hi hello, welcome back to our second installment of connecting the OAFCU to Taylor Swift songs. In this installment, we will be diving into the characters of Plight and Gentry. Fun fact I must add, the first character that I ever connected in my head to a Taylor song was Bev, so in a way she inspired this all. Alright, getting into it.

also, as stated previously, this is just a silly little thing I'm doing and to all the creators I'm tagging, I apologize if you're not interested and didn't want to be tagged in this!

Plight

1. Hubert Tremblay by curiosityanddreams:

Song: Ivy

Line that makes me think of him: And the old widow goes to the stone every day, But I don't, I just sit here and wait, Grieving for the living (and the whole chorus tbh)

Explanation: I think in a way this song fits the entirety of Plight. The imagery of this song just really lends itself to the plot, in my opinion. Anyways, there's a theory that this song is actually about a widow who feels guilty about moving on, or maybe it is about cheating, who knows! Either way, I think Hubert has some guilt about falling for Clara (and others) while grieving Elise, so this just makes me think of him. The line I chose is so him, he has gone mad from his grief and begins to grieve the people who show up even before they die. And in the chorus, the "I can't stop you putting my roots in my dreamland" while he doesn't want to fall, he can't help the way he is taken by Clara. Long but necessary explanation.

2. Bev Carey by ceaseless-watchr:

Song: Seven

Line that makes me think of her: And I think you should come live with, Me and we can be pirates, Then you won't have to cry, Or hide in the closet and Please picture me, In the weeds, Before I learned civility, I used to scream ferociously, Any time I wanted (honestly just the entire song though)

Explanation: I could write an entire thesis on why this is Bev's song. Pirates!!! The folklore! The fantasy of it all! Her dreams of just running away to a life on the sea! Then that second line I included, the way that Bev just foregoes social norms and is such a dreamer. It is honestly such a beautiful song that lends to a childlike wander and I think that is Bev. She is so beautiful and carefree and the best freaking thing ever. Also! There's a lot of lines that lend to struggles with sexuality (not saying Taylor meant for them to be that way, but in my own interpretation) such as "Then you won't have to cry, Or hide in the closet" or the line about how your father is always mad. I just love this song and I love Bev and I truly can't hear it without thinking about her character.

3. Maverick Donovan by Splenxst:

Song: The 1

Line that makes me think of him: We never painted by the numbers, baby, But we were making it count, You know the greatest loves of all time are over now and And if my wishes came true, It would've been you

Explanation: alright, while this definitely ties into everything with Alvaro, I think his relationship with Alvaro is extremely tied to who he is. Maverick never strayed from his plan, never went against his father, until meeting Alvaro and the others. As sad as it is, I imagine he often thinks about what could have been between them. But the 1 isn't an entirely sad song, there are moments of her saying hey, I'm all good, I'm doing my thing now, but it would've been cool if we could've made it. I think that speaks to Maverick. I don't imagine he spends the rest of his life wallowing in sadness and asking what could have been, I imagine he persists with Clara at his side, but I do think he might sometimes wonder what could have been had there not been decades separating them.

4. Clara Bennet by me:

Song: The Man

Line that makes me think of her: I'm so sick of running as fast as I can, Wondering if I'd get there quicker, If I was a man

Explanation: CLARA MF BENNET. This is my child, my absolute favorite character I've ever created and it was my favorite thing in the world seeing Oil bring her to life. I originally had thought of Ivy (the song) with her, because of the obvious (whole she's married thing lmao). But then I thought about it some more and I was like nah, Clara was never defined by her husband or Mickey or Hubert. She was never 'covered' in them. Whenever she fell too hard for either of them, she took a step back because she couldn't do it. Clara was never a character that would be able to get a happy romantic ending, not in her time period. While she was truly a romantic at heart, she also hated to be contained. If she were a man, she wouldn't have those constraints. She could be a writer or a business owner or whatever the hell she wanted to be, and she could be in love without feeling suffocated. God. I love her. While also hating her for breaking both of those boys hearts. Oops?

5. Flo McWilliams by sc0rpih0e:

Song: The Lucky One

Line that makes me think of her: And they tell you that you're lucky, but you're so confused, 'Cause you don't feel pretty, you just feel used

Explanation: While the actual song is about a 60s starlet realizing fame isn't all its cracked up to be and checking out, I think certain lyrics still lend themselves to Flo. While she is this fiery up-and-coming designer that's beautiful and put together, she also has some really devastating struggles (namely her struggle with an eating disorder). She has a similar belief system to Clara, never wanting to be tied down or contained. I think she changes a lot throughout the book, and I feel like unfortunately she would go back to her life in New York without Bev and feel really defeated and used. It was a hard time for women, unfortunately. But she's an angel and I love her.

6. Adwin Schmidt by cryptidminds:

Song: Epiphany

Line that makes me think of him: Only 20 minutes to sleep, But you dream of some epiphany, Just one single glimpse of relief, To make some sense of what you've seen

Explanation: While the song as a whole may lend itself better to Mickey because its literally about World War II, I think this specific line just screams Adwin. He is such a nurturer, an intellectual. He was always trying to be strong, to make sense of everything, while simultaneously worrying about the effect they would have on history. I also just think the slowness of the song and how lightly she sings is so beautiful and soft and something about it just makes me think of him, idk. Maybe there's a better fit out there, but Taylor doesn't often sing about just straight up good men so this is what I got.

7. Mickey Gallego by thnkspwte:

Song: Cardigan (but specifically the unreleased original lyrics)

Line that makes me think of him: I knew you, laughing like a damn fool, breaking every damn rule and I knew I'd curse you for the longest time, I knew you wish you woulda changed your mind. I knew you'd miss me once the moment died. I knew to love would be to lose my mind

Explanation: While I think the original song in some way lends to Mickey, as does August (oof, gut punch, I know) I specifically think of him when I hear Taylor singing that second line I added. Her voice is all shaky and cracked and ugh. Mickey thought he had lost his mind from the war, and then he met Clara and fell for her and there was this change for him until it didn't work out. In the end, Mickey does curse her. He says he hopes she is dead when he returns to his time (which I have deciphered could have two different meanings, the first being that he's bitter and come to hate her and he just wishes her to be dead. The second is what I personally believe, because in their last moments in the past, while they're all sinking beneath the waves, he still reaches for her. So, I personally believe, that he hopes she is dead because that hurts less than knowing she is alive and didn't come to see him.) Anyways, he is this tragic and in love person and god I'm just obsessed with him. He is by far my favorite character in the book, which is a crazy hard feat when I've already voiced how much I love Clara. Unfortunately, they simply were not at all right for each other, but that doesn't make it hurt any less.

8. Tim Penworth by essenceofhoney:

Song: Haunted

Line that makes me think of him: It's getting dark and it's all too quiet, And I can't trust anything now, And it's coming over you like it's all a big mistake and just Taylor screaming "Now I'm haunted"

Explanation: While the actual meaning of the song doesn't lend to Tim, he surely was haunted after the books events. He went from a cocky, self assured guy to literally a shell of a human by the end of that story. He definitely doesn't know what too trust anymore. He is definitely haunted by his own mistakes. Also, I'm not sure I can really think of anything else that fits him. Wonder what he got up to after the travesties he carried out lmao.

9. Alvaro Costa by golden-rebel:

Song: cowboy like me

Line that makes me think of him: I've got some tricks up my sleeve, Takes one to know one, You're a cowboy like me, Never wanted love, Just a fancy car and Forever is the sweetest con

Explanation: Sure, Alvaro and Maverick have their thing and Maverick certainly isn't like Alvaro. But, the role that the narrator of the song takes, as this swindler not interested in anything but looking out for themselves, that is Alvaro. Obviously, with both the narrator and Alvaro, there's a softer side to them, a side that can certainly love. And forever is the sweetest con! Because forever doesn't exist, and it certainly didn't exist for Alvaro and Maverick! Anyways, I thought about saying I Knew You Were Trouble as his song because it was funny in my head and he is trouble, but this is the much more beautiful poetic way to look at his character.

10. Ivera Glenn by _callmeRae:

Song: Bigger Than the Whole Sky

Line that makes me think of her: Cause it's all over now, all out to sea and Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, You were bigger than the whole sky, You were more than just a short time

Explanation: OOF. Gut punch, I know. Tell me right now, if Plight were a show, that this song wouldn't be playing as they all say their goodbye to her????? Like this is one where I don't feel like I'm stretching at all to make the connection, this is her song. Obviously, we find out in the end that she does get to go on living, but throughout the book them losing her and ugh. Literally just heartbreaking. You were more than just a short time, Ivy!

BONUS: Elise Tremblay (I know there's supposed to be a fancy accent thing over the second e, but I'm too lazy to do that rn) by curiosityanddreams:

Song: right where you left me 

Line that makes me think of her: They expected me to find somewhere, Some perspective, but I sat and stared, Right where you left me

Explanation: I originally had Mastermind picked for her, but I decided I would save that one for someone down the line ( >:) guess who). This is a pretty obvious, pretty right pick. Elise had the opportunity to move on, to find peace, and yet she stayed there for Hubert. She watched him move on, more than once. She watched everyone move on. Yet there she as. And the line "Did you ever hear about the girl who got frozen?" makes it seem like some old tail, a story being passed on, and that feels so fitting for Elise and the entire Plight story.

I must add two things before moving on to Gentry. 1. While it's hard to pick favorites, and I love them all so dearly, Plight just does something to me. I am truly obsessed with the story and Oil's mind for coming up with it. 2. Please don't listen to Midnight Rain and think of Clara and Mickey. Oops.

Gentry

1. Poppy Prevost by curiosityanddreams:

Song: I Did Something Bad

Line that makes me think of her: I never trust a narcissist, But they love me, So I play 'em like a violin, And I make it look oh so easy, 'Cause for every lie I tell them, They tell me three and They're burning all the witches, even if you aren't one, They got their pitchforks and proof, Their receipts and reasons

Explanation: This song just has a very femme fatale feel to it, just like Poppy. Plus that first line, the playing them like a violin??? Literally her to tea. And even if she was lying to them all along, were they not also lying to themselves? About a lot? Then that last line, oof. They're burning all the witches! Which lends to the restaurant fire, and them literally killing her lmao. I'm pretty proud of this one idk.

2. Jared "Tom" Thompson by captain_sharrie:

Song: London Boy

Line that makes me think of him: He likes my American smile, Like a child when our eyes meet, darling, I fancy you

Explanation: Disclaimer, I know he is not from London but he is British, so we're gonna let it slide. While this is just a silly goofy sweet little song, I still think it lends to him. He is shy and sweet and believes in great romances and I think that makes sense for him. If him and Vieira could have met under better circumstances, perhaps this could have been their song.

3. Jetta James by sc0rpih0e:

Song: A place in This World

Line that makes me think of her: I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, Oh, but life goes on, Oh, I'm just a girl, Trying to find a place in this world

Explanation: Jetta often felt like she did not belong in the group or at the school, and for that reason I feel like this song fits her. She was truly on her own, what with her parents kicking her out when she was still just a kid. I don't know, I don't think I have to explain this one too much. Jetta was just out here on her own trying to figure her life out.

4. Vieira Frida Manfred by _callmeRae:

Song: The Archer

Line that makes me think of her: I wake in the night, I pace like a ghost, The room is on fire, invisible smoke and Who could ever leave me, darling? But who could stay?

Explanation: This song is literally about anxiety, and it's set up in a way where it builds and builds and builds but never quite hits a climax or change of pace (to symbolize that ever impending fear and growing worry attached with anxiety). Veira has social anxiety, though her creator stated it was never diagnosed. Either way, I think for that reason this song fits her pretty well. I think that's pretty spot on for Veira. Also, she has a fear of everyone she loves leaving her, and that's literally a part of this song. 

5. Choi Felix by essenceofhoney:

Song: You're on Your Own, Kid

Line that makes me think of him: I search the party of better bodies, Just to learn that my dreams aren't rare

Explanation: Felix was pretty rough around the edges. As his creator said, he was arrogant and those who knew him thought he had a "disgusting personality." But boy, was this kid struggling. He just wanted to prove himself, yanno? And really he was on his own, he didn't have anyone looking out for his true best interest, only what they wanted him to be. He was insecure about others being better than him, about him not being special, and I think this song and specifically the line I chose lend to that fear. Not to mention his struggle with ED and how that is mentioned in this song.

6. Kaikara Findlay by golden-rebel:

Song: ...Ready For It?

Line that makes me think of him: Knew he was a killer first time that I saw him, Wonder how many girls he had loved and left haunted

Explanation: I just KNEW I had to pick something off of reputation for Kai. This man is a master of manipulation, flirting, and getting his way. While the song itself is sung from the perspective of a girl who wants this guy, I imagine Kai IS the guy. I picture him as someone who leaves a trail of heartbreak, much like the guy in this song. What a guy, honestly. 

7. Roman Welshly by cryptidminds:

Song: The Best Day

Line that makes me think of them: I have an excellent father, His strength is making me stronger, God smiles on my little brother

Explanation: Oof, sad I know. Roman went to school after losing their father, and as Tay says, they felt their purpose was their father. Roman was someone curious, who asked questions about the world and was just all around different. I feel like this song is really beautiful in its storytelling, showing the narrator asking questions like why do the leaves change in the fall then going to them later on knowing. I don't know, maybe that's a stupid connection to Roman, but I see them as curious and sentimental and I feel like this song would probably make them cry a lot.

8. Eloise Bright by me:

Song: Peace

Line that makes me think of her: I never had the courage of my convictions, As long as danger is near and I'd give you my sunshine, give you my best, But the rain is always gonna come if you're standing with me

Explanation: I think Ellie would listen to this song for the first time and sob. To the world she seems put together, but she herself knows she's ripping at the seams. She does not believe in herself, she does not exactly see the worth in her authenticity, but instead sees what other people want her to be. I think if she found someone who she truly loved and who loved her, she would have a fear that she could never be enough, that she could never give them 'peace.' Plus, she knows her family and knows the backlash anyone she is with would face (simply for not being a rich man) so she would feel the need to apologize for them. Also! the never had the courage of my convictions part is so her. I just know Ellie takes study breaks to cry to this song. 

9. Briar Haslan by inkandebonywords: 

Song: Nothing New

Line that makes me think of her: Lord, what will become of me, Once I've lost my novelty?

Explanation: Briar is a person whose personality was crafted around pleasing others, specifically those in the wealthy crowds. She picks apart her image and does everything she can to achieve 'perfection,' but she's not stupid. She knows what people want the most from her is beauty and youth. I feel like one day she will begin to worry where her worth will come from once she's lost those things, you know? I don't know, this ones a bit of a stretch because at the point in the story, Briar is still young and beautiful. I just feel like because we are able to see raw emotion and more depth in her, I can see this being a song she resonates to down the line. She lives her life for everyone else, and I think that will hurt her. 

10. Jean-Luis Hugo Artur Belmont by ceaseless-watchr:

Song: Fearless

Line that makes me think of him: And I don't know how it gets better than this, You take my hand and drag me head first, Fearless

Explanation: I'm not sure I could find an exact fit for Luis, but I knew I had to pick something fun. He was a character that I truly loved in the story, he was just so fun to me. I don't know, from before even chapters were posted, all I could think was I was existed to read about his character. I think his rebel/carefree nature lends to this song enough for it to make sense. I also think I think of characters a lot of times in relation to my own characters, and in relation to Ellie I see him as the character who would do the best job of getting her out of her head. So, this song is him also for that reason to me specifically. 

11. Ezekiel Zagury by thnkspwte:

Song: I Bet You Think About Me

Line that makes me think of him: Mr. Superior-Thinkin', Do you have all the space that you need?, I don't have to be your shrink to know that you'll never be happy

Explanation: Sorry, mr. Ez, but someone in Gentry had to get this song, and unfortunately that someone had to be you. I mean, Taylor singing to someone who is from an upper class background who thinks they're much better than her? Someone in Gentry had to get that. Ez isn't a bad guy, it's not black and white, but he was elitist and there is no denying that. Sure, a lot of them were, but in a way Ez was pretentious about his books and his intelligence. He grew up in upper society New York, and as his creator states, it was a pit of snakes. He became a snake to save himself, that sort of thing. I don't mean this in a bad way though of course! There is not a single character in the OAFCU that I hate, but not everyone is a shiny great good guy, and that's a good thing. There's nuance. In this story more than any, they had flaws, and I think his flaw might have been his elitism. 

12. Evelyn Aiken by RockingGirl06:

Song: White Horse

Line that makes me think of her: Maybe I was naive, got lost in your eyes, And never really had a chance

Explanation: Has there ever been a character in the OAFCU as naive as poor sweet Evelyn? I think this song specifically lends to the scene in which she is kind of used and manipulated by the others to go along with the plot to murder Poppy. She is tricked into believing someone loves her, someone wants her, to get what they want. I think while this song as a whole isn't an exact fit, most of them aren't. This song is just so slow and dreamy and sad and I just think that all lends to Evelyn quite a bit.

While I do have quite a few songs picked out for Perverse and Defeatism characters, I've decided to end my selections here. I hope you all enjoyed my craziness again and would love to hear your thoughts, or thoughts for future characters! If you disagree that is fine too, this is all just silly fun :)