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You're Starving Till You're Not: Taylor Swift on Knowing When to Walk Away

  • Writer: Taylor Mohr
    Taylor Mohr
  • Oct 6
  • 5 min read

Love her or hate her, you have to admit, Taylor Swift has a way with words (and with creating a fanbase!). On her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, Ms. Swift gave us a compelling few lines about resilience and choice:

“And don't we try to love love We give it all we got You finally left the table What a simple thought You’re starving till you’re not.” (Opalite)
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It’s the realization that you’ve been sitting at the wrong table - starving for respect, security, happiness, or fairness - until the moment you finally decide to leave. That decision is rarely easy, but it’s often the healthiest choice.


At Mohr Law Group, we help clients navigate that exact moment: deciding when enough is enough, and when it’s time to walk away from a relationship or a deal. Here’s how Taylor’s lyrics shine a light on some very real legal truths.


Walking Away From a Bad Relationship


Every family law attorney has heard clients say, “I just thought if I waited a little longer, things would get better,” or "I thought if I gave them one more chance." But waiting often only prolongs the pain.


Taylor captures this façade of staying too long in “Married to the hustle / Pain hidden by the lipstick and lace” (The Life of a Showgirl). Many people wear the smile and sequins for the world, but behind the curtain, they’re carrying burdens that are far too heavy.


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Legal Insights for Relationships


  1. Texas allows no-fault divorce. You don’t need to prove wrongdoing to leave. “Insupportability” is the legal term, and it simply means the marriage can’t continue because of conflict or discord. That alone is enough.


  2. Timing can impact property division. Texas is a community property state. The assets (and debts) accumulated during the marriage are presumed to be shared. Waiting longer to file may mean more entanglement of finances or more financial risk.


  3. Custody and stability matter. Judges in Texas look at the “best interest of the child.” If children are involved, documenting who provides stability, caregiving, and consistency is crucial.


  4. Support may be available. Spousal maintenance (what many call alimony) is limited in Texas but may apply in cases of long marriages, disability, or when one spouse lacks sufficient earning capacity.


Practical Tips


  • Don’t wait until you’re in crisis. Consult with a family law attorney early to understand your options.


  • Know the signs. If communication is broken, respect is gone, or there’s emotional/physical/financial abuse, it may be time to reevaluate.


  • Protect your resources. Start gathering financial documents, account statements, and property records.


  • Build support. Counseling, support groups, or even podcasts like The Divorce Survival Guide by Kate Anthony can help you process the emotional side of leaving.


Resources for Personal Growth


Walking Away From a Bad Deal


Clients also have similar struggles when deciding whether to accept a settlement being offered or make the difficult decision to go to court: “I’ve already invested so much time. I can’t just walk away now.” But sometimes, cutting your losses is the smarter move.


As Taylor reminds us in “Wood”:

“Seems to me that you and me we make our own luck … I ain’t gotta knock on wood.”

T. Swift may have been talking about her love with Travis Kelce, but the thought applies to many areas of life. In law, that means building proactive protections and refusing to rely on chance.


Legal Insights for Deals


  1. Due diligence is non-negotiable. Reviewing financials, liabilities, and hidden terms uncovers risks that can change everything. A proposal that looks good on its face may hide unfavorable agreements or unanticipated consequences.


  2. Beware of one-sided agreements. If the other party won’t budge on terms that are high on your priority list, the deal may not be worth it.


  3. Think long term. Don't fall into the trap of thinking only about what's right in front of you. Anticipate future implications and what this deal would mean for you 5 or 10 years down the road.


  4. Walking away is sometimes leverage. Just as in negotiation strategy, being willing to leave the table often forces better terms.


  5. Don't forget the intangible benefits. Sometimes, a deal can look bad on paper but really be a good resolution when considering all of the "intangible" benefits that aren't reflected in black and white - time, money, energy, risk, delay, mental health, etc. While these considerations are often harder to "value," they are no less important.


Practical Tips


  • Check your BATNA. Your “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” (a negotiation concept popularized by Harvard’s Getting to Yes) helps you measure whether the deal is truly worth accepting. To do this in family law, we almost always compare the settlement being proposed to what the judge would likely do in this scenario, as well as all the "intangibles," to determine whether the alternative is better than the agreement.


  • Document everything. Emails, term sheets, and communications can protect you if disputes arise.


  • Don’t be rushed. High-pressure tactics are a red flag. If someone won’t let you take time to review, that’s a sign you should walk.


Resources for Smarter Deals



Knowing the Moment


Taylor sings in the title track:

“Not everything in the spotlight is what it seems.”

That’s as true for relationships as it is for contracts. On the surface, things may look shiny, but behind the scenes there may be cracks.


The courage to walk away is not about giving up. It’s about recognizing that your value, your peace, and your future matter more than appearances.


How the Law Helps You Leave the Table


  • In Family Law: Courts provide structured ways to divide property, determine custody, and order support. You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to guess at outcomes.


  • In Negotiation: Contracts can be negotiated, re-drafted, or rejected. Legal advice gives you clarity on risks and empowers you to negotiate from strength.


  • In Both: Knowing your rights is the antidote to fear. Information is power and often the first step in recognizing you’re “starving till you’re not.”


Final Thoughts


Taylor Swift’s lyrics remind us that starving is a state we don’t have to accept - in love or in life. The moment you realize you deserve more, you gain the freedom to leave the table.


At Mohr Law Group, we help clients navigate these moments with clarity, strategy, and compassion. Whether it’s ending a marriage or exiting a business deal, you don’t have to go it alone.


Because sometimes the bravest move is walking away.



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