Sparks Fly

Album: Speak Now (2010)
Charted: 17
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the oldest song on Speak Now - Taylor first performed the song live back in 2008. The chorus remains the same since its original outing, but some of the verses have been changed.

    During an online chat with Ustream, Taylor explained why she included the song on Speak Now: "I played that song at one or two shows, and you guys really jumped on it and made it something I had to put on the album, because you guys really showed interest in it."
  • Taylor sings in this song of an attraction to a guy who is "a bad idea." She explained the lyrics on her website: "'Sparks Fly' is about falling for someone who you maybe shouldn't fall for, but you can't stop yourself because there's such a connection and chemistry. This is a song I wrote a few years ago and I have been working on it ever since. It's been awesome to see it change over the years. The fans have heard it before in concert, but there have been some really cool changes that I am very proud of."
  • So who is the guy that Taylor is so attracted to? One much-supported theory is that the song is about a celebrity crush for Jake Owen, whom the singer opened up for in Portland when she was just 16. Interestingly, the phrase "PORTLAND OREGON" is spelled out in code on Speak Now's liner notes for this tune.
  • As part of her project to re-record her old albums, Taylor Swift released Speak Now (Taylor's Version) on July 7, 2023. It includes re-recorded versions of all 16 songs from the deluxe edition of Speak Now, including "Sparks Fly (Taylor's Version)." Chatter surrounding this track resurfaced with the release of the record.

    Jake Owen isn't bothered about the rumors that he's the subject of the song. "It's a great song and the speculation has always been funny to me," he told People following the release of "Sparks Fly (Taylor's Version)." "I'm sure Taylor probably laughs at it all too, but I'm happy to even have my name in the discussion around it."

    The country star added that he has known Swift since she was 16 and he has always been a fan of her work. "She's an amazing girl and an amazing artist," Owen said. "It's been incredible to see how she's grown as a musician and what a global phenomenon she's become."

Comments: 2

  • Jamison from Newport Beach, Calove this song
  • Fabio from New Orleans, LaI had just gotten the CD like a week before, and I was listening to it in my car. I pulled into the parking lot and sat for a few moments. The chorus came on, and I realized that it was pouring, with the sidewalk in front of me. Indeed, I've fallen for a superstar, but I can't help it. I know she knows how I feel. I don't know if there's an actual connection or chemistry, but it's worth a shot. I've learned to believe in fairytales again.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds

Jim McCarty of The YardbirdsSongwriter Interviews

The Yardbirds drummer explains how they created their sound and talks about working with their famous guitarists.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

American Hits With Foreign Titles

American Hits With Foreign TitlesSong Writing

What are the biggest US hits with French, Spanish (not "Rico Suave"), Italian, Scottish, Greek, and Japanese titles?

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.