"Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single) (by Taylor Swift, Country)

common sense media says

Innocent love song for tweens from a PG-13 movie soundtrack.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there aren't any surprises in this Taylor Swift single. Just like most of Swift's other hits, it's a song about young love and the joys of youthful crushes, sprinkled with bits of her trademark self-awareness. Although the song is about love, there's no need to worry about sexy stuff here as it's all perfectly innocent. However, parents should make a note that although this single is safe for nearly all ages, the movie it's inspired by, Valentine's Day, is rated PG-13.

Positive messages: Basic love song doesn't really have any profound messages. The romantic theme is simple and a bit self-effacing. "You told me I was pretty when I looked like a mess, today was a fairytale."

Positive role models: Taylor Swift has handled herself well in the public eye thus far.

Sex: There is only one line that has any reference to romantic interaction: "But can you feel this magic in the air? It must have been the way you kissed me." This line is repeated several times throughout the song.

Consumerism: Since the single is off of the soundtrack to Valentine's Day, the song can be heard promoting the movie and Swift's acting role in the flick, as well.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about Taylor Swift as a role model. Do you think she is someone young girls in particular should aspire to emulate? How does her image differ from other female pop stars?
How do you think music is used to promote a movie? Are you paying more attention to the film Valentine's Day since hearing this single? Do you think the movie's promoters knew that a Taylor Swift single would attract major attention for the film? What other ways do movies try to attract attention from young people?
Talk about setting realistic goals. Looking at Taylor Swift's record-breaking career, do you feel insecure about your own accomplishments in comparison, or does her success inspire you to dream big as well? What things do you think Swift has to sacrifice now that she is a mega-music star? Would you like to trade places with her for a day or a year?

What's the story?

"TODAY WAS A FAIRYTALE" might sum up the single's debut for Taylor Swift. On its first day of sales on iTunes the single sold close to 100,000 digital downloads. That brings Swift's digital sales to over 25 million, a staggering number. Besides its stellar sales performance, the single is also making awards news. It's being reported that Swift will perform the song at this year's Grammy Awards. This is sure to be only the beginning of the headlines for Swift, with this single coming off the soundtrack for the film, Valentine's Day, which also marks the singer's acting debut.

Is it any good?

Taylor Swift's genuine appeal shines on this single as she doles out sweet-sounding lyrics with her subtle country guitar in the background. Her songwriting skills come through with bits of everyday life intermixed with the traditional love themes. "Today was a fairytale, I wore a dress, you wore a dark grey t-shirt, you told me I was pretty when I looked like a mess, today was a fairytale." It's no surprise why her songs are instantly accessible to teen audiences. You can almost hear the clang of lockers and the smell of chem lab while listening to these idealistic lyrics of first loves.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: January 19, 2010
Label: Big Machine Records
Genre: Country

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

connielove93
educator and parent of 5 and 10 year old

Perfect, clean songs for everyone to enjoy!

My four year old loves Taylor Swift and I let her listen to it because she's mature. So know your younger kids if they want to listen to it. She has a little sexual references but none that would offend or be rude. I also like Taylor Swift because she handles herself well in the public eye.

What other families should know

Music Details

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"Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single) (by Taylor Swift, Country)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Perfect, clean songs for everyone to enjoy!

Perfect for all ages

Hate it

an all around good song (if not slightly cliché)

Annoying song

Perfect for ALL ages

great song

Damsels

Today Was A Fairytale ad nauseam ,

Perfect for all ages

A romantic and brilliant master piece from Taylor Swift

love taylor swift

Nice song

good song

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