In addition to its campy musical numbers and provocative humor, Glee is most known for its characters’ tumultuous romantic relationships. The show is filled with many iconic pairings that both delight and enrage fans, from Brittana (Brittany and Santana) all the way to Brochel (Rachel and Brody).
The heightened on-again/off-again romances in Glee fit impeccably with most of Taylor Swift’s discography, as her songs deal with themes of first love, betrayal, and grief. Although there are a few of Taylor Swift’s songs featured in the series, there are many more in her oeuvre that perfectly encapsulate the popular relationships depicted in the show to a T.
Rachel And Brody – I Knew You Were Trouble
In the fourth season, a newly single Rachel begins dating Brody Weston, a handsome junior at NYADA. While the pair slowly begins to become more serious, Santana discovers that Brody is not only lying to Rachel about being faithful, but that he is secretly a sex worker.
When the secret is exposed, Rachel is appalled that Brody had kept this from her, but also relents that it’s her fault for not spotting the truth sooner. “I knew you were trouble when you walked in, so shame on me now,” is a lyric from Swift’s 2012 song, “I Knew You Were Trouble,” that perfectly summarizes Rachel’s internal thoughts at the moment of conflict. After that, the couple breaks up and he is never mentioned in the series again.
Quinn And Puck – Sparks Fly
Quinn and Puck were the cause of many scandalous storylines throughout the series’ run, but none were more sensational than the ones involving them as a couple. While it’s never explicitly stated whether Quinn and Puck end up together, the pair had a very intense relationship during their days at McKinley, most notably conceiving a child together. Although both Quinn and Puck are considered to have the worst character arcs on Glee, their romance was responsible for many iconic moments.
“Sparks Fly” is off of Taylor Swift’s third studio album and examines the idea of falling in love with someone who isn’t the right choice, but not being able to deny it because of the titular “sparks” that occur whenever they’re around. The ion between Puck and Quinn is undeniably reflected in this song as well alluding to the taboo aspect of the couple’s first dalliance when she was still with Finn.
Sam And Mercedes – Style
Sam and Mercedes were one of the less drama-filled relationships on the show. What started as a secret relationship transformed into a deep connection that stayed with both characters even after graduation and their eventual parting.
One of the biggest obstacles for the young couple was their differing views on premarital sex. Mercedes, who is very religious, decides it’s not fair to make Sam wait, and they agree to end things but it they always love each other. “You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye” is a lyric from “Style” that can be a reference to Sam’s dashing good looks and eternal optimism, while “I got that good girl faith” clearly reflects Mercedes’s character.
Tina And Mike – Shake It Off
The coupling of Mike and Tina was the longest consecutive relationship on Glee, which isn’t surprising considering how ive they were of each other during its run. Tina helped make turn his dreams of becoming a dancer into a reality while Mike pushed Tina to speak up for herself.
“Shake It Off” is not only a reference to both Mike and Tina’s love of dance but to their enduring strength as a couple and as individuals. Shaking off the haters is quite literally the central theme of the whole show, but it specifically ties into Tina's perseverance and Mike’s everlasting optimism.
Will And Emma – Fearless
One of the only adult storylines in the show that focused on a romance was that of Will Schuester and Emma Pillsbury. Emma’s unrequited love for Will became a reality when Mr. Schue realized how much he couldn’t live without her and declared his true feelings for her with a kiss. Although there were some speed bumps here and there, the two eventually married and became parents cementing themselves as one of Glee's most successful couples.
One of the biggest hurdles the couple faced was Emma’s OCD. Will also struggled with his insecurities as an educator, fearing he was not good enough. The song “Fearless” works as a metaphor for the combined confidence both characters found in each other. “You take my hand and drag me head first, fearless” is one of the lyrics that reiterate the strength of their love and faith in each other.
Santana And Brittany – End Game
Santana and Brittany began as friends and quickly became one of the Glee's best couples. Santana’s razor-sharp wit complimented Brittany’s comical ignorance creating a perfectly balanced romance that was filled with many amusing and emotional moments, including a beautiful, high-energy wedding when the two finally decided to tie the knot in the last season.
“End Game” is the perfect song to use when describing the relationship between Santana and Brittany. From the beginning of their relationship, it was clear that both of them felt that they would be together forever regardless of the relationships that came up along the way. Lyrics in the song include “You and me, we got big reputations,” which is indicative of their popularity amongst fans and “I wanna be your endgame,” which refers to their lasting relationship.
Kurt And Blaine – Ours
Kurt notoriously struggled with bullying during his early days at McKinley, but he found comfort in the arms of Blaine. Blaine’s confidence inspired Kurt to believe that things would get better. The pair soon fell in love and eventually became one of McKinley High’s “it” couples, wowing the school with many dazzling performances. Even Sue ends up becoming a Klaine shipper, a storyline still considered one of the most unexpected things Glee has done.
The turbulent high school experiences Kurt and Blaine faced as a result of them being openly gay was definitely one of the more serious aspects of the show. “Ours” is about not caring what people think and choosing to love despite the disapproval of outside forces. This is most clear when Swift sings, “They’ll judge it like they know about me and you … the jury’s out, my choice is you.”
Finn And Rachel – You Belong With Me
Finn and Rachel are undoubtedly the most endearing couple on Glee, acting as the heartbeat throughout multiple seasons. The star-crossed lovers had different aspirations but always ed and protected each other. Sadly, with Cory Monteith’s ing, Finchel didn’t end up becoming endgame, but the moments they had together were always filled with love.
“You Belong With Me” describes Rachel’s longing for Finn in the first season. “She’s cheer captain and I’m on the bleachers,” referring, of course, to the differences between Rachel and his then-girlfriend Quinn. “You Belong With Me” also fits throughout the course of their relationship, even after Finn’s ing when Rachel tearfully laments to Mr. Schue that Finn was her person.