Amazon's latest series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, is all about relationships, both romantic and platonic. It explores the importance of keeping those around you close, and how uplifting the right relationships are. The soundtrack for the series features several romantic ballads that perfectly capture the essence of the young romance.
Taylor Swift lent her vocals to this series, releasing the much anticipated Taylor's Version of This Love. It's easy to see how the rest of her discography fits perfectly with certain couples, or friends, on the show.
Belly and Conrad - You Belong With Me (Taylor's Version)
Easily the biggest romance from the series, Belly has had a crush on Conrad for as long as she can remember. This summer, she tries her hardest to get Conrad to notice her. The two of them grew up together, making it difficult for Conrad to see Belly as anyone but an old childhood friend. However, upon her return to the summer house, Conrad sees Belly in a different light, which leads to their blossoming summer romance.
One of Swift's most iconic songs, "You Belong With Me" feels like it was written specifically for Belly. The song follows someone who's desperate for their crush to notice them, claiming they'd be a perfect match, much like Belly. "If you could see that I'm the one who understands you. Been here all along, so why can't you see? You belong with me," sounds like a direct thought from Belly's inner monologue.
Belly and Jeremiah - The Way I Loved You (Taylor's Version)
Jeremiah is almost like Belly's second choice. She doesn't see him as anything other than a best friend, but it's clear that Jeremiah doesn't feel the same way. He even admits this to Belly in a heartwrenching confession in the first season. Although like Conrad, he only started to see her in a different light this summer. Jeremiah finds himself stuck in a love triangle, with both him and his brother vying for the same girl.
There have been arguments from fans that Jeremiah is the right choice for Belly; he's more sure of his emotions than Conrad ever is. Belly does develop feelings for Jeremiah as the summer progresses, but it's nothing compared to the passion she feels for Conrad. Swift's song "The Way I Loved You" captures Jeremiah's place in the love triangle perfectly, saying, "He opens up my door and I get into his car. And he says, 'You look beautiful tonight.' And I feel perfectly fine." Belly can never bring herself to feel anything more than surface-level feelings for Jeremiah, much to his dismay. It's the prime example of unrequited love, a key theme in romance stories.
Laurel and Susannah - Seven
Laurel and Susannah are best friends, they consider each other blood sisters despite having no relations. They grew up together and raised their children together. They're the definition of childhood to adult best friends. As the only adults in the show, their friendship is explored in detail throughout the first series. The two are polar opposites, Laurel is a recent divorcee who's devoted to her career, whereas Susannah is optimistic and carefree.
It's clear that these two have a special bond, one that most people aren't lucky to experience. Swift pens the words for this perfectly in "Seven," saying, "Love you to the moon and to Saturn. Passed down like folk songs. The love lasts so long." Laurel and Susannah's friendship really was passed down like folk songs; their friendship influenced their children and their relationships. It's a beautiful song dedicated to friendship, and their friendship is a testament to the importance of healthy friends.
Taylor and Belly - Long Live
Much like Lauren and Susannah, Taylor and Belly have been best friends since they were in Elementary School. They're also opposites, Belly is shy whereas Taylor is outgoing and loud. Despite this, their friendship has lasted years, both of them understanding each other better than anyone else. They have their tough moments too, Taylor's hiding her crush on Belly's brother, Steven, which strains the friendship. However, like all good best friends, they eventually reconcile by the end of the season.
For their entire friendship, it feels like it's Belly and Taylor against the rest of the world. They have each others back through everything, a sentiment that's expressed in Swift's song "Love Live." "Long live the walls we crashed through. How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you." These two have spent a lifetime making memories together, and will hopefully spend a lifetime more as best friends.
Conrad and Jeremiah - The Best Day (Taylor's Version)
Brothers Conrad and Jeremiah, two of the main characters, seemingly have a good sibling relationship. They both care about their mother, Susannah, deeply. Their bond is tested when it's revealed that they both have feelings for Belly, and they find themselves stuck in a love triangle and competing for her attention and love. They go through typical growing pains expected from teenagers, but there's clearly deep respect and love for each other in spite of everything.
Swift has a few songs focused on her childhood, and none fit better than "The Best Day." There's a nostalgic innocence about the song, something that captures Conrad and Jeremiah's brotherhood well. There are a handful of lyrics that are perfect, but the best has to be "God smiles on my little brother. Inside and out he's better than I am." Despite their differences, they love each other immensely and think highly of each other. It's a refreshing portrayal of brotherhood.