The following contains spoilers for The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 1, now streaming on Prime Video.
The Summer I Turned Pretty has an impressive soundtrack that's become intrinsic to the Prime Video series, the same way that Stranger Things has utilized a Kate Bush song to great success. In particular, Taylor Swift's discography has foreshadowed Belly Conklin and Conrad Fisher as the show's romantic endgame -- because her sweepingly romantic songs are only used during their scenes. Five of Swift's hits underscore the relationship between Belly and Conrad throughout Season 1.
Season 1 follows Belly's journey of self-discovery when she and her family spend another summer with the Fishers at Cousins Beach ahead of her 16th birthday. Belly hopes something may change between her and Conrad, but her long-time wish is complicated when Belly also develops feelings for Cam Cameron and Conrad's brother Jeremiah. Though the love square won't be officially resolved soon given that the show has been renewed for Season 2, its ending is already in focus.
Swift's "Cruel Summer" plays during Season 1, Episode 1, "Summer House" when Belly and her best friend Taylor discuss Belly's forever crush on Conrad. The lyrics foreshadow much of the first season -- and not only from Belly's perspective. Belly doubts Conrad will take notice of her, a sentiment perfectly paired with the lyric "I'm always waiting for you to be waiting below." Taylor assures Belly that Conrad will look at her differently because of how Belly has visibly changed, aligning with the lyrics "It's new, the shape of your body." Conrad Fisher has always seen Belly Conklin. From the "good muffins" to dance lessons, the season makes it abundantly clear Conrad has his own long-held romantic feelings for Belly.
The Summer I Turned Pretty's TV adaptation is mostly from Belly's point of view, like when time slows down upon seeing Conrad again. He rounds the corner to greet her as "Lover" plays, and the track intentionally doesn't start at the beginning. Instead, "And there's a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you, dear," narrates Belly's thoughts. But that sentiment can also be from Conrad's perspective because of how Belly has changed since the last time he saw her. There's an undeniable connection and history between them. The lyric "Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years" plays as they stop in their tracks at the sight of each other.
Season 1, Episode 4, "Summer Heat" has a turning point set to Swift's "False God." Belly confides in her mother that she doesn't feel fireworks with Cam. Laurel shares she once felt fireworks... but felt something like a "campfire" with Belly's father. As if on cue, Belly finds Conrad outside as Fourth of July fireworks light up around them. Conrad struggles to express himself as Swift sings "And you can't talk to me when I'm like this." Swift's music comments on Belly and Conrad always finding their way back to each other with the lyrics, "You're the West Village/You still do it for me, babe." Then in a display of symbolism, Jeremiah lights a firework that doesn't dazzle but steadily burns past Belly and Conrad.
The season finale "Summer Love" solidifies Belly and Conrad's love with its exquisite use of "The Way I Loved You (Taylor's Version)" and "This Love (Taylor's Version)." The first song is heard when Jeremiah isn't there to dance with Belly at the debutante ball, so Conrad steps up -- once again in slow motion. The verses before the chorus of "The Way I Loved You (Taylor's Version)" relate to Belly's relationship with Cam ; the verses after the chorus correlate to her and Jeremiah. The chorus is all Conrad. The lyric "And I never knew I could feel that much," is perfect because the ball is the first time Conrad lets himself publicly express his feelings for Belly.
Swift released "This Love (Taylor's Version)" in conjunction with the show's trailer, so its inclusion in The Summer I Turned Pretty was a given. Its placement, however, is a delightful surprise. It plays during Belly and Conrad's final scene and their first kiss, making a small-screen moment cinematic. The lyric "And I could go on and on, on and on" is heard underneath Conrad telling Belly he has so much to say to her. Swift singing, "You showed up just in time" underscores the beat Conrad takes before telling Belly, "I do want you." Swift's lyrics, "These hands had to let it go free/And this love came back to me" encapsulate Belly and Conrad's season-long journey. Their love will always come back because it goes on forever -- and Taylor Swift's music makes it all the more clear.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 1 is now streaming on Prime Video.