Only the Young

January 31, 2020 marked the arrival of "Only the Young" as a standalone promotional single released through Republic Records. The track served as the closing credit song for Swift's Netflix documentary Miss Americana. Co-written and co-produced with Joel Little, this synth-pop number was originally crafted during sessions for Swift's seventh studio album Lover (2019) before being set aside for the film.

The lyrics directly engage with the 2018 United States midterm elections, reflecting Swift's decision to break her long-standing political silence by endorsing Democratic candidates in Tennessee. While addressing heavy topics like school shootings and election integrity, the chorus pivots toward resilience and hope. Critics highlighted the song as Swift's most overtly political work at that time, noting how it balanced earnest civic commentary with pop accessibility.

Little's children provided backing vocals on the recording, adding a generational layer to the message about youth activism. The single won the People's Choice Award for Soundtrack Song of 2020 and received a nomination for Best Original Song – Documentary at the 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Although it generated Oscar buzz, the Academy did not shortlist the track. Empire critics Ella Kemp and Ben Travis named it one of the year's best soundtrack songs. [تعديل]