In a moment that resonated far beyond the glittering lights of New York, Taylor Swift was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame last night. Her acceptance speech, a tearful 21-minute address, was a masterclass in vulnerability and craft. For those of us who follow the real economy of music, the weight of this honour is immense.
Swift, a master of narrative, reminded us that songwriting is not just an art but a labour. Her words echoed the struggles of workers everywhere: the late nights, the rejection, the relentless pursuit of something true. It was a British triumph for songcraft, a recognition that the best stories are born from grit and grace.
As she spoke of her early days in Nashville, I thought of the factory workers in Manchester, the dockers in Liverpool. We all know the value of a hard day's work. Swift's induction is a testament to the power of perseverance.
The industry may change, but the song remains. And for that, we should all raise a glass.
