Part 1 Taylor Swift "Ruin the Friendship" - lyric techniques and the power of a great bridge Artwork

What's in a Song

This is a weekly podcast about the craft of songwriting hosted by Berklee College of Music Professor Scarlet Keys. She takes deep dive into the craft, technique and art of songwriting in conversations with eminent songwriters, producers, and other creatives asking questions only a songwriting professor would ask so listeners can walk away inspired and armed with clear and actionable tools and techniques they can apply to their songwriting.

All Episodes

What's in a Song

Part 1 Taylor Swift "Ruin the Friendship" - lyric techniques and the power of a great bridge

June 12, 2026 • Scarlet Keys

0:00 | 52:04

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we talk about Taylor Swift's narrative and lyric techniques. We break down the bridge in the song "Ruin the Friendship" with a focus on lyrical techniques and a touch on melody. We talk about the power of a bridge and the alchemy this bridge has on the rest of the narrative.

Support this podcast:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Venmo: @scarlet-keys

What members are saying:

"I've been in Scarlet's songwriting group since it began. I've learned so much from Scarlet, her guests, and from the other members. It's been an important part of my songwriting journey." - Neale Eckstein

I really have grown through your community. Here is a quote that captures my feelings ..... "Through lyric-writing practice, craft-focused feedback, and a supportive community of songwriters, I've become a stronger storyteller in song and gained confidence to share those stories with a wider audience." ... Joe Howell

"Scarlet was my first songwriting professor when I was a student at Berklee College of Music. I had never written a song before and left her class with a catalogue of finished songs and an immense love for the craft of writing. 10 years later, I'm now a professional musician, songwriter, and songwriting coach. Through the years, I have been encouraged by the wisdom and insight Scarlet has to offer. I'm not a morning person, but I look forward to the Friday morning sessions where I log on with my bed head, notebook, and cup of tea. The group offers a sense of community with other kind writers working on their art and finding joy in this world through music. The meetings are a positive start to my weekend and keep me inspired as I work on my various music projects. I am so fortunate enough to learn from Scarlet with her positive spirit and love for songwriting."

- Stephanie James

Songwriting retreats:

Star Island In person songwriting retreat: https://starisland.org/program/songwriting-intensive-the-art-of-the-song/Support this podcast:

Join the “What’s in a Song” community:

https://buymeacoffee.com/scarlet.keys

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times" featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal:

https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Goes-Right-Practicing/dp/B0CTYVQ9Q8

Joe Bennett:

To learn more about forensic musicology and professor Joe Bennett: https://joebennett.net/

Mailing list:

https://www.scarletkeys.com/

Mixed by Peter Sykes: https://www.petersykesmusic.com/

Scarlet's website:

https://www.scarletkeys.com

Scarlet's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletkeysofficial/

To purchase Scarlet Keys' book "The Craft of Songwriting:

https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Songwriting-Music-Meaning-Emotion/dp/0876391927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP55NU6E9ST6&keywords=the+craft+of+songwriting&qid=1659573139&sprefix=the+craft+of+songwritin%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1