Mayor Zohran Mamdani, 34, has publicly shared his admiration for the music of Taylor Swift, revealing that a dozen of her songs featured prominently in his personal playlist in 2021. Reflecting the tastes of many in his generation, Mamdani expressed well wishes for Swift and her fiancé, Travis Kelce, highlighting the song “Only the Young” as one he listens to privately.

Mamdani’s selection spans several phases of Swift’s career, illustrating a broad appreciation of her work. His playlist includes “Love Story,” the singer’s well-known track that reimagines the classic Romeo and Juliet narrative with a more optimistic conclusion. He also cited “My Tears Ricochet,” a somber reflection on lost love, featuring the poignant lyric, “I swear I loved you ’til my dying day.”

Other songs in Mamdani’s list showcase a variety of themes and musical styles. “I Forgot That You Exist” is a lighter pop tune that touches on moving past personal conflicts, while “Dress” explores themes of desire and anticipation. The playlist also contains “Cruel Summer,” a chart-topping song capturing the intensity of summer romance, and “Delicate,” which expresses vulnerability in a developing relationship.

Mamdani’s favorites extend to tracks that embody Swift’s storytelling about secret or complicated love. “I Know Places” presents the idea of hidden romance, and “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” a collaboration with Zayn Malik, delves into the emotional turmoil of love. Other songs such as “I Think He Knows,” “London Boy,” and “August” narrate various romantic experiences, from playful attraction to longing.

The mayor’s musical preferences offer a glimpse into the cultural influences of a generation shaped by Swift’s extensive catalog, marked by its blend of personal lyricism and pop sensibility.