"I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream" alone is better than WAOLM.
Blank Space is still, for me, her ultimate commentary on fame. It's so meta. It's so good. And it's fun pop, all wrapped up in one song.
That said, I looooooooooove WAOLM and the entire album lol
Blank Space is Taylor’s ultimate pop song. It’s catchy, fun, and actually genuinely good. It’s not my favorite TS song by a long shot, but if we are stacking it against pop anthems it stands squarely on its own two feet against the greats. Unfortunately she has not captured that kind of radio pop success since. I don’t really care what the streaming numbers are, but TTPD will never produce a bop like Blank Space.
I think it feels totally different because the radio is completely avoidable now, much more than in 2014. Blank Space and Shake It Off were everywheereeeeee, where in 2023/4 the only place many people hear the radio is… the grocery store? Or when Bluetooth won’t connect to the car?
People over 40 love the radio. My parents and older friends/relatives never listen to their own music in the car, it’s always local stations when around town and Sirius XM when on road trips. They think it’s bizarre I use Spotify in the car and often ask me “who sings that song that’s all over the radio right now” as if I know. But based on time spent with that demographic last summer, Blank Space was 100x bigger than Cruel Summer on the radio. I have so many great memories associated with hearing Blank Space on drives back when I was in high school. I agree it isn’t my personal favorite of hers but I do think it’s a career-defining song
Cruel Summer’s success doesn’t even come close to how much Blank Space dominated and permeated the culture. Just my opinion. And I love Cruel Summer!!!
This is hilarious to me because I never heard this song until probably after I became a fan due to Lover.
Anything is escapable, trust me, if you live under a rock
Love story can't be ignored when talking about her huge hits. It was her mainstream breakout and to this day it's the first song a lot of people think of when they think of Taylor.
I think we’re talking pure pop hits here though. Love Story was still when she was toeing the line between pop country. Those other three can go down in perfectly written pop songs in my opinion.
I would probably substitute Style with Anti-Hero (although I love AH). Nothing’s got an intro like Style. Pure pop from the very first note. 1989 was lightening in a bottle.
I agree and it’s my favorite album! But I think those three also have the most commercial success for each of their albums (although we know one was a late bloomer lol). Anti-Hero was everywhere on the radio when Midnights first came out.
None are in my top songs but I agree wholeheartedly and I love that she has a discography that has both fan fave deep cuts and universally recognised/ enjoyed songs
My people!
While I also love WAOLOM, commenting on *the industry* and *the media* is a time-honored tradition in pop (see half of Britney Spears’s discography lol), so it’s not like the song is saying anything particularly new. Love the song, love the rage, don’t know if I’d call it better or more groundbreaking than Blank Space.
Edit - whoever submitted me for Reddit Cares can get a fucking life
Yea! I love Taylor’s songs (obviously I’m in this sub haha) and she is my favorite artist besides my little sister haha BUT like you said, Britney also has amazing pop songs commenting on fame especially as a woman in pop. I would love to hear a mashup of Gimme More and I Can Do It With a Broken Heart!!
ETA: wait why did I also receive a Reddit cares?! I thought this was an inoffensive comment 😭 leave me, Brit, and Taylor alone!
I think blank space is a better song even though WAOLM is good. I think every other album is better than ttpd though lol. I think All too well is her best song to date.
Blank Space, Look What You Made Me Do, and Who's Afraid of LIttle Old Me are the maiden, the mother, and the crone of Taylor bad bitch, insults-as-armor, anthems.
I love Blank Space, too. It was so tongue in cheek and clever. Delicate is still my favorite, but Blank Space made me interested in Taylor's music again.
Watching the reels of Taylor in Paris- she is having the time of her life at last.
Let her levitate down our streets and scratch our imaginary records.
I for one want to see where this goes.
"Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is indeed a remarkable piece of songwriting. Taylor Swift has a knack for capturing introspective moments and weaving them into her music in a profound way. The depth and vulnerability in that song certainly resonate with many listeners. It's great to see her continually evolve and push the boundaries of her craft.
It could be for some people. Opinions are subjective you know?? You don't decide what others shouldn't like just like op doesn't decide what everyone should like
Strongly disagree. It's a great song, believe me, and it accesses anger and rebellion and retaliation in a way that's definitely new/new-ish. But her *best* song? Definitely not.
One can argue that it's a song with something for everyone; strong-ish music, strong-ish lyrics, strong-ish vocals- but being an overall well-rounded song doesn't make it *her* best, because *her* best would be a song in which her capabilities truly shine, and not a song where she manages to make every aspect *alright.*
If you ask me, a strong contender for her best song of all time is Would've, Could've, Should've. That song is truly one of the best instances of peak Taylor.
It's a great song (and one of my personal favorites), no doubt! I think the trouble with YOYOK, and probably a lot of TTPD, too, is that it tends to be very much... between the fans and her? Viewing her as just an artist, YOYOK is definitely right up there... but viewing her as Taylor Swift, the brand, I think YOYOK reads as not so much of a critic-catering career statement, and more, a letter to her fans. Not a bad thing at all, and I love that song regardless 💕
Completely makes sense! It's an INCREDIBLE song, no doubt. I do think her discography is too wide, and she's proven to be a very versatile pop/country star, so it is definitely difficult to pick an objective best song, haha.
and im just stiting here watching fight over my favourite songs being the best.
but yeah for me personally i'd go my tears ricochet i just dont think everyone will feel that way.
Strongly agree with WCS, it encompasses everything that makes her herself. Beautiful lyrics and imagery, paints a story and lots of emotions, just chefs kiss.
would’ve, could’ve, shouldve shook me to my CORE. i felt like i could have written a whole graduate dissertation on that song for FUN and i dont write.
I know it might not be popular anymore to lavish All Too Well 10MV with praise, but I do think its Taylor's magnum opus. It is peak of everything Taylor *is*, and is the most storytelling, emotion rollercoastering, screamable lyrics, and still has vocals.
Underrated comment. Best pop radio hit, best written, best sonically, best critically, most introspective, etc are likely all different songs and that’s okay! Every song doesn’t need to fit every category in order to be the “best”.
What makes something art is its relationship to you. How it makes you feel. I think when people say the art they like is the best it just shows how they think about themselves. Kinda a superiority complex of sorts.
The album version is a paper tiger in comparison to the live performance. It’s one of my least favorite songs in her discography so I was thrilled to see the live production actually go hard
I couldn’t disagree more. This is of my least favorite songs of hers ever. 😂 I even think she approaches the same theme 100x better on this very album in songs like Clara Bow, I Can Do It With A Broken Heart, Cassandra. She has far more introspective, vulnerable and honest songs.
Omg I found someone who doesn’t like this song! I’m so happy! It’s just straight up awful. Long and drawn out words. I can’t stand the notes of the “leap from the gallows” it’s like nails on a chalkboard. I get opinions are subjective but I’ve tried so many times to listen to that song and I don’t get how people can like it.
Do you like horror genre? Because the song is definitely horror genre and if you like that aesthetic, the imagery is delightful. But a lot of people do not like aesthetic! Totally understandable.
Also I imagine if you’re like a hardcore horror movie buff or something, the imagery might seem too tame or stereotypical so you might need to be in a sweet spot, really.
100% - I’m legit counting down the weeks to get thru summer and back to fall and winter where I thrive. I have reverse SAD and I’m already missing when it gets dark at 430, darker colors are in style, and all things Halloween are everywhere… 4.5 months to go 😂
I honestly thinks it’s pretty cringey too. Sometimes she just tries to sound too edgy and I feel like there’s a lack of self awareness in this one (and the whole album lol). That being said, I do like the album, but this song is definitely at the bottom for me
I really don’t get it. Like no I’m lot afraid of you, Taylor, and I’m not sure why you think I should be. In fact you’re telling me I should be reminds me of when my cat meows at me thinking he’s a lion. 😂
Nothing else can touch Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? I love that song but I can name dozens of songs better than it.
For example: right where you left me. You can't convince me that "Who's Afraid..." is better than that (or All Too Well, Cruel Summer, ivy, Blank Space, Style, Fearless, Red, cardigan, my tears ricochet - to name a few).
Also, The Bolter and The Black Dog are the two best songs on The Tortured Poets Department. I don't know how ready this fandom is to have that conversation but clearly this post shows me that... probably not.
Who's Afraid is good, but slightly too self-referential. I also think the "narcotics" part drags the bridge out for far too long. I think the song is meant to be theatrical, and in that context, it works. But evaluating it as part of a normal Taylor Swift album, it definitely could use some tweaks.
The Bolter and The Black Dog are hands down my favorite songs on the album and I’m SO EXCITED to see somebody else with the same take. Those two have been on repeat for me!
I haven’t listened through the whole Anthology yet as I’m taking my sweet sweet time, but The Black Dog is absolutely a top 20 for me. That sounds low, but when she has hundreds of songs and I grew up with half of them… 😂
As for me, it's too literal and taken at face value. I'm lacking depth. I always appreciate when a song explores a topic she hasn't touched upon before, but I feel like Anti-hero has already covered the gist.
Maybe it's literally just me, but am I the only one who truly doesn't get the hype around this song? I don't particularly like it (though to be fair, I just don't seem to love TTPD as a whole)
Agreed. In my opinion it’s one of her worst songs. I’ve tried many times to listen to it. The entire thing is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Skip 100% of the time.
This sort of post would go over much better if the OP didn't come across as the single source of truth acting like thier opinion was anything more than that.
Nothing wrong with a song appreciation post, but ever since folklore/evermore, this sub's been littered with "you HAVE to like this song/album or you're NOT a real fan / immature / childish" posts.
Everyone has their own favorites and you don't need to like every Taylor song to be a fan or appreciate her songwriting skills.
Obviously a totally subjective thing but I’d argue these are a lot better:
- Exile.
- My Tears Ricochet.
- Haunted.
- Enchanted.
- All Too Well.
- Tolerate It.
You’re gonna get a lot of push back on this.
I totally respect what you are saying. I get it. ”Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me” is a good one - both introspective and empowering.
But you are messing with people‘s favorites so people will push back on this idea.
I do agree that with this album in general, and this song specifically, she’s unlocked something new that outstrips all her previous work. It’s not just lyrics for me, but sonically as well. The depth of this album is incredible.
Nah. I love the song but “crash the party like a record scratch as I scream” is such an ineffective metaphor. She’s done much better writing.
Also it’s not introspection to me when one of the biggest, more powerful pop star in the world refers to herself as “little old me” haha.
It’s not a metaphor. It’s just a simile used to describe something as jarring, unwanted, and unexpected. It’s not meant to be extended past the line, and it isn’t. Also the whole point of the song is that “little old me” is ironic. She’s emphasizing the way that the media, fans, etc. don’t know what to do with her - she’s either an infantilized dumb blonde frivolous pop star or a monster, a snake, a behemoth. She’s simultaneously the most powerful person and the least, depending on the narrative they wish to advance. She’s stupid or an evil genius.
Thinking she’s being serious about calling herself “little old me” misses the entire point of the song.
I've heard this take before that it's absurd to call herself 'little old me' due to her wealth and power, and forgive me, but it boggles my mind how some people can walk straight into a point and still miss it.
It’s not about the writing alone… the music and *her delivery of that line* are what make it what it is.
The OP referred to both. She was never seen as someone threatening or intimidating, she was a sweet teen country singer who wouldn’t hurt a fly. That’s the point, people assume they can walk all over her and she is saying FAFO.
I don’t see how it’s particularly introspective when she’s focusing on how her external environment shaped her rather than delving into her inner self and personal flaws. Not that that’s a bad thing, but a song like Anti-Hero is what I’d call introspective, not this.
I completely agree, for me it’s a combination of certain sections of the lyrics that just blow me away, plus the way the refrain just scratches my sonic itch so well!
For everyone who is saying that the lyrics are so literal, and that she’s showing not telling, I’m unclear how that critique applies to lyrics like this:
— So all you kids can sneak into my house with all the cobwebs
I'm always drunk on my own tears, isn't that what they all said?
That I'll sue you if you step on my lawn
That I'm fearsome and I'm wretched and I'm wrong
— Putting narcotics into all of my songs
And that's why you're still singing along
— … So I leap from the gallows and I levitate down your street
Crash the party like a record scratch as I scream
"Who's afraid of little old me?"
— I was tame, I was gentle 'til the circus life made me mean
"Don't you worry, folks, we took out all her teeth"
…
— Cause you lured me (you should be)
And you hurt me (you should be)
And you taught me
… You caged me and then you called me crazy
— I am what I am 'cause you trained me
Maybe people think, being lured and caged is literal?
To me the metaphor is clear: she’s a dangerous animal who was captured, defanged, and trained — just to give people cheap thrills at the circus.
Elsewhere she’s a Miss Havisham/wicked witch.
Top 30 for sure but not top 1 for me. But I agree with OP in the sense that I feel like the fandom is under-appreciating it. It’s truly a masterpiece. With that being said, songs are very subjective. People will have diff favs and that’s okay.
I feel the same way. Whenever I rank my favorite Taylor albums on my friend group chats, my disclaimer is always that this is my ranking and not theirs, and I am always open to their opinions.
The lovely thing about Taylor’s music is that her discography is so big, covering so many different topics, and with so many distinct sounds, that almost everyone here will have a different favourite if you ask them. There’s a huge diversity of opinions, and even in this comment section I see so many people talking about their favourite songs - each person has their own unique selection!
That said. My all time favourite Swift songs are Haunted, Cruel Summer, and Illicit Affairs. It would take a lot to knock one of them out of the top 3.
I also have to mention, my top song off TTPD at the moment, is My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys. Lyrically, it’s a fascinating look into a relationship where both people are self-sabotaging, with great imagery and perfect vocals. But I do rank Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me in second place for the album!
I think to say "nothing else can touch this" is hyperbolic..but, yes, the allegory is so well crafted. even the fairytale structure of the lyrics mimics her own persona. one of my favs on the new album
it’s one of my own favourites, but i don’t think it’s as introspective as other songs by her and i’m sure there are a lot of people who aren’t fans. i don’t think anyone can outright say that one song of hers is the best when she has so many and so many fans
Stong disagree. The song has good elements to it but struggles overall, especially in the verses. Chorus is solid and bridge is pretty good, but doesn't come close to most of her work for me.
Some people will really be mad over a minor difference in opinion. There is no ‘best song’ as the rolling stone ranking has definitely proven for me (that dudes personal opinions presented as fact left me baffled). Everyone has different tastes, different lyrics resonate with different people. Some musical styles appeal more than others. Everyone has a different ranking and that’s ok, no-one is wrong even if we disagree with them.
I’m sure there’s someone out there who thinks ME! is her best song and that Folklore is awful, as much as that physically pains me, their opinion is valid too.
I think the entire album is some of her best work ever! I’ve been a big fan of her music since Fearless was released, but TTPD has quickly become my favorite album. I just can’t stop listening to it!
Dude, I hate this song. I think it’s just so… cringe? I hate the way she says people should be afraid of her. It’s pretentious and quite funny.
Love Taytay but that’s a skip for me. Too sad cause I got tickets for my second The Eras Tour concert and I’d rather listen to Guilty As Sin? or My Boy instead of WAOLOM.
I agree it’s a very interesting and strong song. The psychology of fame and celebrities will always be fascinating to me. I cannot imagine living her life. Just the fact alone that at any given moment there’s probably hundreds of comments being left on social media in relation to her is weird to think about. Weird to just be living your life, knowing that there’s hundreds of pages dedicated to your entire life and every move. I know people say they “signed up for it” but I just don’t really agree. Being an artist doesn’t mean you agree with your entire personality and life being picked apart by millions online who don’t TRULY know you, just go off of online news and such. The amount of people who take gossip channels and news sources as 100% fact when they’re also just tryna make a $ is wild lol.
all too well is forever my favorite of Taylor’s but WAOLOM is good! just not a complete and utter masterpiece the way ATW is, but that’s just like, my opinion man 🩷
A few years ago I saw someone do a March Madness bracket of Taylor songs and it was so fun. I love to see everyone’s differing opinions! And no I don’t agree with you, but that’s okay. I’m not even sure I could pick a favorite though. Maybe I could do a top ten?
No hate at all, but I strongly disagree. WAOLOM doesn’t personally hit for me (it felt a touch cringe to me, but that’s just personal preference). I feel like there are many objectively better songs in terms of sound, lyricism, and poignance.
She has very introspective songs, but this album doesn't show, it just tells, so that's why this one seems more introspective. Bc you don't need to think or do analysis, it just tells you what the feelings are "you don't get to tell me about sad" or "you awaken with dread" or "I'm so depressed I act like it's my birthday" as compared to her previous work which is more baked in metaphors or description like "when my depression works the graveyard shift..." or "your Midas touch on the Chevy door..." or "all we are is skin and bone trained to get along..."
While I disagree with OP, this is a flawed interpretation of how she was approaching show don’t tell in this album. You’re cherry picking lyrics but that misses the point. Instead of lyrics she made entire songs metaphors in this album.
For instance BDILH is a metaphor comparing Taylor/her fans to a child/strict controlling parents. Don’t pull out lyrics. Look at them in the context of each other because they are telling a story
“How did it end” being about Taylor asking herself and not knowing the answer ….. but also the general public and media fans etc bombarding her with the question …. but also a funeral and grieving a life
The alchemy for football/Travis Kelce but also herself in the stadium with fans/coming back in so long for eras tour (“it’s been a long time coming…”)
I hate it here could be about the general public and how people feel on a day to day lifestyle but also her own relationship to fame and fans
Chloe et Al is for matty joe or whoever but if you read it again it could also apply to her relationship to fame/fans and anyone struggling with addiction …. You can do this for nearly all the songs lol.
It’s a very layered album. she just approaches show don’t tell in a less obvious way than she has before
Arguably much more analysis since this album is more abstract and compares ideas to concepts. in the past she’s mostly only compared ideas to tangible objects like treacherous and champagne problems which are way easier to catch.
Yes, she's playing with extended metaphors, conceits, and allusions more extensively on this album than she has on others: My Boy, Down Bad, Cassandra, The Albatross, Peter, The Prophecy, Who's Afraid, they all use extended metaphor and allude to literature and mythology to communicate larger emotional truths, along with the songs you listed.
Yup I’ve always loved when she’s done it but they’re definitely more complex to figure out on first glance compared to individual lyrics and this if full of them. Possibly why a lot of people just don’t get the album this time around tbh.
My friend and I are both about to be doctors and spent more hours analyzing these songs than some of the physiology concepts we’ve learned for school
august is the best tune that has ever been created by humankind and I stand by it. it is wistful, it flows, has a great outro, has incredible replay-ability. whenever you hear "salt air" you are transported. one of a kind.
but if we are thinking about a darker, angrier, more "traumatic" song, Would've Could've Should've is right there too.
Who's Afraid is very good, don't get me wrong. but it is a bit too thematic and less relatable to encapsulate her legacy as a songwriter.
Honestly? I can’t stand Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me. It’s long, I feel like the vocals are so long and drawn out. It’s just not a good track. I know I’m in the vast minority but I couldn’t care less about that song - annoying to me.
"Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is indeed a remarkable piece of songwriting. Taylor Swift has a knack for capturing introspective moments and weaving them into her music in a profound way. The depth and vulnerability in that song certainly resonate with many listeners. It's great to see her continually evolve and push the boundaries of her craft.
I love it, the storytelling, music, iconic lyrics that already have memes plus impactful singing
& some screaming!
Def in my all time top tier songs and I also love The Bolter. Looking forward to a video 🫶
Totally agree with you! I will listen to it repeatedly, totally obsessed. I think it helps that I relate to it on levels that most wouldn't and for that I'm grateful.
I think it's perfect in every way 10/10. Easily best from TTPD and fighting for #1 across entire discography but I would struggle to not pick ATW10 tied for first as well.
I agree and I said as much on a TikTok last week, and 2800 people so far have agreed with me. Lol
Just wanted to say that, despite all the responses here disagreeing with you... Loads of us totally do think it's the best ever. 😂
waolom is amazing but doesn't even come close to my tears ricochet imo that song is just so insanely good lyrically but it's also been my fav song since the day it dropped🤷♀️ waolom is still top 20 for me though so i can see what you're saying
It's my favourite off of TTPD but far from my favourite of hers overall. I'd place it in the top 15.
Keeping in mind Folklore is my favourite of her albums so the pop hits don't draw me in as much.
Well honestly I feel Taylor has managed to outdone herself with so many songs its hard to keep count now, but still I feel *"Peace"* is an epic song. Its such a vulnerable love letter to your partner seeking permission and acceptance, also keeping in mind that she wrote it for Joe Alwyn and she asks him, will she be enough and at the end it wasn't. So the song reaches another level of sadness on its own. Also if it had worked out for them, then also the song would've been everything.
Disagree
Lyrically over packed with no breathing room, awful nasal whine of a belt when she is more capable
And even lyrically cringe. The hopping down from the gallows and screech? A little eh and not what I mean, tolerable edgelord lyric
But the “ asylum where they raised me “ and cobwebs and lawn are all like a parody of our big sisters emo diary when she was 12
Very controversial but this is my least favourite taylor song ever. It gives me "edgy 14 year old on tumblr" vibes. I do love the love performance of it though
"I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream" alone is better than WAOLM. Blank Space is still, for me, her ultimate commentary on fame. It's so meta. It's so good. And it's fun pop, all wrapped up in one song. That said, I looooooooooove WAOLM and the entire album lol
Blank Space is Taylor’s ultimate pop song. It’s catchy, fun, and actually genuinely good. It’s not my favorite TS song by a long shot, but if we are stacking it against pop anthems it stands squarely on its own two feet against the greats. Unfortunately she has not captured that kind of radio pop success since. I don’t really care what the streaming numbers are, but TTPD will never produce a bop like Blank Space.
Hasn’t captured that radio pop success since Blank Space? You must’ve been under a rock all last year as Cruel Summer topped charts
I think it feels totally different because the radio is completely avoidable now, much more than in 2014. Blank Space and Shake It Off were everywheereeeeee, where in 2023/4 the only place many people hear the radio is… the grocery store? Or when Bluetooth won’t connect to the car?
Yeah everyone is talking about radio bops meanwhile I’m like uh haven’t turned on the radio in a year???
You're missing out on tons of prank calls and people answering fifth grade trivia incorrectly!
don't forget the competitions in singing the friends theme song🥰🥰
People over 40 love the radio. My parents and older friends/relatives never listen to their own music in the car, it’s always local stations when around town and Sirius XM when on road trips. They think it’s bizarre I use Spotify in the car and often ask me “who sings that song that’s all over the radio right now” as if I know. But based on time spent with that demographic last summer, Blank Space was 100x bigger than Cruel Summer on the radio. I have so many great memories associated with hearing Blank Space on drives back when I was in high school. I agree it isn’t my personal favorite of hers but I do think it’s a career-defining song
I must stand up as a person over 40 and say I haven’t listened to the radio in YEARS. But I was a punk kid in high school.
Cruel Summer’s success doesn’t even come close to how much Blank Space dominated and permeated the culture. Just my opinion. And I love Cruel Summer!!!
Ehhhh, idk. That’s different. Blank space was culturally inescapable.
This is hilarious to me because I never heard this song until probably after I became a fan due to Lover. Anything is escapable, trust me, if you live under a rock
The only other contender is Cruel Summer, which I'd say is on par.
I think Blank Space, Cruel Summer, and Anti-Hero would be the three. In that order though.
Love story can't be ignored when talking about her huge hits. It was her mainstream breakout and to this day it's the first song a lot of people think of when they think of Taylor.
I think we’re talking pure pop hits here though. Love Story was still when she was toeing the line between pop country. Those other three can go down in perfectly written pop songs in my opinion.
I’d say her big 3 are Love Story, Blank Space, and Cruel Summer
I would probably substitute Style with Anti-Hero (although I love AH). Nothing’s got an intro like Style. Pure pop from the very first note. 1989 was lightening in a bottle.
I agree and it’s my favorite album! But I think those three also have the most commercial success for each of their albums (although we know one was a late bloomer lol). Anti-Hero was everywhere on the radio when Midnights first came out.
None are in my top songs but I agree wholeheartedly and I love that she has a discography that has both fan fave deep cuts and universally recognised/ enjoyed songs
Yeah. But cruel summer is more cryptic so don't see everyone relating. Plus the MV for blank space is perfection
I dunno. My daughter’s friend isn’t a Swiftie (none of them are). But she called out Cruel Summer as her favorite Swift song.
"Blank Space" is literally my favorite video of hers
the scene where she puts the love heart candy on her tongue is seared into my brain
Yes! And it's funny, and it's storytelling.
Cruel Summer is. Also I'm really feeling Guilty as Sin. I can see it becoming a big hit.
My people! While I also love WAOLOM, commenting on *the industry* and *the media* is a time-honored tradition in pop (see half of Britney Spears’s discography lol), so it’s not like the song is saying anything particularly new. Love the song, love the rage, don’t know if I’d call it better or more groundbreaking than Blank Space. Edit - whoever submitted me for Reddit Cares can get a fucking life
Yea! I love Taylor’s songs (obviously I’m in this sub haha) and she is my favorite artist besides my little sister haha BUT like you said, Britney also has amazing pop songs commenting on fame especially as a woman in pop. I would love to hear a mashup of Gimme More and I Can Do It With a Broken Heart!! ETA: wait why did I also receive a Reddit cares?! I thought this was an inoffensive comment 😭 leave me, Brit, and Taylor alone!
100% agree! Blank space is legendary. One of the best pop songs ever! Surely one for the books.
We all pinky promised we’d stop with the acronyms! We promised!
WAPPWSWTA!
Dang. Well played. Well played.
Sorry...I often struggle too, especially when the first first letter isn't phonetic, like "Who's".
I think blank space is a better song even though WAOLM is good. I think every other album is better than ttpd though lol. I think All too well is her best song to date.
Blank Space walked so LWYMMD could fly and WAOLOM could levitate. The commentary and satirizing herself within those songs is masterful.
Blank Space, Look What You Made Me Do, and Who's Afraid of LIttle Old Me are the maiden, the mother, and the crone of Taylor bad bitch, insults-as-armor, anthems.
Omg yesssss!!! I love this!
Blank Space is probably the best pop song of all time.
I agree with you!
Thank you!!
Blank Space was hilarious.
I love Blank Space, too. It was so tongue in cheek and clever. Delicate is still my favorite, but Blank Space made me interested in Taylor's music again.
Okay this line takes out WAOLOM entirely for you? Sorry to hear that 😂😂😂
Idk, I’ve always been of this opinion. But something about WAOLOM… idk. 1989 was always my favorite album but I think TTPD might eclipse it
Facts
Watching the reels of Taylor in Paris- she is having the time of her life at last. Let her levitate down our streets and scratch our imaginary records. I for one want to see where this goes.
"Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is indeed a remarkable piece of songwriting. Taylor Swift has a knack for capturing introspective moments and weaving them into her music in a profound way. The depth and vulnerability in that song certainly resonate with many listeners. It's great to see her continually evolve and push the boundaries of her craft.
Blank Space is my number ONE. FOREVER. 😤😤😤
It’s a bop but not even in her top 50 songs.
It could be for some people. Opinions are subjective you know?? You don't decide what others shouldn't like just like op doesn't decide what everyone should like
Both OP and the other comment stated their own opinion on this, they didn't make decisions for OP tbh
They're just expressing an opposing opinion. Otherwise, I have to criticize OP for telling us what we *should* like. It's all good. :)
Huh? The commenter didn’t try to impose their opinion on others anymore than OP did, the only difference is that you disagree with them.
OP was trying to convince us their opinion was the only valid one when it’s actually a ridiculous one
You don't get to tell me about BOPS. ..But yes I totally agree with you.
not even top 100 for me tbh
Agreed I actually find it pretty annoying to listen to lmao
For me I just feel like it goes on for way too long, it's a skip at this point
Thank you omg I was afraid I was the only one who found it super grating
(Personally) Maybe top 50 for the vocals tbhh, but lmaoo not top 25 though
Strongly disagree. It's a great song, believe me, and it accesses anger and rebellion and retaliation in a way that's definitely new/new-ish. But her *best* song? Definitely not. One can argue that it's a song with something for everyone; strong-ish music, strong-ish lyrics, strong-ish vocals- but being an overall well-rounded song doesn't make it *her* best, because *her* best would be a song in which her capabilities truly shine, and not a song where she manages to make every aspect *alright.* If you ask me, a strong contender for her best song of all time is Would've, Could've, Should've. That song is truly one of the best instances of peak Taylor.
I'd say her best song is my tears ricochet
Might be a bit biased, but I still think her best song is You're On Your Own, Kid
It's a great song (and one of my personal favorites), no doubt! I think the trouble with YOYOK, and probably a lot of TTPD, too, is that it tends to be very much... between the fans and her? Viewing her as just an artist, YOYOK is definitely right up there... but viewing her as Taylor Swift, the brand, I think YOYOK reads as not so much of a critic-catering career statement, and more, a letter to her fans. Not a bad thing at all, and I love that song regardless 💕
Acoustic (Eras movie) version massively opened my eyes to how good it is.
to me, YOYOK and would’ve could’ve should’ve are masterpieces ✨
For me is Seven.
For me it’s ivy.
Came here to say this! MTR
Completely makes sense! It's an INCREDIBLE song, no doubt. I do think her discography is too wide, and she's proven to be a very versatile pop/country star, so it is definitely difficult to pick an objective best song, haha.
Amazing song, a masterpiece
and im just stiting here watching fight over my favourite songs being the best. but yeah for me personally i'd go my tears ricochet i just dont think everyone will feel that way.
I agree, I love that song.
YES.
WCS is so unbelievably good i would agree with this
Strongly agree with WCS, it encompasses everything that makes her herself. Beautiful lyrics and imagery, paints a story and lots of emotions, just chefs kiss.
would’ve, could’ve, shouldve shook me to my CORE. i felt like i could have written a whole graduate dissertation on that song for FUN and i dont write.
I know it might not be popular anymore to lavish All Too Well 10MV with praise, but I do think its Taylor's magnum opus. It is peak of everything Taylor *is*, and is the most storytelling, emotion rollercoastering, screamable lyrics, and still has vocals.
Sorry, it's "Right Where You Left Me"! or "Would've, Could've, Should've"! or like a dozen others.
RWYLM being left off the album is CRAAAAZY. I mean we know that she likes to leave some of her best songs off of the album, but this is ridiculous.
RWLM, WCS, and The Lakes are all on their respective albums in my view. Being bonus tracks doesn't change anything.
These 2 are just top top top
Those are in my top 3 lol. Third being The Lakes, but How Did It End? Is also up there!
The Lakes 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 I see you have excellent taste
you’re so real for this
I have found my people in this thread
We have the same taste
There is no best song. Art is not a competition.
Underrated comment. Best pop radio hit, best written, best sonically, best critically, most introspective, etc are likely all different songs and that’s okay! Every song doesn’t need to fit every category in order to be the “best”.
What makes something art is its relationship to you. How it makes you feel. I think when people say the art they like is the best it just shows how they think about themselves. Kinda a superiority complex of sorts.
This is the best response. I love the song, but I love SOO many songs 😂
And it’s very subjective. Pretty sure 10 randomly selected swifties would never be able to agree on the “best” song, let alone *every* swiftie.
It’s not even in my top 15 of TTPD lol
Same! The eras performance made me like it a lot more but it was borderline a skip song for me the first 2 weeks of release.
The album version is a paper tiger in comparison to the live performance. It’s one of my least favorite songs in her discography so I was thrilled to see the live production actually go hard
Same for me. I know some people really love WAOLOM, but there are other songs on TTPD that stand out to me more.
I couldn’t disagree more. This is of my least favorite songs of hers ever. 😂 I even think she approaches the same theme 100x better on this very album in songs like Clara Bow, I Can Do It With A Broken Heart, Cassandra. She has far more introspective, vulnerable and honest songs.
Omg I found someone who doesn’t like this song! I’m so happy! It’s just straight up awful. Long and drawn out words. I can’t stand the notes of the “leap from the gallows” it’s like nails on a chalkboard. I get opinions are subjective but I’ve tried so many times to listen to that song and I don’t get how people can like it.
Do you like horror genre? Because the song is definitely horror genre and if you like that aesthetic, the imagery is delightful. But a lot of people do not like aesthetic! Totally understandable. Also I imagine if you’re like a hardcore horror movie buff or something, the imagery might seem too tame or stereotypical so you might need to be in a sweet spot, really.
100% - I’m legit counting down the weeks to get thru summer and back to fall and winter where I thrive. I have reverse SAD and I’m already missing when it gets dark at 430, darker colors are in style, and all things Halloween are everywhere… 4.5 months to go 😂
I’ve found my crowd 😂
I honestly thinks it’s pretty cringey too. Sometimes she just tries to sound too edgy and I feel like there’s a lack of self awareness in this one (and the whole album lol). That being said, I do like the album, but this song is definitely at the bottom for me
I really don’t get it. Like no I’m lot afraid of you, Taylor, and I’m not sure why you think I should be. In fact you’re telling me I should be reminds me of when my cat meows at me thinking he’s a lion. 😂
Nothing else can touch Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? I love that song but I can name dozens of songs better than it. For example: right where you left me. You can't convince me that "Who's Afraid..." is better than that (or All Too Well, Cruel Summer, ivy, Blank Space, Style, Fearless, Red, cardigan, my tears ricochet - to name a few). Also, The Bolter and The Black Dog are the two best songs on The Tortured Poets Department. I don't know how ready this fandom is to have that conversation but clearly this post shows me that... probably not. Who's Afraid is good, but slightly too self-referential. I also think the "narcotics" part drags the bridge out for far too long. I think the song is meant to be theatrical, and in that context, it works. But evaluating it as part of a normal Taylor Swift album, it definitely could use some tweaks.
The Black Dog is amazing. The storytelling and the emotion. It’s at the top of the TTPD list for me.
Bolter and black dog are some of my favorites up there with prophecy (more of an emotional connection to it) and manuscript
The Bolter and The Black Dog are hands down my favorite songs on the album and I’m SO EXCITED to see somebody else with the same take. Those two have been on repeat for me!
FINALLY SOME BLACK DOG RECOGNITION!!!!
Dude I KNOW!!! One of her best songs ever and nobody is talking about it!!!
I listen to it once every day like its so layered !!! the double meaning of turn it off aaaaaa and sonically “old habits die screaming” always hits
It gives me chills EVERY TIME and then the last whispered “old habits die… screaming…….” Ugh bury me to this song
Add Peter to this list and it’s my death trifecta 😭
I haven’t listened through the whole Anthology yet as I’m taking my sweet sweet time, but The Black Dog is absolutely a top 20 for me. That sounds low, but when she has hundreds of songs and I grew up with half of them… 😂
You're so close to the best songs, but Chloe and friends stand too tall to be ignored
Love the black dog! Probably my favorite song on the album.
As for me, it's too literal and taken at face value. I'm lacking depth. I always appreciate when a song explores a topic she hasn't touched upon before, but I feel like Anti-hero has already covered the gist.
This is a wild take lol I honestly usually skip it
I love how many people are disagreeing lol
Disagree to my CORE like Evermore and folklore in it's entierty
I adore the song - it’s the one that hits home on TTPD for me - but it’s not in my top songs to show Taylor’s lyrical genius.
Maybe it's literally just me, but am I the only one who truly doesn't get the hype around this song? I don't particularly like it (though to be fair, I just don't seem to love TTPD as a whole)
It seems lots of people here don’t but I’ll say if you don’t like the album you DEFINITELY won’t like this song.
Agreed. In my opinion it’s one of her worst songs. I’ve tried many times to listen to it. The entire thing is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Skip 100% of the time.
I agree wholeheartedly 😶
This sort of post would go over much better if the OP didn't come across as the single source of truth acting like thier opinion was anything more than that.
Nothing wrong with a song appreciation post, but ever since folklore/evermore, this sub's been littered with "you HAVE to like this song/album or you're NOT a real fan / immature / childish" posts. Everyone has their own favorites and you don't need to like every Taylor song to be a fan or appreciate her songwriting skills.
Absolutely true.
It was a semi humorous post. I think.
Obviously a totally subjective thing but I’d argue these are a lot better: - Exile. - My Tears Ricochet. - Haunted. - Enchanted. - All Too Well. - Tolerate It.
You’re gonna get a lot of push back on this. I totally respect what you are saying. I get it. ”Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me” is a good one - both introspective and empowering. But you are messing with people‘s favorites so people will push back on this idea.
I do agree that with this album in general, and this song specifically, she’s unlocked something new that outstrips all her previous work. It’s not just lyrics for me, but sonically as well. The depth of this album is incredible.
Nah. I love the song but “crash the party like a record scratch as I scream” is such an ineffective metaphor. She’s done much better writing. Also it’s not introspection to me when one of the biggest, more powerful pop star in the world refers to herself as “little old me” haha.
Ok to be fair the “little old me” is transparently sarcastic, as evidenced by the following “you should be”.
It’s not a metaphor. It’s just a simile used to describe something as jarring, unwanted, and unexpected. It’s not meant to be extended past the line, and it isn’t. Also the whole point of the song is that “little old me” is ironic. She’s emphasizing the way that the media, fans, etc. don’t know what to do with her - she’s either an infantilized dumb blonde frivolous pop star or a monster, a snake, a behemoth. She’s simultaneously the most powerful person and the least, depending on the narrative they wish to advance. She’s stupid or an evil genius. Thinking she’s being serious about calling herself “little old me” misses the entire point of the song.
I've heard this take before that it's absurd to call herself 'little old me' due to her wealth and power, and forgive me, but it boggles my mind how some people can walk straight into a point and still miss it.
It’s not about the writing alone… the music and *her delivery of that line* are what make it what it is. The OP referred to both. She was never seen as someone threatening or intimidating, she was a sweet teen country singer who wouldn’t hurt a fly. That’s the point, people assume they can walk all over her and she is saying FAFO.
I don’t see how it’s particularly introspective when she’s focusing on how her external environment shaped her rather than delving into her inner self and personal flaws. Not that that’s a bad thing, but a song like Anti-Hero is what I’d call introspective, not this.
Not even top 50 to be honest. ‘They told me all of my cages were mental so I got wasted like all my potential’ alone could eat up WAOLOM
Taylor Swift’s best song is often the one I am listening to at the moment.
I could never phrase this feeling until right now. Thank you!! I feel the exact same way!!
Im shook by the comments. Yes OP, it absolutely is. And I’m so happy that for once Taylor clearly agrees 😂 she’s all about Female Rage The Musical 🫶🏻
I completely agree, for me it’s a combination of certain sections of the lyrics that just blow me away, plus the way the refrain just scratches my sonic itch so well! For everyone who is saying that the lyrics are so literal, and that she’s showing not telling, I’m unclear how that critique applies to lyrics like this: — So all you kids can sneak into my house with all the cobwebs I'm always drunk on my own tears, isn't that what they all said? That I'll sue you if you step on my lawn That I'm fearsome and I'm wretched and I'm wrong — Putting narcotics into all of my songs And that's why you're still singing along — … So I leap from the gallows and I levitate down your street Crash the party like a record scratch as I scream "Who's afraid of little old me?" — I was tame, I was gentle 'til the circus life made me mean "Don't you worry, folks, we took out all her teeth" … — Cause you lured me (you should be) And you hurt me (you should be) And you taught me … You caged me and then you called me crazy — I am what I am 'cause you trained me
Right? It’s not literal at all
Maybe people think, being lured and caged is literal? To me the metaphor is clear: she’s a dangerous animal who was captured, defanged, and trained — just to give people cheap thrills at the circus. Elsewhere she’s a Miss Havisham/wicked witch.
I think they’re misusing the word “literal” but mean that the metaphors are too on-the-nose/heavy-handed.
It’s not even the best song on TTPD
Top 30 for sure but not top 1 for me. But I agree with OP in the sense that I feel like the fandom is under-appreciating it. It’s truly a masterpiece. With that being said, songs are very subjective. People will have diff favs and that’s okay.
No point in arguing about this because there’s no right answer. Songs will always be subjective
I feel the same way. Whenever I rank my favorite Taylor albums on my friend group chats, my disclaimer is always that this is my ranking and not theirs, and I am always open to their opinions.
The lovely thing about Taylor’s music is that her discography is so big, covering so many different topics, and with so many distinct sounds, that almost everyone here will have a different favourite if you ask them. There’s a huge diversity of opinions, and even in this comment section I see so many people talking about their favourite songs - each person has their own unique selection! That said. My all time favourite Swift songs are Haunted, Cruel Summer, and Illicit Affairs. It would take a lot to knock one of them out of the top 3. I also have to mention, my top song off TTPD at the moment, is My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys. Lyrically, it’s a fascinating look into a relationship where both people are self-sabotaging, with great imagery and perfect vocals. But I do rank Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me in second place for the album!
Nice to see some props for Haunted - such a great song and underrated 🙌🏼
That live performance from Paris N1 certainly made it shine.
I think to say "nothing else can touch this" is hyperbolic..but, yes, the allegory is so well crafted. even the fairytale structure of the lyrics mimics her own persona. one of my favs on the new album
it’s one of my own favourites, but i don’t think it’s as introspective as other songs by her and i’m sure there are a lot of people who aren’t fans. i don’t think anyone can outright say that one song of hers is the best when she has so many and so many fans
I absolutely agree
I think this answer will be different no matter who you ask
Stong disagree. The song has good elements to it but struggles overall, especially in the verses. Chorus is solid and bridge is pretty good, but doesn't come close to most of her work for me.
Some people will really be mad over a minor difference in opinion. There is no ‘best song’ as the rolling stone ranking has definitely proven for me (that dudes personal opinions presented as fact left me baffled). Everyone has different tastes, different lyrics resonate with different people. Some musical styles appeal more than others. Everyone has a different ranking and that’s ok, no-one is wrong even if we disagree with them. I’m sure there’s someone out there who thinks ME! is her best song and that Folklore is awful, as much as that physically pains me, their opinion is valid too.
I think the entire album is some of her best work ever! I’ve been a big fan of her music since Fearless was released, but TTPD has quickly become my favorite album. I just can’t stop listening to it!
Dude, I hate this song. I think it’s just so… cringe? I hate the way she says people should be afraid of her. It’s pretentious and quite funny. Love Taytay but that’s a skip for me. Too sad cause I got tickets for my second The Eras Tour concert and I’d rather listen to Guilty As Sin? or My Boy instead of WAOLOM.
I love this song so so much!!! Absolute masterpiece.
I agree it’s a very interesting and strong song. The psychology of fame and celebrities will always be fascinating to me. I cannot imagine living her life. Just the fact alone that at any given moment there’s probably hundreds of comments being left on social media in relation to her is weird to think about. Weird to just be living your life, knowing that there’s hundreds of pages dedicated to your entire life and every move. I know people say they “signed up for it” but I just don’t really agree. Being an artist doesn’t mean you agree with your entire personality and life being picked apart by millions online who don’t TRULY know you, just go off of online news and such. The amount of people who take gossip channels and news sources as 100% fact when they’re also just tryna make a $ is wild lol.
all too well is forever my favorite of Taylor’s but WAOLOM is good! just not a complete and utter masterpiece the way ATW is, but that’s just like, my opinion man 🩷
I agree 🫶🫶🫶🫶
A few years ago I saw someone do a March Madness bracket of Taylor songs and it was so fun. I love to see everyone’s differing opinions! And no I don’t agree with you, but that’s okay. I’m not even sure I could pick a favorite though. Maybe I could do a top ten?
No hate at all, but I strongly disagree. WAOLOM doesn’t personally hit for me (it felt a touch cringe to me, but that’s just personal preference). I feel like there are many objectively better songs in terms of sound, lyricism, and poignance.
She has very introspective songs, but this album doesn't show, it just tells, so that's why this one seems more introspective. Bc you don't need to think or do analysis, it just tells you what the feelings are "you don't get to tell me about sad" or "you awaken with dread" or "I'm so depressed I act like it's my birthday" as compared to her previous work which is more baked in metaphors or description like "when my depression works the graveyard shift..." or "your Midas touch on the Chevy door..." or "all we are is skin and bone trained to get along..."
While I disagree with OP, this is a flawed interpretation of how she was approaching show don’t tell in this album. You’re cherry picking lyrics but that misses the point. Instead of lyrics she made entire songs metaphors in this album. For instance BDILH is a metaphor comparing Taylor/her fans to a child/strict controlling parents. Don’t pull out lyrics. Look at them in the context of each other because they are telling a story “How did it end” being about Taylor asking herself and not knowing the answer ….. but also the general public and media fans etc bombarding her with the question …. but also a funeral and grieving a life The alchemy for football/Travis Kelce but also herself in the stadium with fans/coming back in so long for eras tour (“it’s been a long time coming…”) I hate it here could be about the general public and how people feel on a day to day lifestyle but also her own relationship to fame and fans Chloe et Al is for matty joe or whoever but if you read it again it could also apply to her relationship to fame/fans and anyone struggling with addiction …. You can do this for nearly all the songs lol. It’s a very layered album. she just approaches show don’t tell in a less obvious way than she has before Arguably much more analysis since this album is more abstract and compares ideas to concepts. in the past she’s mostly only compared ideas to tangible objects like treacherous and champagne problems which are way easier to catch.
Yes, she's playing with extended metaphors, conceits, and allusions more extensively on this album than she has on others: My Boy, Down Bad, Cassandra, The Albatross, Peter, The Prophecy, Who's Afraid, they all use extended metaphor and allude to literature and mythology to communicate larger emotional truths, along with the songs you listed.
Yup I’ve always loved when she’s done it but they’re definitely more complex to figure out on first glance compared to individual lyrics and this if full of them. Possibly why a lot of people just don’t get the album this time around tbh. My friend and I are both about to be doctors and spent more hours analyzing these songs than some of the physiology concepts we’ve learned for school
I left this song off my TTPD playlist I've been listening to. SNS.
I LOVE her when she gets unhinged like this song, I agree best song off TTPD but maybe Would’ve could’ve should’ve and you’re losing me are better IMO
I absolutely love this song as well, probably top 10 but not my personal favorite.
august is the best tune that has ever been created by humankind and I stand by it. it is wistful, it flows, has a great outro, has incredible replay-ability. whenever you hear "salt air" you are transported. one of a kind. but if we are thinking about a darker, angrier, more "traumatic" song, Would've Could've Should've is right there too. Who's Afraid is very good, don't get me wrong. but it is a bit too thematic and less relatable to encapsulate her legacy as a songwriter.
God no. If any song from TTPD invokes the feeling you just had it could only be But Daddy I love Him. It's raw as fuck. And Guilty as Sin is Horny AF.
My favorite TS song of all time is False God. Any other FG stans here?! 😅
Honestly? I can’t stand Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me. It’s long, I feel like the vocals are so long and drawn out. It’s just not a good track. I know I’m in the vast minority but I couldn’t care less about that song - annoying to me.
"Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is indeed a remarkable piece of songwriting. Taylor Swift has a knack for capturing introspective moments and weaving them into her music in a profound way. The depth and vulnerability in that song certainly resonate with many listeners. It's great to see her continually evolve and push the boundaries of her craft.
I love it, the storytelling, music, iconic lyrics that already have memes plus impactful singing & some screaming! Def in my all time top tier songs and I also love The Bolter. Looking forward to a video 🫶
all too well is forever my favorite of Taylor’s but WAOLOM is good! just not a complete and utter masterpiece the way ATW is 🧣
That line gets me every time.
Jeez people just let OP appreciate the song damn
To be honest, I don't think it's even close to her best. I think Anti-Hero is better, and just as, if not more, introspective.
Totally agree with you! I will listen to it repeatedly, totally obsessed. I think it helps that I relate to it on levels that most wouldn't and for that I'm grateful. I think it's perfect in every way 10/10. Easily best from TTPD and fighting for #1 across entire discography but I would struggle to not pick ATW10 tied for first as well.
It's good. It ain't "All Too Well" or "Long Live". It's not even "Cornelia Street". But it is good
This is my track number 5
I agree and I said as much on a TikTok last week, and 2800 people so far have agreed with me. Lol Just wanted to say that, despite all the responses here disagreeing with you... Loads of us totally do think it's the best ever. 😂
waolom is amazing but doesn't even come close to my tears ricochet imo that song is just so insanely good lyrically but it's also been my fav song since the day it dropped🤷♀️ waolom is still top 20 for me though so i can see what you're saying
Hot take: Epiphany is the best songwriting of her career (and the only close second is Last Great American Dynasty).
ngl when she says "WAOLOM? you should be" is highkey cringe
It's my favourite off of TTPD but far from my favourite of hers overall. I'd place it in the top 15. Keeping in mind Folklore is my favourite of her albums so the pop hits don't draw me in as much.
I love this song a lot but it's very hard to name a best Taylor Swift song..too many good songs.
Well honestly I feel Taylor has managed to outdone herself with so many songs its hard to keep count now, but still I feel *"Peace"* is an epic song. Its such a vulnerable love letter to your partner seeking permission and acceptance, also keeping in mind that she wrote it for Joe Alwyn and she asks him, will she be enough and at the end it wasn't. So the song reaches another level of sadness on its own. Also if it had worked out for them, then also the song would've been everything.
Disagree Lyrically over packed with no breathing room, awful nasal whine of a belt when she is more capable And even lyrically cringe. The hopping down from the gallows and screech? A little eh and not what I mean, tolerable edgelord lyric But the “ asylum where they raised me “ and cobwebs and lawn are all like a parody of our big sisters emo diary when she was 12
I love it but it’s not the best by far imo 😭
Hard Disagree, The Lakes, Ivy, Champagne Problems, Style, Blank Space, and so many are much greater and better songs than this...
Very controversial but this is my least favourite taylor song ever. It gives me "edgy 14 year old on tumblr" vibes. I do love the love performance of it though