Taylor Swift Revises Controversial Lyrics in Re-Release of “Speak Now”
Pop superstar Taylor Swift has taken the opportunity to amend a controversial lyric in her re-release of the album “Speak Now.” The song in question, “Better Than Revenge,” originally contained lyrics that targeted a specific individual. However, in light of changing times and the artist’s personal growth, Swift decided to revise the lines.
The original lyrics from the 2010 version of the song were as follows: “She’s not a saint and she’s not what you think/ She’s an actress/ She’s better known for the things that she does/ On the mattress.” These lines have now been altered to “He was a moth to the flame/ She was holding the matches.”
Rumors circulated at the time of the song’s release, suggesting that it was about Swift’s ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas’ new girlfriend, actress Camilla Belle. While the lyrics were not a significant point of controversy back then, they have since been criticized in light of evolving societal standards. In a 2014 interview with The Guardian, Swift expressed regret for the original lyric.
According to Swift, she was only 18 years old when she wrote the song and believed someone could actually steal her boyfriend. However, she has since learned that no one can take someone away from you if they don’t want to leave. This reflection on her personal growth led to the revision of the controversial lyrics.
It is not the first time that Swift has made adjustments to her music after its release. In October 2022, she edited the music video for her song “Anti-Hero,” removing the word “FAT” from a scene depicting one of her nightmares. Swift’s willingness to evolve and take responsibility for her art demonstrates her commitment to growth and inclusivity.
Currently, Taylor Swift is still touring the United States as part of “The Eras Tour.” The tour will soon expand to include international dates in late August. Additionally, next year, she will embark on a broader tour, featuring Paramore as a special guest during the European leg. Fans have the opportunity to secure tickets for all upcoming tour dates.
With each artistic decision, Taylor Swift continues to show her dedication to self-improvement and inclusivity. Revising controversial lyrics is just one example of how she uses her platform to evolve and reflect the changing times.