“folklore” and “evermore”

Though it is a bit painful to combine two of my favorite albums into one section of the show, it has to be done to meet the show’s runtime.

The “folklore” set opens with “cardigan” sung atop of the folklore house. Then, one of my all time favorites, “mirrorball” with dazzling lights. Swift would close out “folklore” with “betty” and “august.”

Next, Swift heads to her moss-laden piano for “champagne problems,” “cowboy like me” and “ivy.” These three songs help to slow down the show before the following two production heavy sets.

“Lover”

It is hard to imagine Swift opening The Eras Tour with anything other than “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince.” Though initially an unexpected opening song, the dreamy “it's been a long time,” leading up to a punching chorus welcomes audiences into Swift’s world and prepares them for the remainder of the show. Just like the real tour, I would then transition into “Cruel Summer,” a fan favorite song sure to please everyone.

After that, I would deviate from the original setlist to add in two of my favorites,“London Boy” and “False God.” This album’s set would close out with its namesake song, “Lover.”

“Fearless” and “Debut”

Swift would then revisit her country roots. Starting with title track “Fearless,” she emerges with a gold, fringe dress, emulating her high school self. Though fan favorites, I would cut “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” for two of my personal favorites “Tell Me Why” and “Mr. Perfectly Fine.”

The set would round out with “Picture To Burn” to keep the country angst going and give every audience a little taste of Swift’s first album.

“Red”

It’s hard to create a “Red” set without its title track! Swift would start out with “Red” and transition into “State of Grace” to showcase her journey blending pop and country. Then, of course, the set would end with Swift, guitar in hand, belting out all ten minutes of “All Too Well.”

“Speak Now”

Next, Swift would keep the somber, angry vibes going with “Dear John.” I would replace “Enchanted” with “Long Live,” a song I think should be sung at every show as its lyrics really connect Swift to her fans. “I Can See You” would close out the set to pick up the show’s momentum.

“Reputation”

First, Swift takes us to church belting out “Don’t Blame Me” in her iconic Reputation bodysuit. Next, the tour’s rock-esque version of “Look What You Made Me Do” complete with the backup dancers dressed as Swift’s look-alikes from every era.

For a slower song in “Rep,” I replaced “Delicate” with “Gorgeous,” just for personal preference. The set closes out with a Bonnie and Clyde themed performance of “Getaway Car.”

Taylor Swift during the “folklore” set in Philadelphia” // Abigail Olear

“1989”

“Style” never goes out of style. Swift would open with the dance track and then transition into “Bad Blood,” complete with flames. Next, “New Romantics” and the vault track “Is It Over Now?” featuring TikTok choreography.

“The Tortured Poet’s Department”

I was surprised that Swift added a “Poet’s Department” set after its release, without the album’s namesake song! She would start out with “The Tortured Poet’s Department” and transition to “But Daddy I Love Him” with a snippet of “So High School” at the end.

Then, “Guilty as Sin?,” the tour’s current staging of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” and “imgonnagetyouback.”

Surprise Songs

I picked surprise songs that are my favorites, but are extremely unlikely be included on the official setlist.
First, on the guitar, “right where you left me,” a bonus track from “evermore.” This is one of my all time favorite Taylor Swift songs and I would pay Ticketmaster $500 just to see this song live!

Then, on the piano, “Renegade,” a Big Red Machine Song that Swift is featured on. Though this isn’t one of her songs, she sings the entire song and she could bring out Aaron Dessner to sing along with her.

“Midnights”

Two songs that were rudely forgotten on the official setlist “Maroon” and “You’re On Your Own Kid” welcome the audience into the final set of the show.

Then, “Mastermind” and “Vigilante Shit” with the current choreography and staging from the tour.

The tour ends on a high note with “Bejeweled” and “Karma.”

Whether you agree with my setlist or not,  I think that we can all agree that no matter what Swift actually sings, “The Eras Tour” is a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the setlist to costumes and choreography, each piece of the show has been strategically ‘masterminded’ for an unforgettable show.