As the American singer-songwriter released the highly-anticipated “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” on Friday, July 7, many fans quickly noticed the changes in a part of the song “Better Than Revenge.”
Swift announced back in May that she will be releasing her version of “Speak Now” in July. Fans have been waiting for the release of the album and they finally got it.
“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” has become Swift’s third re-released album following the hit “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” and “Red (Taylor’s Version).” Swift’s latest album has included vault tracks to accompany the newly recorded versions of the 14 songs from the 2010 album and the two bonus tracks from that year.
The band Fall Out Boy is featured in “Electric Touch” and Hayley Williams of Paramore became part of “Castles Crumbling.”
One of the songs that became trending online after the release of the album is “Better Than Revenge.” Apart from the excitement of fans in hearing the current version of the song, one of the reasons it became a huge subject of discussion was the changes made in one particular line of the song. This was the part that many have regarded as sexist or slut-shaming.
In 2014, Swift said in an interview with The Guardian that she was only18 when she wrote the iconic song. “That’s the age you are when you think someone can actually take your boyfriend. Then you grow up and realize no one can take someone from you if they don’t want to leave.”
The original version of the song has the lyrics, “She’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress, whoa” However, in the new version, it can be noticed that this line has been changed into “He was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches.”
Just like other songs of Swift, “Better Than Revenge” is one of her iconic songs that many fans really love. The lyric change has caused a major discussion online and fans are divided towards it. Many actually liked the new line with some saying it was better than the original.
the lyric change in better than revenge ate and left no crumbs …
— the story of sol (tv) *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (@soleisdaylight) July 7, 2023
The lyric change in better than revenge is better than the original idc
— This Barbie is a MAStermind (@samisntokay) July 7, 2023
better than revenge (taylor’s version) has the lyrics she wishes she would’ve written all along and i respect the hell out of that. she’s repeatedly told us this is her passion project, she’s doing this for herself – as she should! it’s HER project!! #SpeakNowTaylorsVersion
— swiftie wins 💜 (@swifferwins) July 7, 2023
better than revenge tv is MILES better than og even with the lyric change btw
— Leo | Speak Now TV (@folkmoreoutdid) July 7, 2023
BETTER THAN REVENGE TV!!!!!!?!?!?!?!? NO DAMN WAYYYYY IT SOUNDS BETTER?!??! i will never get over this song!!! the production!!! the new lyric!!! wow!!!!! i’m going FERAL?!?!? #SpeakNowTaylorsVersion pic.twitter.com/Wwtlouwy2D
— zara ⎊ SNTV !! (@foolsdnp) July 7, 2023
In my opinion the better than revenge tv lyric change was necessary… with so many new fans, younger fans especially, listening to these songs for the first time… It is better if they grow up understanding the essence of the song- the dude is a toy, the girls hold the matches
— ash ⁷(Taylor’s Version)💜 (@formytaybtslove) July 7, 2023
I’ll admit it, I prefer better than revenge (taylor’s version) to the original, the production is so good!!!
— carla 🔜 SDCC (@emiliaharcourts) July 7, 2023
There were fans who also said that the lyric change showed Swift’s growth as an artist. “The lyric change in Better Than Revenge truly shows the growth that Taylor has had,” a fan tweeted. “I am forever in awe of this woman.”
On the other hand, other fans said that they still prefer the original version of the song. Some fans say that the lyric change was not bad, but the lyrics from the 2010 version are what they like more.
better than revenge tv is good but i think i prefer original.. not even cuz of the lyric change but her little 20 year old self was soooo petty and u could hear it in her voice i live for it
— peter b. parker’s boyfriend (@rilkesilvas) July 7, 2023
why did she change the lyrics in better than revenge 😭 it's not BAD but i prefer the original
— el 🛰 (@luckyagainangel) July 7, 2023
As much as I love Better than Revenge, I still prefer the original lyrics😔
— Alfred (@allred__) July 7, 2023
okay wait i actually love better than revenge tv but the original lyrics are still better im sorry tay
— jj (@velvtmood) July 7, 2023
i’ll stream better than revenge tv everyday but i’ll still end up singing the original lyric
— anna🌸💕| 14 (@anna_gvf) July 6, 2023
here’s my opinion nobody asked for, I think the new better than revenge lyrics are better from like a writing standpoint but I like the original better lmaooo
— Lindsay 🎨💐 (taylor’s version) (@earthtolindsay) July 7, 2023
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