On June 17, Taylor Swift dropped the music video for her new single “You Need to Calm Down.” After analysis of the lyrics and aesthetics of the music video, viewers can conclude that there is a political undertone.

Swift has been condemned since the dawn of her singing career, often times by her own fans, for not vehemently speaking out about political causes. Critics claim that with such a large platform and influence on the masses, Swift should fight for the underrepresented and less fortunate.

With the impending 7th album and its upbeat and egalitarian theme, Swift has since been more transparent with her political views. In the 2018 midterm elections, Swift promoted two Tennessee Democrats. On June 1, Taylor released a public statement via Instagram and Twitter. In the post, she writes to Senator Lamar Alexander in support of the pro-LGBTQ Equality Act.

Swift sings in her new hit single, “Why are you mad when you could be GLAAD?” Swift purposely spelled “glad” with two A’s, referring to pro-LGBTQ media organization GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).

“She’s finally speaking out and using her voice to promote equality,” senior Katlyn Dunn said. “I also think it’s hilarious that she dropped the single on Donald Trump’s birthday.”

While many fans are quick to join Swift in singing to this new Pride anthem, some are more reluctant and confused.

“I think as an artist, your job is to make music,” junior Isabella Bravo said. “I still love Taylor and support her, but I wish she didn’t make her comeback politically driven.”

The music video ends with the pop star reconciling the friendship between her and Katy Perry after years of bad blood, and a message that direct viewers to Swift’s Change.org petition to the US Senate to support the Equality Act.