leo. Swift shared that Leo was 13 months old that day.
When Swift performed at the Prime Day Concert in 2019, she sang a set of 13 hit songs in celebration of the number.
So whether it’s through intricate staging, coordinating with audience members, or curating her setlists, Swift works in reminders of 13 at her live shows as a treat for observant fans.
13 References in Taylor Swift Music Videos
Taylor Swift has incorporated hidden references or nods to 13 in many of her music videos over the years. Here are some of the more notable examples:
- In the music video for “Mine,” Swift wears a shirt with a large 13 on the front.
- In the music video for “Begin Again,” Swift sits at table 13 at a cafe while reminiscing about a new romance.
- In the music video for “I Knew You Were Trouble,” Swift is seen with the number 13 written on her hand in multiple shots.
- In the music video for “22,” Swift wears a jersey with the number 13 on it and the audience members hold up signs that say “13.”
- In the music video for “Shake It Off,” the opening scene shows Swift underneath a sign that reads “Lucky 13.”
- In the music video for “Wildest Dreams,” the opening scene shows Swift sitting in row 13 on an airplane.
- In the music video for “End Game,” Swift dances in Club 13 in Miami and rides in car 13 in Tokyo.
So the next time you watch one of Taylor Swift’s many iconic music videos, keep your eyes peeled for little references to 13 tucked in there!
13 Tattoos
In addition to hiding 13 in her music and performances, Taylor Swift quite literally wears her love for the number on her sleeve – or rather, on her hand!
In 2013, Swift got the number 13 tattooed on her right hand. She had it inked on her hand because that’s the hand she writes with, so she can see the 13 every time she picks up a pen to write. She described it as a reminder to herself essentially saying “you’re doing what you love.”
A few years later, in 2015, Swift added another 13-related tattoo, this time on her left elbow. It features the Roman numerals for 13 – “XIII”. She got this tattoo at the same time as her friend and fellow singer Ed Sheeran, when they were both in New Zealand.
So Swift quite literally has 13 on her at all times through these two tiny tattoos. They show her eternal love for her lucky number.
Release of Taylor Swift Merchandise & Albums on the 13th
As Swift’s career has progressed, she has used 13 to excite fans in other ways as well. She now often coordinates major announcements, merchandise releases or album drops to happen on the 13th day of the month.
Here are some examples of Swift releasing special items for fans on the 13th:
- On June 13, 2022, Swift announced details of her new Midnights album and released four special album covers, all at the 13th hour.
- On September 13, 2019, Swift released the much-anticipated album Lover, three months after first announcing it.
- On April 13, 2018, Swift released a reworked version of her song “September” as a Spotify single.
- On May 13, 2015, Swift released her “Bad Blood” music video, featuring a star-studded cast.
- On August 13th, 2014, Swift held an online event for fans to preview her new album 1989.
So for Swifties, the 13th of each month carries extra excitement and suspense – will Taylor announce something special for us today? Swift intentionally uses these 13th days to create fun surprises and celebrations for the fans who support her work.
The Significance of 13 to Taylor Swift Fans
For Taylor Swift and her fans, the number 13 symbolizes more than just her birthday or a few coincidences from her meteoric career. The number has taken on a greater significance as a way for Swift to connect with and show appreciation for her supportive fanbase.
Swift embracing 13 as her lucky number gives fans a special way to feel connected to her. They know that even amidst her global success, she still remembers her roots and wants to celebrate the people who helped get her there.
Spotting references to 13 in Swift’s work also gives fans a sense of pride – they feel like they’re in on a secret special to them and Swift. It’s a fun inside joke that the singer still chooses to keep up year after year.
When Swift aligns major launches with the 13th, she builds up excitement amongst people who have an eye out for her love of the number. It rewards their dedication as fans. They get to feel like Swift is speaking directly to them with each strategically timed announcement.
So 13 gives Taylor Swift and her ardent fans a way to feel close, even when her fame could otherwise create distance. It’s a simple but shared love that strengthens the connection between Swift and the people who support her. For them, 13 will always represent pride, excitement, and most of all, appreciation.
Taylor Swift’s Thoughts on the Significance of 13
Given how prominently Swift has incorporated 13 throughout her career, she clearly views the number as extremely significant. Here are some of her comments that provide insight into why 13 holds such meaning for her:
“I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. I just have always considered 13 to be my lucky number. Everything good that’s happened to me has happened on the 13th, or my birthday, or something. I look for 13s in everything.” (60 Minutes, 2009)
This quote shows that right from the very start of her career, Swift viewed 13 as a force of good luck and positivity. She looked for it everywhere because of the string of “coincidences” tying it to good things in her life.
“So I’ll be honest, a lot of things about my career have been kind of unplanned … But there’s a few things that I’ve actually planned over the years. One of them was that I wanted to structure my career around the number 13 … I plan release dates around the number 13.” (YouTube Live Chat, 2019)
Here Swift acknowledges that even as her massive fame caused things to unfold in unexpected ways, she still took agency around incorporating her favorite number into her work, like timing releases on the 13th.
“I’ve just sort of embraced 13 as my lucky number. It’s just disappointing my friends – every time I’m walking around and I see the numbers 1 and 3 together, I get so excited.” (2013 Golden Globes Press Room)
This funny quote shows how Swift finds joy and excitement around all combinations of 13, whether in release dates, addresses, or other numbers that add up to her favorite. Her enthusiasm for it doesn’t seem to have waned.
“This is my 13th revolutionary year of my life, I’m 27. It’s my golden birthday today on the 13th.” (Vogue 73 Questions Interview, 2019)
In this quote, Swift calls out her 27th birthday as especially momentous for aligning with 13 once again. She clearly still feels a rush seeing the number pop up in big life moments.
So in Swift’s own words, it’s clear that 13 maintains deep personal significance for her. It’s a through-line in her life that’s helped motivate her and make her feel connected to forces greater than herself.
Criticisms & Controversies Around Taylor Swift’s 13 Symbolism
While many fans find Taylor Swift’s affinity for 13 charming, it has not been without its criticisms over the years. Here are some of the controversies and critiques that have emerged around Swift’s use of the number 13:
Accusations of Being Overly Superstitious
Some have accused Taylor Swift of taking her 13 symbolism too far, letting it border on the superstitious rather than being a cute personal quirk. They see her planning important career milestones around the number as irrational.
Criticisms that it’s a Marketing Ploy
Some skeptics have claimed that Swift relies on 13 symbols as just a merchandising ploy or marketing gimmick to drive profits. They believe she’s commercialized her “lucky number” solely for financial gain.
Mocking that it’s Immature
Some criticize Swift’s affinity for 13 and its inclusion in her work as being immature or childish. They see her holding onto this middle school lucky number obsession as something she should have grown out of as an adult.
Accusations of Satanic Connections
A small contingent online has sought to link Swift’s 13 symbolism to the occult, Satanic worship, or other conspiracies. However, these malicious claims have never been given credibility.
Allegations of Stealing 13 from Miley Cyrus
When Swift first began incorporating 13 into her work heavily, some fans of Miley Cyrus accused her of stealing it from the other singer. Cyrus considered 13 her lucky number and already had it tattooed.
However, both Swift and Cyrus were born in 13-related years (Cyrus in 1992) so Swift’s connection to the number always appeared sincere, if coincidentally similar.
Taylor Swift’s Usage of 13 Has Evolved Over Time
While Taylor Swift’s love of the number 13 has remained constant, how she has incorporated it into her music and career has evolved over time. Here’s a look at how use of 13 has changed:
Early Years: Secret Hidden Touches
In her first few albums, Swift subtly snuck 13 into liner notes, lyrics, and limited edition merchandise. It was an inside joke and secret for diehard sleuth fans.
Peak “13 Years Old” Era
During album cycles like Red and 1989, Swift’s 13 references became blatant and ubiquitous. She talked about it in interviews and plastered it across t-shirts and marketing.
Mature Current Era: Balanced Integration
Now Swift still acknowledges 13 but blends it in as one mature part of her artistic identity. It’s prominent but balanced and elevated as she’s grown.
Focus on Aligning Major Launches to 13th Dates
Rather than saturated iconography, Swift now concentrates 13 significance into coordinated release dates, concerts, and announcements on the 13th.
This evolution shows how Swift has learned to integrate her lucky number into her artistry in sophisticated ways that reward fans without becoming a crutch or gimmick.
Conclusion
In the end, the significance of the number 13 to Taylor Swift comes down to luck, gratitude, and a special connection to her fans. What started as a childhood quirk has evolved into a symbol intertwined with Swift’s career. She has found creative ways to incorporate her favorite number into her music, concerts, videos and more as a nod to Swifties who helped make her successful journey possible. Though some have criticized Swift’s reliance on 13 over the years, she has managed to mature her integration of the number without allowing it to define her artistry. For Swift, 13 is more than just a number – it’s a reminder of how blessed she feels to do what she loves.