Taylor's usually very clear about the subject matter of the song. However, I am always confused about the 22 song. Is it a friendship song or a hookup song? The secret message leads us to believe it is a friendship song but most of the lyrics leads me to believe it is a hookup song. I don't know maybe it is just me.
Also, many in this base treat 22 like trash, but it is definitely an iconic song. Nobody cared about being 22 until she released the song. Now, anybody and everybody quote 22 lyrics when they turn 22. This is her revenge song for her 21st birthday being spoiled by Jake. She always gets the last word
She made 21st birthday irrelevant and 22 the most relevant birthday. Impact
Could it have been done better? - definitely yes but that doesn't mean it is not good.