Anti-Hero
Taylor Swift Lyrics
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I have this thing where I get older, but just never wiser
Midnights become my afternoons
When my depression works the graveyard shift, all of the people
I've ghosted stand there in the room
I should not be left to my own devices
They come with prices and vices
I end up in crisis
(Tale as old as time)
I wake up screaming from dreaming
One day, I'll watch as you're leaving
'Cause you got tired of my scheming
(For the last time)
It's me, hi
I'm the problem, it's me
At teatime, everybody agrees
I'll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
Sometimes, I feel like everybody is an art bro lately
And I just judge them on a hill
Too hurt to hang out, talking shit about your famous baby
Pierced through the heart of 90's guilt
Maybe, I'm the problem, it's me
Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism
Like some kind of congressman?
(Taylor, you'll be fine)
I wake up screaming from dreaming
One day, I'll watch as you're leaving
And life will lose all its meaning
(For the last time)
It's me (me), hi (hi)
I'm the problem, it's me (I'm the problem, it's me)
At teatime (teatime), everybody agrees
I'll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
I have this dream my daughter-in-law kills me for the money
She thinks I left them in the will
The family gathers 'round and reads it and then someone screams out
"She's laughing up at us from Hell"
I'm the problem, it's me
(Taylor)
I'm the problem, it's me
It's me, hi (hi)
I'm the problem, it's me (I'm the problem, it's me)
At teatime (teatime), everybody agrees (everybody agrees)
I'll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
Always rooting for the anti-hero
In "Anti-Hero," Taylor Swift delves into her struggles with mental health and the pressure to maintain her public persona. The first verse describes her feelings of stagnation as she ages, unable to gain wisdom with her years. She also expresses her struggles with depression, which can make her feel like the only time she can function is in the middle of the night. This leads to her acknowledging the harm she has caused to others by ghosting them, as they all stand around in a stark room.
In the chorus, Swift admits that the problems she faces are largely of her own making. She describes how she and others can see her faults, but she doesn't want to address them, preferring to look away or focus on others' perceived flaws. Echoing the theme of antiheroes in media, Swift notes how exhausting this persona and attitude can be, to always be rooting for the "bad guy" in the narrative.
The second verse shows the extent of Swift's personal struggles, describing herself as feeling monstrous and unwelcome amongst others who are "sexy babies." She further laments how even her altruism is tainted with narcissistic pride. The lines about the daughter-in-law killing her for her money may reference a Shakespearean tragedy, adding to the sense of despair and fatalism in the song.
Overall, "Anti-Hero" is a candid look at Swift's inner demons and how the perception of her public image can often clash with her true self.
Line by Line Meaning
I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser
Despite aging, I am unable to gain wisdom.
Midnights become my afternoons
I find myself experiencing depression at all hours of the day.
When my depression works the graveyard shift
My depression becomes even more severe at night.
All of the people I've ghosted stand there in the room
My past actions of cutting off people from my life haunts me.
I should not be left to my own devices
I am aware of my tendency to make bad choices when alone.
They come with prices and vices
My bad choices come with consequences and negative habits.
I end up in crisis (tale as old as time)
I constantly find myself in difficult situations, which is not new to me.
I wake up screaming from dreaming
My nightmares are so intense that they affect me even after waking up.
One day I'll watch as you're leaving
I'm aware that my past actions will eventually push people away from me.
'Cause you got tired of my scheming (for the last time)
I know that my manipulative behaviors will not be tolerated forever.
It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me
I am aware that I am the source of my own problems.
At tea time, everybody agrees
Even in casual settings, it's known that I am the issue.
I'll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror
I avoid looking at myself and recognizing my faults and reasons for my behavior.
It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero
It is tiring to always act as the opposite of what is expected, contrary to conventional characters.
Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby
At times, I feel like everyone else is innocent yest attractive, except for me.
And I'm a monster on the hill
I feel like an outcast or someone who does not belong in society.
Too big to hang out, slowly lurching toward your favorite city
I feel like I am unable to fit in with people and cannot change that fact.
Pierced through the heart, but never killed
I have been hurt numerous times, but still remain protected and resilient.
Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism
I alter my behavior to appear magnanimous, but it may be superficial.
Like some kind of congressman? (tale as old as time)
Politicains are known for similar behavior, despite its ethical implications.
And life will lose all its meaning (for the last time)
My manipulative behavior will eventually make me lose any true meaning or relationships in life.
I have this dream my daughter in-law kills me for the money
I have irrational fears about being murdered for my wealth.
She thinks I left them in the will
The imagined cause of my potential murder is based on a misunderstanding.
The family gathers 'round and reads it and then someone screams out
Rather than a peaceful resolution, a drastic and violent one is played out in my imagination.
'She's laughing up at us from hell'
My death would result in others being haunted and terrorized by me, even after passing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jack Michael Antonoff, Taylor Alison Swift
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@polyester8844
It's so crystal clear how this song's so personal and heartfelt that it could resonate with anyone who's struggling with occasional or frequent moments of self-loathe
@djjejr9635
@@tayluvofficial You are very attentive to Taylor, hahaha ,but What affects this being the album of the year?
@ariiii06
@@tayluvofficial 😂😂❤
@kyrie833
@@tayluvofficial then why are u here? 😂
@simon8913
@@tayluvofficial lol why u here🤪
@sashimiakali
So truee.
@sutirthajhuri7563
She was never fatphobic. The society and media body-shamed her, and she was just representing how they bullied her for gaining weight. I feel so bad that she had to remove that scene, because of all the people backlashing at her for absolutely no reason. She got the rights to address her bullies and all the body shaming she got all over the years. It really isnt fair. We love you Taylor, and we always with you.
@I_BB
"The society and media". You're talking about the same left-wing extremist mob that Taylor is part of. No sympathy for cowards and hypocrites like her.
@Misticaraissa
I think it's the opposite. People think she looks better now than ever. She looks healphy, hot, beautiful not that skinny.
@Cent51
She needed a back bone, but she allowed the mob to control her music, she bent the knee.