Birmingham spots as songs on Taylor Swift’s surprise album, “Evermore”

She’s been pivoting long before 2020 made it the official word of the year. Taylor Swift, the country singer turned pop star turned indie heroine, released not one but TWO surprise albums in the past month. “Evermore” is currently on repeat and so are our thoughts as we dissect which Birmingham spots fit perfectly to the lyrics.

“Willow” — The Willow Tree at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

“Life was a willow, and it bent right to your wind

They count me out time and time again

Life was a willow, and it bent right to your wind

But I come back stronger than a ’90s trend”

Being the genius she is, Taylor tricked fans weeks ago with an internet Easter egg hinting toward the new album. Did you spot that framed willow tree behind her in her Instagram post with the caption, “not a lot going on at the moment?”

• Visit: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223

“Champagne Problems” — Roof at the Redmont Hotel

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“Champagne problems

Your mom’s ring in your pocket

My picture in your wallet

Your heart was glass, I dropped it”

So the song tells the story of a rejected proposal, which is kind of a bummer. But, in “Evermore” you’ll notice Taylor Swift doesn’t close the chapter on any of the characters.

Which means, there’s a chance for a happy ending after all. And, what’s a more romantic spot for a future engagement than the roof at the Redmont Hotel?

• Visit: 2101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

“Happiness”—Railroad Park

“In our history, across our great divide

There is a glorious sunrise

Dappled with the flickers of light”

Although “Happiness” talks of a failed relationship and the problems that accompanied it, the lyrics also mention hope for the future. It’s hard not to feel hopeful admiring a sunrise at Railroad Park, or one of these other locations in Birmingham.

• Visit: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

“Marjorie”—Mom’s basement

“And if I didn’t know better

I’d think you were listening to me now

If I didn’t know better

I’d think you were still around”

Hear me out on this one. “Marjorie” is a tribute to Taylor Swift’s late grandmother—an opera singer who helped inspire Taylor to pursue music. Who honors moms and grandmothers alike better than the walls of Mom’s basement?

• Visit: 4411 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

“Gold Rush”—Electra

“Gleaming, twinkling

Eyes like sinking ships on waters

So inviting, I almost jump in”

“Gold Rush” lays out a life filled with jealousy over loving someone that everyone else does, too. Miss Electra, the goddess of power, knows a thing or two about having all eyes on her as she watches over Birmingham from one of the tallest buildings in the city.

What’s your favorite song on “Evermore,” Birmingham? Share it with us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.