Taylor Swift’s ‘Marjorie’ & Finding Grief After Loss | The Guardian

The quiet ache of loss often resurfaces in the most unexpected places. For many, the pandemic years weren’t just about navigating a public health crisis; they were about confronting a stillness that amplified existing grief. It’s a sentiment echoed in a recent piece about how Taylor Swift’s Evermore album became a surprising source of solace for one writer grappling with the death of her sister. Here in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant music scene and, unfortunately, its share of loss, that resonance feels particularly strong. The story isn’t just about a pop star’s songwriting; it’s about the universal human need to find meaning and connection in the face of profound sadness, and how art can unexpectedly provide a pathway to healing.

The Unexpected Soundtrack to Grief

The author’s experience – finding a lifeline in the ethereal soundscapes of “Marjorie,” a song dedicated to Swift’s grandmother – highlights the power of music to unlock buried emotions. The initial release of Folklore and Evermore coincided with a period of widespread isolation and uncertainty. For many Chicagoans, like those who found themselves suddenly unemployed or confined to their apartments during the height of the pandemic, the albums offered a soundtrack to a shared experience of grief and longing. The author’s walks around Tooting Common, a slight pocket of green in South London, mirror the countless walks taken along the Chicago Riverwalk, through Lincoln Park, or around the 606 trail – spaces where people sought solace and a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Beyond the Lyrics: The Power of Sonic Resonance

What’s particularly striking about the author’s account isn’t just the lyrical content of “Marjorie,” but the *sound* of the song itself. The shimmering synths, the haunting vocal samples, and the gradual build to a more upbeat tempo created a space for the author to reconnect with her sister’s memory. This speaks to a broader phenomenon: the way music can bypass our cognitive defenses and tap directly into our emotional core. The University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine has conducted extensive research on the neurological effects of music, demonstrating its ability to activate brain regions associated with memory, emotion, and reward. This research suggests that music isn’t just something we listen to; it’s something we *sense* on a deeply visceral level.

The Eras Tour and Collective Healing

The author’s experience at the Eras Tour in 2024 further illustrates this point. Standing among 90,000 other fans, witnessing the collective outpouring of emotion during “Marjorie,” created a sense of communal catharsis. This echoes the experiences of many who attended the Chicago stops of the Eras Tour at Soldier Field. The shared act of singing along, of illuminating the stadium with phone lights, transformed the concert into a ritual of remembrance and connection. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, for example, actively partnered with concert organizers to provide resources and support to individuals experiencing homelessness, recognizing the tour as an opportunity to reach vulnerable populations and offer a moment of joy and solidarity.

Navigating Grief in the City: A Local Resource Guide

Given my background in grief counseling and trauma-informed care, and recognizing the impact of these experiences on Chicago residents, I want to offer some guidance for those who may be navigating similar challenges. The author’s story underscores the importance of finding healthy ways to process grief, and sometimes, that requires professional support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by loss, or if you’re struggling to cope with hard emotions, here are three types of local professionals who can help:

1. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) Specializing in Grief

Look for LCSWs with specific training in grief and loss counseling. They should be experienced in helping individuals navigate the stages of grief, process traumatic experiences, and develop coping mechanisms. Crucially, they should demonstrate a compassionate and non-judgmental approach. The Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-IL) is a great resource for finding qualified LCSWs in the Chicago area. Verify their licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

2. Art and Music Therapists

As the author’s experience demonstrates, creative expression can be a powerful tool for healing. Art and music therapists use these modalities to help individuals explore their emotions, process trauma, and develop a sense of self-expression. Look for board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) or registered art therapists (ATR) with experience working with grief and loss. The American Music Therapy Association and the American Art Therapy Association offer directories of qualified therapists.

3. Support Groups Facilitated by Certified Grief Counselors

Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can be incredibly validating and empowering. Look for support groups facilitated by certified grief counselors or therapists. These groups provide a safe and supportive space to share your experiences, learn from others, and develop coping strategies. The Center for Grief and Loss in Chicago offers a variety of support groups for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Ensure the facilitator is properly credentialed and experienced in group facilitation.

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