Did you know that as well as writing and releasing 243(!) of her songs, Taylor Swift has also written songs for other artists?! She even wrote one and sent it to a band randomly, as she just thought they’d like it! From her country roots to her pop icon status now, there’s no end to her writing skills. Would you have guessed that Taylor wrote these 5 songs for other artists?
Little Big Town – Better Man
Sticking to her country music roots, Taylor wrote Better Man for the country band Little Big Town, for their album Breaker. Apparently, Taylor wrote the song and sent it to them, because she felt it work with their four part harmonies. The band joined Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour in 2015 and won Song of the Year award at the 2017 Country Music Awards with the track.
Miley Cyrus – You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home
This pop song was written by Taylor Swift for the 2009 film Hannah Montana: The Movie and performed by Miley Cyrus. Apparently, the song is about pop stars finding safe haven in their hometown – cute!
Calvin Harris & Rihanna – This is What You Came Here For
Taylor collaborated with DJ Calvin Harris, to write this iconic dance hit that he released with Rihanna in 2016. Despite writing it together, Taylor chose not to be featured on the track as she didn’t want to overshadow the song and she was credited using her writer pseudonym Nils Sjöberg.Taylor wrote the lyrics and if you listen closely, you can hear her vocals during the chorus. In 2023, a demo recording of Taylor singing the whole song was leaked!
Sugarland – Babe
Taylor co-wrote this song with the lead singer of the band Train, Pat Monahan back in 2018. They wrote it for the country music duo Sugarland and Taylor did the backing vocals on the track and even starred in the music video! She’s since re-recorded it for Red (Taylors Version) From the Vault and it has more of a pop feel than the original country version.
Kellie Pickler – Best Days of your Life
This song, co-written by Taylor and country music singer Kellie Pickler. Apparently they wrote it together on tour with Brad Paisley after Kellie and her boyfriend split up. Taylor compared it to her song “Picture To Burn,” calling it Kellie’s version of an empowering, heartbreak anthem.
