As Taylor Swift’s Singapore run ends, fans from Southeast Asia find ‘inspiration’ from their ‘unpaid therapist’

Ahead of the last gig on Saturday, Agence France-Presse spoke to six diehard fans, known as “Swifties”, about their favourite Taylor Swift song and what she means to them.

Searle Lira, 33, became a Taylor Swift fan in high school with the song “Teardrops on My Guitar”.

It helped her to get over her own heartbreak from unrequited love.

“All the things that girls go through, you can find a Taylor Swift song that you can relate with.”

Lauren Fang, 23, first listened to Taylor Swift when she was in hospital receiving treatment for lupus.

Her favourite song is “Back to December” which is about regret for leaving someone.

She tweaked the lyrics for herself to say: “If I can live again, I swear I will love myself right.”

“The song taught me that if I can redo my life, I swear I will live my own life right,” Fang said.

Sarah Lui, 21, began listening to Taylor Swift in primary school – and never stopped.

The thing about Swift she most admires is her kindness.

“She’s been so good to her team, her fans and to everybody. She’s humble and kind, that’s what everybody in the world should do,” Lui said.

“She’s a superstar, but she’s never been arrogant because of her fame. She is making use of her fame to do good.”

His favourite song is “Shake It Off” because it makes him feel better.

“She is an inspiration. I learn English from her songs. I sing them,” he said.

“As a woman, she inspires me because she is a good person. Her life is so amazing.”

Mona He got her first smartphone when she was 15 and the first song she downloaded was Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me”.

Now, 24, He said attending Swift’s concert was the fulfilment of a nine-year dream.

“Although she has haters, she never, never gives up.”

Renzo Gonzales, 26, said he liked Swift’s message