Mean
Taylor Swift (泰勒絲) Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You, with your words like knives
And swords and weapons that you use against me
You, have knocked me off my feet again,
Got me feeling like a nothing
You, with your voice like nails
On a chalk board, calling me out when I'm wounded
You, picking on the weaker man
You can take me down
With just one single blow
But you don't know what you don't know

Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down,
Try to block you out 'cause I never impress you
I just want to feel okay again

I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold but the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know what you don't know

Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody's listening, washed up and ranting
About the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic
And alone in life and mean, and mean, and mean, and mean

But someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Yeah someday I'll be big enough
So you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so (mean)
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
(Why you gotta be so mean)

And all you're ever gonna be is mean
(Why you gotta be so mean)
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
(Why you gotta be so mean)




And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

Overall Meaning

In Taylor Swift's song "Mean," she addresses a bully who uses their words as weapons against her. Swift describes how this bully makes her feel insignificant and small with their constant criticism and insults. The lyrics are a response to this hurtful behavior, and Swift doesn't hold back in calling out the bully for their actions. She reminds them that they don't know everything about her and that they can't take her down with just one blow. Swift also expresses a hopeful outlook for the future, where she imagines herself living in a big city and the bully reduced to just being "mean."


The song is a powerful message that resonates with anyone who's ever been bullied or made to feel small. It's a call to stand up to those who seek to tear us down and to find the strength within ourselves to rise above their hurtful words. The lyrics also reflect the importance of compassion and empathy, and the reminder that we never know what someone else may be going through.


Line by Line Meaning

You, with your words like knives
You have a way of speaking that is both cutting and hurtful


And swords and weapons that you use against me
Your words and actions towards me are like weapons that you use to attack and hurt me


You, have knocked me off my feet again,
Your words or actions have hurt me deeply, leaving me feeling powerless


Got me feeling like a nothing
Your behavior towards me has made me feel completely worthless


You, with your voice like nails
The sound of your voice is like unpleasant nails on a chalkboard


On a chalk board, calling me out when I'm wounded
You are quick to criticize and attack me, even when I am vulnerable and hurting


You, picking on the weaker man
Instead of facing someone who is your equal, you choose to bully someone who is weaker than you


You can take me down
You have the power to hurt and destroy me


With just one single blow
You can do this with just one hurtful remark or action


But you don't know what you don't know
You are not aware of the inner struggles and pain that I am going through


Someday I'll be living in a big old city
In the future, I will have moved on to bigger and better things


And all you're ever gonna be is mean
You will always be stuck in the same negative and hurtful mindset


Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
I will have grown stronger and more resilient, making it impossible for you to hurt me


And all you're ever gonna be is mean
No matter how much you try to hurt me, you will never be able to bring me down


Why you gotta be so mean?
Why do you feel the need to constantly hurt and attack others?


You, with your switching sides
You have a tendency to change your allegiances and loyalties depending on what's convenient for you


And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You are known for spreading rumors and lies about others, often with the intention of humiliating them


You have pointed out my flaws again
You are quick to criticize and judge me, always pointing out my weaknesses and mistakes


As if I don't already see them
I am well aware of my own flaws and shortcomings and do not need you to constantly bring them up


I walk with my head down,
I am constantly on guard and trying to shield myself from your hurtful remarks and actions


Try to block you out 'cause I never impress you
I am always trying to avoid your harsh criticism and disapproval, but no matter what I do, I never seem to impress you


I just want to feel okay again
All I want is for you to stop hurting me and let me live my life without fear or insecurity


I bet you got pushed around
I suspect that you have been a victim of bullying or mistreatment in your own life


Somebody made you cold but the cycle ends right now
I understand that you may have your own struggles and pain, but I refuse to let your hurtful behavior continue any longer


'Cause you can't lead me down that road
I am taking control of my own life and refuse to let your negativity and meanness dictate my choices or actions


And you don't know what you don't know
You may not be aware of the harm you are causing to others or the true nature of your own pain and struggles


And I can see you years from now in a bar
Even in the future, I predict that you will still be stuck in the same negative patterns and behaviors


Talking over a football game
You will likely continue to engage in trivial conversations and activities, distracting yourself from the true issues and pain in your life


With that same big loud opinion
You will continue to speak loudly and assertively, even if you do not have all the facts or knowledge to back up your opinions


But nobody's listening, washed up and ranting
Despite your attempts to dominate conversations and attention, no one will be interested in listening to your negativity and bitterness


About the same old bitter things
Your focus and attitude will remain unchanged, dwelling on the same negative and hurtful topics that have plagued you for years


Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
You will continue to attack and criticize others, even resorting to petty and irrelevant jabs in order to make yourself feel better


But all you are is mean
Despite your attempts to project strength and confidence, your true nature is one of meanness and negativity


All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic
Your actions and words towards others are nothing but cruel and dishonest, revealing a deep insecurity and weakness in yourself


And alone in life and mean, and mean, and mean, and mean
Your negative behavior has driven away those around you, leaving you isolated and alone


But someday I'll be living in a big old city
Despite the hurt you have caused me, I will continue to pursue my dreams and goals, moving forward with my life


And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Your negativity and hurtful behavior will only hold you back in life, limiting your potential and happiness


Yeah someday I'll be big enough
One day, I will have grown strong enough to stand up to you and reject your meanness and negativity


So you can't hit me
I will no longer allow you to hurt me or dictate my emotions and actions


And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Your meanness will never truly bring you happiness or fulfillment in life


Why you gotta be so (mean)
I will never understand why you feel the need to constantly attack and hurt others


Someday I'll be living in a big old city
Despite the difficulties and challenges I may face, I will continue to strive for success and happiness


And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Your negativity and meanness will continue to hold you back, limiting your potential and happiness in life


Why you gotta be so mean?
I will never understand why you feel the need to constantly attack and hurt others




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TAYLOR SWIFT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@regithaapricia

You, with your words like knives
And swords and weapons that you use against me
You, have knocked me off my feet again,
Got me feeling like a nothing
You, with your voice like nails
On a chalk board, calling me out when I'm wounded
You, picking on the weaker man
You can take me down
With just one single blow
But you don't know what you don't know
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down,
Try to block you out 'cause I never impress you
I just want to feel okay again
I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold but the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know what you don't know
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody's listening, washed up and ranting
About the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic
And alone in life and mean, and mean, and mean, and mean
But someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Yeah someday I'll be big enough
So you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so (mean)
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
(Why you gotta be so mean)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
(Why you gotta be so mean)
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
(Why you gotta be so mean)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?



@Rand0m_user.

Mine!
Debut: Our song
Fearless:fearless
Speak now: Mean
Red: 22
1989(tv): is it over now(Taylor’s version) (from the vault)
Reputation: Getaway car
Lover: Miss Americana
Folklore:August
Evermore:champagne problems
Midnights: bejeweled



@samriddhisahu5861

Lyrics for u :
You, with your words like knives
And swords and weapons that you use against me
You, have knocked me off my feet again,
Got me feeling like a nothing
You, with your voice like nails
On a chalk board, calling me out when I'm wounded
You, picking on the weaker man

You can take me down
With just one single blow
But you don't know what you don't know

Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down,
Try to block you out 'cause I never impress you
I just want to feel okay again

I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold but the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know what you don't know

Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody's listening, washed up and ranting
About the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic
And alone in life and mean, and mean, and mean, and mean

But someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Yeah someday I'll be big enough
So you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so (mean)
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
(Why you gotta be so mean)

And all you're ever gonna be is mean
(Why you gotta be so mean)
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
(Why you gotta be so mean)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

Enjoy.......😊😊



@htutkhaung3664

our goals
1. Shake It Off=3.1 billion views
2. Blank Space=3 billion views
3. Bad Blood=1.6 billion view
4. Look What You make me Do=1.5 billion views
5. You Belong With Me=1.2 billion views
6. Wildest dreams=800 million views
7. We are ever never getting back together=700 million views
8. I knew you were trouble=600 million views
9. Me!=400 million views
10. You need to calm down=300 million views
11. Lover=200 million views
12. The man=100 million views
13. Cardigan=100 million views
14. Willow = 130 million views
15. Exile(lyrics video) = 75 million views
Keep streaming swifties



@dianaspence

Mean lyrics:
You, with your words like knives
And swords and weapons that you use against me
You, have knocked me off my feet again,
Got me feeling like a nothing
You, with your voice like nails
On a chalk board, calling me out when I'm wounded
You, picking on the weaker man
You can take me down
With just one single blow
But you don't know what you don't know
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down,
Try to block you out 'cause I never impress you
I just want to feel okay again
I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold but the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know what you don't know
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody's listening, washed up and ranting
About the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic
And alone in life and mean, and mean, and mean, and mean
But someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Yeah someday I'll be big enough
So you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so (mean)
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
(Why you gotta be so mean)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
(Why you gotta be so mean)
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
(Why you gotta be so mean)
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?



All comments from YouTube:

@goosebabyj

The fact that Taylor said that if she wasn’t a singer she’d want to be an English teacher makes so much sense because she’s such a great storyteller like honestly

@hopper6094

Imagine she was our English teacher

@goosebabyj

@@hopper6094 I had an art teacher in high school that was scouted by some big art company in NYC but she turned the job down because she just loved teaching so much. I feel like Taylor would’ve been that kind of teacher.

@munlager

imagine how many other english teachers are out there who could be singers/songwriters just as amazing as taylor

@sakshi8302

I 've got a word for her storytelling skills: raconteur ✨

@binoleg9774

It’s the way I needed to look words up in a dictionary in evermore

78 More Replies...

@bronoovian6070

"Pointing out my flaws again as if I don't already see them"

Felt that

@beareny4810

Agree

@manjulaphanee

You ok bro

@beareny4810

@@manjulaphanee nope

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