Being a LOST Fan Prepared Me to Be a Swiftie (Hear Me Out On This)
Go into this post with an open mind- I’m sleep deprived and possibly going insane. It’s yet to be determined.
So, when I was writing my last post about re-watching LOST, I said something that got my mind spinning. I talked about how much fun it was to decode different parts of the show and dive into the little easter eggs of it.
Then I realized something- being a LOST fan is a whole hell of a lot like being a Swiftie.
If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of being a fan of something (or someone), you know the exhilarating, sometimes obsessive nature of fandom. I’ve found myself deeply entrenched in two wildly different, yet oddly similar worlds: the mind-bending universe of LOST and the lyrical labyrinth of Taylor Swift. So, let’s break it down—what’s it like to be a fan of LOST compared to being a Swiftie?
The Initial Hook
LOST: From the moment Oceanic Flight 815 crashed onto that island, I was hooked. The pilot episode grabbed me by the collar and didn’t let go. Polar bears in the jungle, a smoke monster, and the ever-elusive “Others”—each episode added another layer to the mystery.
TAYLOR SWIFT: While Taylor Swift’s first single was “Tim McGraw”, it was actually “Teardrops on My Guitar” that was my first introduction to her (to be transparent, it was the pop version which was playing on the MUZAK station at work). This introduced me to a young, curly-haired girl with a guitar and a knack for storytelling. I will admit that I wasn’t always a Swiftie from the beginning, but over time she won me over and her song have been a part of the soundtrack of my life.
The Community
LOST: Being part of the LOST fandom meant being part of a community of like-minded sleuths. Whether online or at fan conventions, there was a sense of camaraderie and shared obsession. The show may have ended, but the connections we made endure.
TAYLOR SWIFT: Swifties are a passionate and supportive bunch. From online fan clubs to Swift-themed parties, there’s a strong sense of community. We celebrate her successes, defend her against haters, and bond over our mutual love for her music. And let’s not forget the collective excitement of album release nights!
Emotional Roller Coaster
LOST: This show took us on an emotional journey like no other. We mourned the deaths of beloved characters (still not over Charlie), cheered for reunions (Desmond and Penny, anyone?), and gasped at plot twists. The emotional stakes were high, and we were all in.
TAYLOR SWIFT: Taylor’s music has been the soundtrack to our highs and lows. We’ve cried to “Last Kiss,” screamed along to “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and felt the catharsis of “Clean.” Her ability to articulate our feelings makes her music deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Her album “Red” became the soundtrack to one of my most painful breakups and it helped a whole damn lot (don’t judge me).
The Easter Eggs, The Theories, The Speculations
LOST: Ah, the theories. We spent countless hours debating what was in the hatch, the significance of the numbers, and whether the island was purgatory. Forums and fan sites were abuzz with speculation, making every episode feel like a puzzle piece in an ever-expanding mystery.
TAYLOR SWIFT: Swifties are no strangers to theories either. From decoding Easter eggs in her music videos to analyzing her lyrics for hidden messages about her personal life, the Taylor Swift fandom is just as intense. Remember the frenzy over the “All Too Well” short film? Or the deep dive into the meaning of the scarf? I will admit that I am notorious for coming up with theories for when we’ll finally get Reputation (Taylor’s Version). I talk about it a lot on my podcast. (LISTEN TO: Decoding Taylor Swift). And every time I’m wrong (which is a lot), it isn’t long before a new theory comes to mind.
The Endings
LOST: The series finale of LOST was divisive, to say the least. Some fans felt satisfied with the emotional resolution, while others were frustrated by the unanswered questions. Regardless, it was an ending that sparked endless debate and discussion.
TAYLOR SWIFT: Taylor’s story is far from over. Each new album is a fresh beginning, with fans eagerly anticipating where she’ll take us next. The narrative is ongoing, and we’re here for the ride, ready to decode every lyric and relish every melody.
Being a fan of LOST and Taylor Swift may seem like two vastly different experiences, but they share a common thread: passionate engagement. Whether we’re unraveling the mysteries of an island or the intricacies of a song, the joy of being part of a fandom lies in the shared journey. So here’s to the theories, the emotions, and the community.
Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
So, is it just me? Is there a crossover between LOST fans and Swifties or am I alone in the universe? Is Taylor Swift a LOST fan? OMG, now I need to know. Can someone ask her for me?
