Every night of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, packed with surprises and a sense of spontaneity that only she can create. With reimagined setlists, unexpected mashups, and fresh outfit changes, Swift has transformed each performance into a truly unique celebration of her music.
It’s this ever-changing energy that makes each show special, blending surprise songs and dazzling performances that keep fans coming back for more. Here are 10 unforgettable surprise songs from the Eras Tour that fans can’t stop talking about.
1. Tim McGraw / Timeless – October 18, Miami Gardens
Taylor opened this set with “Tim McGraw,” the very first song she released back in 2006. This choice brought fans back to her country roots, letting them relive the early days of Taylor’s journey. Layering this classic with “Timeless,” a track from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), brought a mixed feeling of nostalgia and growth. It was a powerful way for Taylor to reflect on how far she’s come while reminding fans that some things, her love for storytelling and her dedication to her craft, remain timeless.
2. Should’ve Said No / I Did Something Bad – October 19, Miami Gardens
This pairing offered a powerful back-to-back punch. “Should’ve Said No” brought fierce energy from Taylor’s early days. Its theme of betrayal and resilience strikes a chord with long-time fans. She followed up with “I Did Something Bad,” a fiery track from Reputation that oozes defiance and confidence. The combination was a walk through her evolution from heartbroken teen to empowered artist. With both songs reflecting a no-nonsense attitude, they easily resonated with the crowd’s energy.
3. Out of the Woods / All You Had to Do Was Stay – October 20, Miami Gardens
This set featured two beloved tracks from 1989, giving fans a taste of Taylor’s synth-pop era. “Out of the Woods” opened with its intense, almost haunting, lyrics about surviving turbulent relationships. Paired with “All You Had to Do Was Stay,” a catchy yet heart-wrenching track about regret and missed chances. Taylor created a nostalgic yet cathartic atmosphere. The pairing captured the bittersweet undertones of 1989, reminding fans of the exhilarating and sometimes painful ride of young love.
4. Our Song / Call It What You Want – October 25, New Orleans
Taylor Swift chose to mix “Our Song,” a cheerful, playful hit from her debut album, with the introspective “Call It What You Want” from Reputation. “Our Song” took fans back to her early years with its catchy chorus and youthful charm, reminding them of the innocence of first love. She then transitioned into “Call It What You Want,” a love song that reflects her matured outlook, echoing resilience and personal growth. This combination bridged Taylor’s past and present, making it a heartwarming treat for fans who have grown alongside her.
5. Afterglow / Dress – October 27, New Orleans
Taylor took things down a notch with this intimate pairing, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. “Afterglow,” really left an afterglow with its raw lyrics about making amends, melted into “Dress,” a sensual, confessional track. The crowd was captivated by this vulnerable moment, as Taylor invited them into a space that felt both exciting and intensely personal, turning the massive stadium into an exciting therapeutic setting.
6. Holy Ground – February 6, Tokyo
Fans were elated when Taylor performed “Holy Ground”. This track always comes with feelings of joy and nostalgia.Again in Tokyo, it brought an infectious energy that had everyone up on their feet, celebrating both the song and the memory of the fearless era it represents. Tokyo’s crowd responded with excitement, filling the venue with a unique kind of warmth and enthusiasm.
7. Eyes Open – February 7, Tokyo
Bringing out “Eyes Open” was a real treat, especially for fans who’ve followed Taylor’s music beyond her main albums. This song, part of The Hunger Games soundtrack, holds a special place in her catalog, and hearing it live felt like a rare and exclusive moment. The Tokyo audience soaked up every second, cheering for a song that’s both unique and often overlooked.
8. Getaway Car / August / The Other Side of the Door – February 17, Melbourne
This mashup was nothing short of epic. “Getaway Car” kicked off with its Bonnie-and-Clyde vibe, flowing seamlessly into the wistful, nostalgic tones of “August.” The finale of “The Other Side of the Door” brought everyone together in a powerful singalong. Each song amplifies the emotion of the last. Fans in Melbourne were in awe, swept up in the thrill of a surprise set that captured the highs and lows of Taylor’s storytelling.
9. Come Back… Be Here / Daylight – February 18, Sydney
Sydney was treated to deeply emotional moments with “Come Back… Be Here” and “Daylight.” This pairing was the ultimate balance of longing and hop. “Come Back… Be Here” captures the yearning of lost moments and “Daylight” brings the promise of new beginnings. Fans felt the weight of each lyric, caught between the pull of memories and the thrill of moving forward. Taylor’s emotive delivery brought every word to life, making it a set that lingered long after the show ended.
10. Tim McGraw / Cowboy Like Me – March 9, Singapore
Singapore witnessed an epic moment as Taylor paired “Tim McGraw,” her debut single, with “Cowboy Like Me.” This mashup felt like a full-circle journey adding a modern, almost cinematic twist to her usual style. The crowd was enchanted as always, especially longtime fans who’ve followed her from the early country days to her present sound.
The Eras Tour has been a journey like no other, with each surprise song creating unforgettable memories for fans. Taylor’s thoughtful selection allowed her to revisit different stages of her career. The tour was more than a concert, it was a heartfelt tribute to Taylor’s journey and her enduring bond with her fans.