Taylor Swift Upgrades Lyrics in New Version of ‘Better Than Revenge’
As the highly anticipated release of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” approached, the fervor among Taylor Swift fans and observers centered around a particular line in the song “Better Than Revenge” that many felt needed an update. The speculation turned out to be true as Swift indeed chose to rewrite the controversial lyric for the 2023 re-recording.
For over a decade, the line that had garnered attention read: “She’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress.” In the new version, the lyric has been transformed to: “He was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches.”
The substitution of “matches” for “mattress” may not be a perfect rhyme, but it aligns better with Swift’s current stance on feminism, emphasizing that a woman’s dating life should not be a subject of judgment. This alteration reflects Swift’s growth as an artist and an advocate for women’s empowerment.
While Swift had kept silent about any changes to the song leading up to the release, the revised lyric sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some lamented the modification, while others welcomed the progressive update, acknowledging the need for a more inclusive and respectful narrative in her music.
The debate surrounding the revised lyric intensified in the weeks before the release, with fans and critics weighing in on whether the original version should be preserved for its historical significance or updated to align with contemporary values.
Despite differing opinions, the confirmation of the altered lyric spread rapidly as a few lucky fans received early copies of “Speak Now” and shared images of the lyric sheet on social media. The immediate reaction from Swifties showcased a divided response, with some expressing disappointment and others embracing the change.
Rolling Stone essayist Larisha Paul offered a dissenting view, arguing that altering the lyric would compromise the authenticity of the original recording and Swift’s artistic vision. Paul advocated for preserving the song as a pivotal moment in Swift’s evolution as a feminist artist.
Swift included a prologue in the packaging of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” but did not address the changes to “Better Than Revenge” explicitly. The singer refrained from discussing the re-recording in interviews, letting the music speak for itself as part of her ongoing project to reclaim ownership of her early catalog.
The decision to update the contentious lyric in “Better Than Revenge” mirrors similar actions taken by artists who have revised insensitive or problematic lines in their songs. The evolution of musical content reflects a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives.
Through the “Taylor’s Versions” of her discography, Swift continues to redefine her artistic legacy, addressing past controversies and evolving her body of work to reflect her current values and beliefs.
The reaction from fans to the lyric change in “Better Than Revenge” ranged from humor to introspection, highlighting the complex emotions associated with revisiting a beloved track with updated lyrics.
As Swift navigates the process of re-recording her back catalog, the evolution of her music serves as a testament to her growth as an artist and cultural influencer. Each new version provides insight into her journey as a songwriter and a reflection of the changing social landscape.
