As Taylor Swift drops her highly anticipated album Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), fans can't stop talking about the revised lyrics in her hit song, 'Better Than Revenge.'
Swifties had speculated that the pop star might change a line in the song that had not aged well since its initial release in 2010. As it turns out, they were right.
In the original version of the song, a controversial line went: "She’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress." Now, in the 2023 re-release, the line has been altered to: "He was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches."
While "matches" may not rhyme as perfectly with "She's an actress" as the original "mattress," the new lyric aligns more with Swift's adult perspective and her reputation as a feminist icon.
Fans started to anticipate the change weeks before the official release, sparking intense debate on social media and online think-pieces. The lyric in question had been criticized for being anti-feminist and perpetuating "slut shaming." While some argued that a more mature Swift should present a progressive view of women’s sexuality, others believed the lyric should remain unaltered.
News of the revised lyric spread like wildfire on Thursday afternoon when lucky fans who received early copies of Speak Now shared screenshots of the updated lyric sheet. Social media platforms were filled with a mixed bag of reactions from Swifties, some disheartened over the change, while others lauded Swift for the rework. Despite the divided opinions, the lyric change was seen as a natural progression for many Swift fans.
However, this is not the first time Swift has altered a lyric she wrote during her teen years. The original version of 'Picture to Burn', from her 2006 self-titled debut album, included the line, "So go and tell your friends that I’m obsessive and crazy / That’s fine, I’ll tell mine you’re gay, by the way." Later, this was replaced to avoid any suggestion of homophobia.
Swift’s decision to revise 'Better Than Revenge' places her among other performers who have modified disputed lines seen as inappropriate or offensive. Stars like Beyonce, Lizzo, and Elvis Costello have all altered their lyrics, demonstrating a growing trend in the music industry toward sensitivity and respect for all.
Swift has been re-recording her albums to reclaim ownership over her original work, a move that has been largely applauded by her fans. It's clear that Swift isn't shy about making changes where she sees fit, adding another layer of intrigue to her re-releases.
As fans eagerly await more Taylor’s Versions, they can enjoy humorous social media reactions as Swifties grapple with the reality of their beloved sing-along hit getting a lyrical facelift.
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