“When someone you love becomes a memory, then the memory becomes a treasure.”
Taylor Swift’s songs are a treasure trove of such memories, and she dedicates the songs to special ones who shaped her life in some form. But who can be more influential to an artist’s life if not for their fans?
Taylor has always attributed her journey to Swifties, who stood by her during the most challenging times. The “Look What You Made Me Do” era was a testament to how she resurrected from a declining reputation, as her fans hyped her possible jabs at Kanye West and Katy Perry.
When Taylor waged war against the industry giants who took away her creative credit, Swifties supported her by pumping up the sales of the re-release of ‘Taylor Version’ of all her past albums.
If Ms. Taylor stands tall in the light, her massive fan following casts an even bigger shadow.
Needless to say, she has inherent tenderness for all her fans. Hence, Taylor was heartbroken after learning about a recent tragedy in her fandom.
On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Taylor moved to her piano to pay her last respects to a fan, a 23-year-old college student, Ana Clara Benevides Machado, who passed away after she attended Swift’s previous Eras concert on Friday. Fans believe Taylor performed her song “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” for her beloved fan.
The song is open to interpretation, as Swift writes the lyrics for all who have experienced the untimely loss of a loved one. Many theories believe that the song is dedicated to mothers who suffered a miscarriage.
Taylor Swift’s ‘Bigger Than the Whole Sky’ Explained
Grieving a loss that one could have never imagined is a different experience for everyone. Taylor Swift perfectly captures the sentiment of grief that resonates with losing someone, regardless of whom and how it affects.
Considered one of the most heartbreaking songs from the album, ‘Bigger Than The Whole Sky’ is an emotion where the person cannot contain the insurmountable grief of losing a loved one.
“No words appear before me in the aftermath
Salt streams out my eyes and into my ears
Every single thing I touch becomes sick with sadness
‘Cause it’s all over now, all out to sea
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
You were bigger than the whole sky
You were more than just a short time.”
The first stanza establishes the wave of sadness that encapsulates oneself after it hits that you have lost your loved one.
Then, she further blames herself for what she should have done or what she could have said to prevent the loss.
“And I’ve got a lot to pine about. I’ve got a lot to live without
I’m never gonna meet
What could’ve been, would’ve been
What should’ve been you
What could’ve been, would’ve been you
Did some bird flap its wings over in Asia?
Did some force take you because I didn’t pray?”
Taylor’s final words for the one she lost burn your heartstrings as she forever bids adieu but promises to remember every memory.
“Every single thing to come has turned into ashes
‘Cause it’s all over; it’s not meant to be
So I’ll say words I don’t believe
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
You were bigger than the whole sky
You were more than just a short time
And I’ve got a lot to pine about
I’ve got a lot to live without
I’m never gonna meet
What could’ve been, would’ve been.”
Who Is Taylor Swift’s ‘Bigger Than the Whole Sky’ About?
The song ‘Bigger Than The Whole Sky’ is not about a particular person but rather about the collective grieving an unexpected loss.
Most theories point to the lyrics being dedicated to mothers who lost their babies in the womb. The words resonate with their grief of losing someone whom they haven’t even met yet.
One such unforeseen incident occurred on November 17, 2023, when a young college student, Ana Clara Benevides Machado (23), was rushed to the nearest first aid center after Swift’s concert at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos.
Reportedly, the young Swiftie died because of cardiorespiratory arrest.
Two days later, Swift performed a heartfelt tribute at a Rio De Janeiro concert with her song, ‘Bigger Than The Whole Sky,’ mourning the loss of her beloved fan.
What are your thoughts on Swift’s tribute? Do you think the organizers were responsible for creating adverse conditions that led to the tragedy?
What is your opinion on the song “Bigger than the whole sky?” Let us know in the comments section below.
