Stranger Things is a show that, at its core, is about the bonds people have with each other, whether those be romantic or platonic. It's had a lot of iconic duos that viewers have fallen in love with and can't wait to see again. Taylor Swift, now a newly awarded honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, has a catalog full of songs that match the many relationships seen in the show.
With the first half of the fourth season out now, it's the perfect time to reminisce about the characters and the bonds they share with each other. What better way to do that than to add a Swift song to soundtrack the different kinds of love seen in the show?
Bob and Joyce - Breathe (Taylor's Version) ft. Colbie Caillat
While Bob and Joyce's pairing was an unexpected one in season t2, it was extremely obvious how much they cared for each other. Unfortunately, the relationship was short-lived because, in an attempt to save the rest, Bob ends up sacrificing himself. Some may argue that Bob and Joyce were never meant to be the endgame, however, while they were together, they were really good for each other.
"Breathe (Taylor's Version)" perfectly encapsulates what Joyce is going through after Bob's demise and how hard it is for her to get over him. The lines "And I can’t breathe without you/But I have to" perfectly sums up what she's feeling as season 3 commences.
Steve and Dustin - Shake It Off
Steve and Dustin's friendship came out of the blue and made viewers fall in love with their dynamic. While there is no song that accurately describes these two fan-favorite Stranger Things characters and their friendship, there are a few that'll probably be playing in the background as they go about their antics.
Yes, this is an extremely unconventional song for them, however, Shake It Off perfectly fits how sassy - and stupid, but in a fun way - their interactions are. Most fans of the show would probably agree and lines like, "I stay out too late/I got nothing in my brain," perfectly sum up their late-night Demogorgon hunting activities and the conversations they have.
Hopper and Joyce - The Joker & The Queen ft. Ed Sheeran
It's fair to say that while Joyce and Hopper have been there for each other from the beginning, they are yet to transcend the bounds of friendship. Hopper's "death" further confirmed exactly how much he means to Joyce and, thankfully, they still have a chance to rectify their romantic hesitancies.
Taylor's most recent collaboration with Ed Sheeran is a perfect representation of what the two feel for each other and will be a perfect soundtrack for them once they finally get together. "The road that was broken/brought us together," is a perfect line to sum up their relationship - even as friends. As mentioned in the song, Joyce and Hopper constantly choose to see and bring out the best in each other.
Steve and Robin - New Romantics
Steve and Robin's friendship in Stranger Things season 3 was one of the most unique and interesting ones of the show. The friendship also went beyond the norm, becoming a lot more significant when, instead of putting them together with each other, the writers brought in a different aspect to the show - one that had yet to be outright explored.
"New Romantics" is honestly the perfect song for them and seems like it was made for them. With lines like "Baby, I could build a castle/out of all the bricks they threw at me," and "Heartbreak is the national anthem," this song is quite literally the soundtrack to their friendship.
Nancy and Jonathan - Lover
Nancy and Jonathan are one of the most supportive and stable couples on the show. They both have similar likes and dislikes and are starting out as adults together. Despite being considerably young, their relationship is a lot more mature and, as such, deserves a song that is equally mature.
"Lover," the title track from Swift’s seventh album, is perfect to signify their relationship. Not only do the two dearly love each other, but they're also - almost always - seen together, giving the line "can I go/where you go?" that much more significance.
Steve and Nancy - Betty
Steve wasn't always the endearing Stranger Things character he is now. This is never seen more clearly than at the beginning of season 1 when Nancy starts dating him. It’s extremely obvious that the two belong to very different worlds, have different priorities, and are very different kinds of people, however, Steve genuinely falls in love with her only to have his heart broken.
By the time Steve realizes that he’s in the wrong and tries to rectify his ways, it’s too late. "betty," from Taylor Swift's first pandemic album folklore, perfectly sums up the pain he feels for not getting Nancy with lines like "One time I was riding on my skateboard/When I passed your house/It's like I couldn’t breathe." It also captures his regret very well with, "the worst thing that I ever did what I did to you."
Max and Eleven - I'm Only Me When I'm With You
Max and El had a tumultuous start, with the latter thinking that Max and Mike were getting too close. Thankfully, instead of pitting the two against each other, the showrunners show them becoming fast friends. Their friendship also stands out as it is currently the only female friendship on the show.
"I'm Only Me When I'm With You" is a song from Taylor Swift's debut album and fits perfectly with the way Max and El spend time together. While they do typical fun stuff - like going window-shopping or talking about boys - they also have each other to lean on and ask for advice whenever they need it.
Max and Lucas - Cruel Summer
Max's introduction in season 2 immediately had Dustin and Lucas vying for her attention, and as the season progressed it became obvious that the latter was closer to her. By the end, the two were dancing together while Dustin was learning how to properly use the Farrah Fawcett Hairspray. Their relationship is one of the most tumultuous ones, as they constantly bicker, break up, and then get back together.
The song that most accurately represents the way they make each other and the viewers feel is "Cruel Summer" from Swift's seventh album. While the song has more mature undertones than their current relationship stage, it's perfect for their future - if they make it long enough. Lines like "Out the window/I'm always waiting for you to be waiting below," is also a callback to Max having to slip out of her room so that Billy didn't realize she was gone.
Hopper and Eleven - Never Grow Up
Hopper and Eleven probably have the softest relationship in the show. Given both of their pasts, they fill a hole in each other’s life that was earlier vacant. Like any father-daughter relationship, there are moments when they fight and moments where they have a lot of fun, but their love for each other will always remain strong.
"Never Grow Up," a song that Swift once dedicated to her godson, is a perfect love letter from Hopper to Eleven. Fans can’t wait for this father-daughter duo to be reunited in season 4. The line, "Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home/Remember the footsteps, remember the words said" especially hits a nerve to anyone listening to the song after the way season 3 ended.
Mike and Eleven - Love Story (Taylor's Version)
For a relationship that started when they were young teenagers, Mike and Eleven have become the symbol of love on Stranger Things. It feels right that a song written by Taylor Swift in her teenage years is one that most aptly portrays the relationship.
"Love Story (Taylor's Version)" is, without a doubt, the soundtrack to their relationship. Its lines like "My daddy said stay away from Juliet," that further add to nuances of why this song is perfect for them. "You'll never have to be alone/I love you and that's all I really know" perfectly sums up Mike's feelings towards El - hopefully viewers get to see their reunion soon in the fourth season.