Day 62: Now Go Stand in the Corner

Ever since I first heard it I've been completely enamored with Taylor Swift's 2010 song Better Than Revenge. Do I think it's the best song Taylor has ever released? No, definitely not. Can I even honestly describe it as a good song? Well...let's just dive in and see.

"Now go stand in the corner and think about what you did"

The starting line of any song is vital, as it sets the tone for how the entire song is framed. Her slightly crackled voice may be unclear upon first listen, but they really do a good job of contextualizing it during the stadium live performance. Here, take a quick gander. 

Let's just not talk about the dancing here.

Ohhh, it's a voicemail! I'd never questioned the decisions behind the intro since it works so well in context, but this makes it that much better. It really clues you in on thesis of the song, which is basically just "You bitch, you're such a slut!" (and not in the playful way).

I have no grand delusions; I know that this song is far from a masterpiece. Even so, I still just can't resist how much fun I have while listening to it. It's just pure emotion articulated exactly the way everyone imagines they could if they really tried. It reminds me of how everyone thinks they would be absolutely viscous and unstoppable in a "real fight".

This song is such a beautiful contradiction, something it shares in common with this blog. If you go by her tone then Taylor has never taken herself more seriously, but there's just no way that's true. Taylor is so hilariously petty and dismissive in some of these lines and I really have a hard time believing she doesn't know what she's doing. It's not like Blank Space which is clearly satire on how the media sees her, since at the time of Better Than Revenge's release the public perception behind Taylor Swift was very much that she was "America's Sweetheart". No one was accusing her of acting this way so it's difficult to believe that this is 100% satire. But still, just look at this.

"Oh they didn't teach you that in prep school so it's up to me
But no amount of vintage dresses gives you dignity"

"Soon she's gonna find stealing other people's toys 
On the playground won't make you many friends"

"She thinks I'm psycho 'cause I like to rhyme her name with things"

I don't even know how to react to these lines! They're so childish! I'm not sure if Taylor is being annoyingly catty or giving hilarious social commentary, but honestly I don't really care. I get a real kick out of this song and I see no reason to change that.

See you tomorrow,
-C