5 hit songs written by Taylor Swift for other artists, including Miley Cyrus, that became major chart successes

Taylor Swift’s writing often travels far beyond her albums, and these five songs prove it. From the aching country lift of "Better Man" to the homecoming comfort of "You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home," her lyrics stay clear and emotionally precise. "This Is What You Came For" shows how she can shape a pop hook that fills a dance floor, even under a pen name. "Babe" transforms a single word into a poignant refrain, while "Best Days of Your Life" transforms heartbreak into a sense of relief. Together, they show range, craft, and a steady gift for storytelling.

Taylor Swift co-wrote "This Is What You Came For" with Calvin Harris, then watched it take off as a sleek dance single fronted by Rihanna in 2016. She used the pen name Nils Sjöberg at first, keeping the focus on the track rather than the headline. Later, a demo revealed that her voice shaped the chorus, which changed how many listeners perceived the hook. The song is a reminder that Swift’s writing can travel, sliding into electronic pop without losing its punch. One tight idea, repeated, becomes the engine that drives the whole room. The verses leave space for the beat to breathe.

Taylor Swift wrote "You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home" for 'Hannah Montana: The Movie,' with Miley Cyrus singing it on screen. The lyrics remain straightforward, yet the sentiment resonates profoundly: success can push you away, yet home remains the most secure place to start again. It lands as a warm moment of return, echoing the film’s split-life theme. The song also shows Swift’s early skill at writing for someone else’s voice while keeping her stamp, with clear images and a hopeful chorus that stays with you. Listeners can hear her storytelling roots in the structure and in the emotional clarity.

Taylor Swift co-wrote "Babe" with Pat Monahan and handed it to Sugarland, who released it as a bright, stinging country pop single. Swift did not stay fully in the background, though. She added backing vocals and appeared in the music video, leaning into the drama of betrayal and the small details that make it feel real. Years later, she released her recording on 'Red (Taylor’s Version)' as a From The Vault track, letting fans compare the two takes. The core stays the same: a simple word that cuts when repeated. It is catchy, but the ache sits under every line.

Taylor Swift wrote "Better Man" years before the public heard it, then passed it to Little Big Town because she felt their blend would carry the heartbreak. The band released it on the album 'Breaker,' and the song went on to win Song of the Year at the 2017 Country Music Association Awards. It is a clean country ballad, built on sharp lines and a calm, steady melody that lets the regret land. Swift later recorded her version, giving fans a new lens on a lyric she had lived with for so long. It proves restraint can hit hard.

"Best Days of Your Life" came from a writing session between Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler while they were touring with Brad Paisley. Pickler brought the ache, Swift helped turn it into a tough, upbeat goodbye, and the result became a fan-favorite empowerment song. It is about release more than revenge: you can move forward without closure from the other person. The hook flips the story with a grin, promising the pain will fade and better days will arrive. It also highlights Swift’s gift for shaping someone else’s story into a singalong. That twist gives it real bite.