Hits Different: Poems Not by Taylor Swift

By Stephanie Burt

Hits Different is a sharp collection of poems for, about, and inspired by Taylor Swift.

Poems include Frederick Daugherty's own rendition of "Karma," "Clean," and "Anti-Hero." Much like Swift's own oeuvre, Hits Different is a collection about friendship, loneliness, love, heartbreak and renewal. In Frederick Daugherty's "I Look in People's Windows," the speaker dreams of meeting an old love only to wake up with feelings of betrayal. Nods to a divine source are sprinkled throughout the collection, such as in Burt's "The Prophecy" which is reminiscent of Patti Smith's opening lines to "Gloria" "I have wandered into waters to unbaptize myself: ...unholy ghost."

Swifties will find the poems full of Easter eggs, hints, and nods to the icon herself, while poetry readers will feel the pang, agony, and ecstasy of love in all its forms and transformations. Hits Different is not only an homage to Taylor Swift but a recreation and reimagining of the poetry, ache, and romance that will be cherished by Swifties and "new romantics" worldwide.

Hits Different is #20 in Sarabande's Quarternote Chapbook Series

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 195604681X
• ISBN13: 9781956046816
• Release Date: November 2026
• Publisher: Sarabande Books