Taylor Swift Wrote These Songs for Other Artists and They Became Instant Hits

When you think of Taylor Swift, you probably picture her singing her own lyrics, pouring her heart out through every note. But beyond her own albums, Taylor’s songwriting magic extends far beyond her own discography.

Over the years, she’s secretly penned and co-written songs for other artists—spanning country, pop, and even hip-hop—that went on to become massive hits.

Whether she used a pseudonym or quietly handed off a masterpiece to a friend, these tracks showcase her ability to adapt her storytelling genius to any genre. Here are some of the biggest songs you may not have realized came straight from the pen of Taylor Swift.

1. “Better Man” by Little Big Town

Originally written during Taylor’s Red era, “Better Man” was one of those songs that didn’t quite fit her own project—but she couldn’t let it go. Years later, she passed it to Little Big Town, who turned it into a haunting country ballad that struck an emotional chord with fans everywhere.

The song captures the ache of wishing someone had been, well, a better man—something Swift has always written about with poetic precision. Little Big Town’s rich harmonies gave it a timeless sound while keeping Taylor’s storytelling front and center.

“Better Man” went on to win a CMA Award for Song of the Year in 2017, proving that even when she’s not the one singing, Taylor’s words have a way of finding their place in people’s hearts.

2. “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna

When this club anthem dropped in 2016, no one knew Taylor Swift had anything to do with it. Hidden under the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg, she co-wrote the track with then-boyfriend Calvin Harris. It wasn’t until later—after their breakup—that the secret came out, shocking fans who had been dancing to her words all along.

The song’s sleek production and Rihanna’s hypnotic vocals made it an instant global hit. Taylor’s lyrical touch gave it that signature emotional undertone, turning a simple dance track into something that felt alive.

Once her involvement was revealed, it only deepened respect for her versatility as a songwriter. From country ballads to EDM bangers, Taylor proved she could write hits for any mood—or any dance floor.

3. “Babe” by Sugarland

This country breakup song carries the unmistakable stamp of Taylor Swift’s lyrical honesty. Originally written for her Red album, “Babe” was later given to country duo Sugarland, who released it in 2018—with Taylor even lending background vocals.

The lyrics tell the story of betrayal and disappointment in a relationship that once seemed perfect—something Taylor has explored countless times in her own work. Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles brought a mature, soulful delivery that made the song hit just as hard, but from a slightly different perspective.

“Babe” became a standout on Sugarland’s comeback album and a reminder that Taylor’s unused songs are still better than most people’s best. Her knack for crafting emotional depth makes even her “hand-me-downs” undeniable hits.

4. “Best Days of Your Life” by Kellie Pickler

Back in her country days, Taylor teamed up with fellow American Idol alum Kellie Pickler to write this cheeky revenge anthem. The song oozes early-2000s country energy, complete with twangy guitars and a healthy dose of sass.

It tells the story of a woman warning her ex that he’s already lived the best days of his life—because nothing that comes next will compare. You can practically hear Taylor’s influence in the melody and lyrical rhythm, even though she’s not the one behind the mic.

“Best Days of Your Life” climbed the country charts and became one of Pickler’s biggest hits. It’s a perfect example of how Taylor’s songwriting can make heartbreak sound both empowering and fun.

5. “Two Is Better Than One” by Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift

Back in 2009, this unexpected pop-rock collaboration gave us a glimpse of Taylor’s crossover potential long before 1989. She co-wrote and lent her voice to “Two Is Better Than One,” a heartfelt duet with the band Boys Like Girls.

The song captures that bittersweet feeling of realizing someone has changed your life in quiet but permanent ways. Its emotional lyrics and soft melody show Taylor’s ability to elevate even a rock ballad with her signature romantic style.

“Two Is Better Than One” became a sleeper hit, adored by fans of both pop-punk and country music. It proved that when Taylor Swift gets involved in a project—no matter the genre—it’s bound to find its way into people’s playlists (and their hearts).

6. “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” by Hannah Montana

Disney fans may not have realized it at the time, but this Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack song came straight from Taylor’s songwriting notebook. She wrote it for Miley Cyrus’s alter ego, perfectly capturing the movie’s central theme about staying grounded no matter how big your dreams get.

The upbeat country-pop tune fits the film’s spirit beautifully—reminding listeners that fame fades, but home is forever. It’s the kind of message that only Taylor, who was just starting to experience massive fame herself, could have written with such sincerity.

The song became one of the film’s standout moments, showing that even when writing for fictional characters, Taylor Swift knows how to tap into real emotion.

7. “Both of Us” by B.o.B feat. Taylor Swift

This 2012 collaboration surprised everyone—Taylor Swift, the country-pop queen, teaming up with rapper B.o.B. But that’s exactly what made “Both of Us” so refreshing. She co-wrote the song and delivered its heartfelt chorus about empathy, pain, and unity.

The blend of hip-hop verses and Taylor’s emotional vocals created something that transcended genres. The lyrics focused on shared human struggles, showing a depth and maturity that set it apart from typical pop-rap collaborations of the time.

“Both of Us” charted well and showed the world another side of Taylor’s songwriting—one that could connect across musical worlds while staying true to her poetic instincts.

8. “Safe & Sound” for The Hunger Games soundtrack

For the Hunger Games era, Taylor tapped into her darker, more cinematic side. She co-wrote “Safe & Sound” alongside The Civil Wars, creating a haunting lullaby that perfectly fit the dystopian tone of the movie.

The stripped-down production and haunting harmonies captured the desperation and fragile hope at the core of the story. It was a far cry from the glittering pop of Speak Now or Red, proving that Taylor could adapt her pen to any universe.

The song won a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, cementing it as one of her most underrated triumphs. It’s Taylor Swift at her most atmospheric—quiet, deliberate, and devastatingly beautiful.

9. “Renegade” by Big Red Machine

In 2021, Taylor reunited with Aaron Dessner of The National—her Folklore and Evermore collaborator—for “Renegade,” a song released under the indie project Big Red Machine. Though not one of her own singles, the song carries her unmistakable emotional DNA.

The lyrics explore love and fear, touching on what it’s like to care for someone battling their inner demons. Taylor’s gentle vocals and introspective writing make it feel deeply personal, even as it belongs to another artist’s project.

“Renegade” might not have topped the charts, but it quickly became a fan favorite for its vulnerability and poetic honesty. It’s another reminder that when Taylor Swift writes, every lyric—no matter who sings it—feels like a piece of her soul.