Jump to content

Mean (song)

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Mean (Taylor Swift song))

For the Pink song, see Funhouse (Pink album).

"Mean"
Cover artwork of "Mean"
Single by Taylor Swift
from the album Speak Now
ReleasedMarch 7, 2011 (2011-03-07)
Genre
Length3:57
LabelBig Machine
Songwriter(s)Taylor Swift
Producer(s)
Taylor Swift singles chronology
"Back to December"
(2010) 		"Mean"
(2011) 		"The Story of Us"
(2011)
Music video
"Mean" on YouTube

"Mean" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Big Machine Records released it to country radio in the United States as the album's third single on March 7, 2011. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Mean" is a six-string banjo-led country and bluegrass track that incorporates fiddle, mandolin, hand claps, and multitracked vocals. In the lyrics, Swift addresses her detractors, recognizes her own shortcomings, and strives to overcome the criticism and achieve success.

Some music critics deemed "Mean" an anti-bullying anthem and praised the production as airy and catchy, while others considered the narrative ineffective. Several media publications have retrospectively listed it as one of the best country songs. "Mean" won Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards, and also received other industry awards and nominations. The track reached the national charts of Australia, Canada, and the United States, peaking at number two on the country-music charts in the latter two countries. It received certifications in Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The music video for "Mean" was directed by Declan Whitebloom, who wrote its treatment with Swift. Featuring themes of self-empowerment and anti-bullying, the video received a mixed response from critics, who generally criticized its viewpoint on bullying as stereotypical and deemed its concept confusing. The video received nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Country Music Association Awards. Swift included "Mean" in the set lists of the Speak Now World Tour (2011–2012) and the Red Tour (2013–2014), and performed it on some dates of her later tours.

Following a 2019 dispute regarding the ownership of her back catalog, Swift re-recorded the song as "Mean (Taylor's Version)" for her third re-recorded album, Speak Now (Taylor's Version) (2023). The track peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Global 200 and reached the national charts of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States.

Background

[edit]

Taylor Swift began working on her third studio album, Speak Now (2010), two years prior to its release.[1] She conceived it as a loose concept album about the things she wanted to tell certain people but never had a chance to.[2] She was inspired by her detractors to write the album's sixth track, "Mean", explaining that although she acknowledged constructive criticism, she was bothered by critics who were "just being mean": "There's a line that you cross when you just start to attack everything about a person."[3][4]

In an interview on 60 Minutes in 2011, Swift said that the particular inspiration came from a critical review by Bob Lefsetz, who chastised her following her performance at the 2010 Grammy Awards. He questioned her vocal ability and thought that she "killed her career overnight" and was "too young and dumb to understand the mistake she made."[5][6] Remarking on Lefsetz, Swift said, "The things that were said about me by this dude, just floored me and like leveled me. I don't have thick skin. I hate reading criticisms. You never really, like, get past things hurting you."[5][7]

Production and release

[edit]

Swift played acoustic guitar on "Mean" and produced it with Nathan Chapman, who additionally played bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin, synthesizer, organ, and Rhodes piano. They provided harmony vocals with Liz Huett and Caitlin Evanson, and handclapping with Mike Meadows and Al Wilson. Other musicians who played instruments for "Mean" include Bryan Sutton (acoustic guitar), Smith Curry (lap steel guitar), Rob Hajacos (fiddle), and Tim Lauer (piano, Hammond B3). Tommy Sims, Tim Marks, and Amos Heller played bass guitar; Grant Mickelson, Paul Sidoti, and Meadows played electric guitar; John Gardner, Shannon Forrest, and Nick Buda played drums; and Eric Darken and Wilson played percussion.[8][4] "Mean" was released for digital download on October 19, 2010, as part of a three-week iTunes promotional countdown for Speak Now.[9] Big Machine Records released the track to country radio in the United States on March 7, 2011, as the third single from the album.[10][11][12]

Music and lyrics

[edit]
"Mean"
A sample of "Mean", featuring a banjo-led country and bluegrass production, hand claps, and multitracked vocals
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Mean" is three minutes and fifty-seven seconds long.[13] Music journalists regarded it as the most country-sounding track on Speak Now[a] and in Swift's discography.[b] The six-string banjo-led bluegrass song incorporates several acoustic instruments associated with country music, such as fiddle and mandolin.[23][16][24] The sparse production features an upbeat arrangement, hand claps, multitracked vocals, and roots music influences.[25][26][27] Writing for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine believed that the country-leaning composition evokes the music of the Dixie Chicks.[28]

The musicologist James E. Perone commented that "Mean" is the only Speak Now track congruent with Swift's self-identity as a country musician, as opposed to the album's dominant mainstream pop and rock styles. Analyzing the song structure, Perone noted the instrumental sliding up a whole step in open fifths at the end of each refrain, and the whole-step slide up from the lowered-seventh scale-step to tonic, which evokes the Mixolydian mode typically found in Anglo-American folk music. According to Perone, the refrain uses a short melodic motive, which creates its catchiness.[23]

The lyrics address the critics who questioned Swift's vocal ability following her live performances in 2009 and 2010.[29][30] During the verses, she accuses them of pointing out the flaws that she is self-aware of, which makes her walk "with [her] head down" and feel "wounded".[23] In the refrain, Swift promises her detractors that she would achieve success to the point that their comments will no longer affect her; she asserts that she will move to a "big old city" one day, which Perone noted as congruent with a recurring theme in Appalachian music of poor people moving to big cities to escape poverty.[31]

Critical reception

[edit]

Music critics praised "Mean" for its airy bluegrass and country production;[c] Mandi Bierly from Entertainment Weekly believed that it rendered Swift's emotions more authentic and emphasized the lyrical narrative.[29] The Village Voice's Theon Weber described the track as "huge, and hugely compassionate, and fearless".[26] Now's Kevin Ritchie and Entertainment Weekly's Seija Rankin picked it as the best Speak Now song,[34][35] and South China Morning Post's Finley Liu considered it one of the album's standout tracks.[36] Several journalists lauded "Mean" for its narrative and deemed it an anti-bullying anthem.[d] Some critics also praised the production as catchy;[e] Billy Dukes from Taste of Country highlighted the "irresistible" hook.[47]

Other critics regarded the narrative of "Mean" as ineffective. Slant Magazine's Jonathan Keefe stated that the song showcased Swift's "lack of self-awareness", criticizing her for focusing on the people who highlighted her vocal issues rather than improving her vocal pitch.[48] Scott Hansen of the Wausau Daily Herald described the track as "counterproductive" and similarly criticized it for "calling out bullies in a way that makes Swift a bully."[43] "Mean" appeared in rankings of Swift's discography by Variety's Chris Willman (13 out of 75),[39] Vulture's Nate Jones (18 out of 245),[33] NME's Hannah Mylrea (28 out of 161),[37] Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield (66 out of 274),[49] and Paste's Jane Song (82 out of 158).[50]

Rolling Stone ranked "Mean" at number 24 on its 2014 list of the "100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time", the highest ranking for a song released in the 21st century.[51] In a 2024 update, the magazine placed the track at number 20 on its revised list of the "200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time".[52] Taste of Country ranked "Mean" as the 15th best country song of the 2010s,[41] and Parade considered it the 50th best country track of all time.[53] The Tennessean included the song in a 2019 unranked list of the 100 best country songs of all time.[54]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In the United States, "Mean" debuted and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 30, 2010, the highest debut of the week. This made Swift the first artist to have the Hot 100's highest chart entry in three consecutive weeks, following the debuts of "Speak Now" and "Back to December".[55][56] The track debuted at number 55 on the Hot Country Songs chart dated November 13, 2010, the highest entry of the week.[57][58] It reached number nine on the week ending May 14, 2011, making Swift the second female artist to have 13 singles reach the top 10 of the chart.[59][60] "Mean" reached its peak position of number two on the Hot Country Songs chart issued for June 25, 2011.[61]

In August 2011, "Mean" became Swift's thirteenth song to sell more than one million copies in the United States—more than any other country music artist in the digital history.[62] By the end of 2011, "Mean" had sold 1.2 million digital copies[63] and reached number 24 on the year-end Hot Country Songs chart.[64] It was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in August 2014.[65] As of November 2017, "Mean" had sold 2.5 million digital copies in the United States, the best-selling Speak Now track.[66]

"Mean" reached number 2 on the Canada Country chart[67] and number 10 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart,[68] receiving a gold certification by Music Canada.[69] It peaked at number 45 on the Australian Singles chart and was certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association.[70][71] "Mean" was certified platinum in New Zealand,[72] gold in Brazil,[73] and silver in the United Kingdom.[74]

Music video

[edit]

Background and release

[edit]

The music video for "Mean" was directed by Declan Whitebloom, who wrote its treatment with Swift.[75] It was filmed within two days at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.[76] Swift wanted to convey the experience of being bullied by showcasing the stories of others rather than her own narrative, allowing a broader audience to connect with its message.[77] Whitebloom characterized the video as sketches that resemble Broadway performances and are influenced by various time periods, ranging from those reminiscent of the vaudeville era to those that recall the 2000 musical film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.[78] The music video, which stars Joey King and Presley Cash, premiered on Country Music Television on May 6, 2011.[75][79] Behind-the-scenes footage of the music video's production aired on Great American Country in July 2011[80] and was included on a Target-exclusive edition of Swift's live video album Speak Now World Tour – Live (2011), released on November 21, 2011.[81][82]

Synopsis

[edit]

The music video begins with Swift playing a banjo in a theater alongside her band, all dressed in vintage-style outfits. The video then shows a young male who is being bullied by football team members for reading a fashion magazine. Swift is seen donning a white 1920s-inspired dress, tied to railroad tracks by an antagonist who mocks her with his friends. A young woman (played by Cash), earning money for college by wearing a costume to promote a fast food restaurant, is shown being bullied by her peers who throw food at her. Another young female (played by King) cannot join a group of girls during lunch because she is wearing a different colored ribbon around her waist and is forced to eat in the school bathroom.[76]

The theater stage transforms into a luxurious nightclub, with Swift wearing a sparkling flapper dress and performing with her band. The video then reveals that the male who was reading a fashion magazine is now a renowned fashion designer, the restaurant employee has become an executive, and the female with the unique-colored ribbon is the only audience member in the theater, watching and applauding as Swift finishes her performance.[76]

Reception

[edit]

The music video was met with a mixed response from critics,[46] who generally criticized Swift's perspective on bullying.[83][84][85] Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly deemed its narrative confusing and criticized her for likening a professional critic's review to bullying someone for being different.[32] Donna Kaufman of iVillage described the video's characters as "shallow stereotypes" and commented that Swift "doesn't seem at all vulnerable": "[Her] smirking to the camera about how successful she is, and how much of a loser her imaginary bully is, seems a bit like gloating."[46] In a more positive review, Ashley Lasimone of Taste of Country praised the video's vintage-style aesthetic for complementing its artistic direction.[45] The video's themes of self-empowerment and anti-bullying also received positive feedback within the LGBTQ community, specifically for the part where the young male character becomes a famous fashion designer and is seen presenting a runway fashion show with his designs of women's clothing.[31][86]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

"Mean" won Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards,[87] and Choice Country Song at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards.[88] The Nashville Songwriters Association International included the track among its 2011 list of "Songs I Wish I'd Written", voted by the organization's songwriter members.[89] At the 2012 BMI Country Awards, "Mean" was one of the 50 award-winning songs and helped its publisher, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, earn the award for Publisher of the Year.[90] It was nominated for Female Single of the Year at the 2011 American Country Awards,[91] and Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year at the 2011 Country Music Association Awards.[92] The music video was also nominated for Best Video with a Message at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards[93] and Video of the Year at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards.[94]

Live performances

[edit]
Swift playing a banjo
Swift performing "Mean" at the Speak Now World Tour

Swift performed "Mean" for the first time as part of NBC's 2010 Thanksgiving television special, which premiered on November 25, 2010.[95] She sang it at the 46th Academy of Country Music Awards in April 2011,[96] and on The Ellen DeGeneres Show the next month.[97] Swift played the track at the CMA Music Festival in June 2011 and June 2013,[98][99] and at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in September 2012.[100] She sang it as part of Late Show with David Letterman and VH1 Storytellers episodes that took place in October 2012.[101][102] Swift performed "Mean" at the 54th Grammy Awards in February 2012, changing the lyric "But someday I'll be living in a big old city" to "But someday I'll be singing this at the Grammys".[103] The performance received a standing ovation from the audience.[104][105][106]

Swift included "Mean" in the set list of the Speak Now World Tour (2011–2012), where she performed it playing a banjo guitar and danced with a band member playing a fiddle.[107][108] The performance was recorded and released as part of Speak Now World Tour – Live.[81] She included the song in the set list of the Red Tour (2013–2014) and played it on a banjo.[109] She performed it on acoustic guitar at the 1989 World Tour in 2015 at concerts in Saint Paul,[110] Los Angeles,[111] Seattle,[112] and Houston.[113] Swift sang an acoustic rendition of "Mean" at the first Dublin show of the Reputation Stadium Tour in June 2018; Rolling Stone's Andy Greene picked it as one of the ten best acoustic performances of the tour.[114][6] She performed the track on acoustic guitar at the Eras Tour (2023–2024) at the third Tampa show in April 2023,[115] and as part of a mashup with her song "Thank You Aimee" (2024) at the second London show in June 2024.[116]

Personnel

[edit]

Credits shown below are adapted from Qobuz[8] and the liner notes of Speak Now.[4]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Mean"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[71] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[73] Gold 30,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[69] Gold 40,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)[72] Platinum 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[74] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[65] 3× Platinum 3,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

"Mean (Taylor's Version)"

[edit]
"Mean (Taylor's Version)"
Song by Taylor Swift
from the album Speak Now (Taylor's Version)
ReleasedJuly 7, 2023 (2023-07-07)
Studio
GenreCountry pop
Length3:58
LabelRepublic
Songwriter(s)Taylor Swift
Producer(s)
Lyric video
"Mean (Taylor's Version)" on YouTube

Swift departed from Big Machine and signed with Republic Records in November 2018.[117] She began re-recording her first six studio albums in November 2020.[118] The decision followed a public dispute in 2019 between her and Scooter Braun, who acquired Big Machine including the masters of her albums which the label had released.[119][120] By re-recording the albums, Swift had full ownership of the new masters, which enabled her to control the licensing of her songs for commercial use and therefore substitute the Big Machine–owned masters.[121] The re-recorded version of "Mean", subtitled "Taylor's Version", was released as part of her third re-recorded album, Speak Now (Taylor's Version), on July 7, 2023.[122]

Production and composition

[edit]

Swift produced the re-recording with Christopher Rowe, who recorded her vocals at Kitty Committee Studio in London. David Payne recorded the track at Blackbird Studio in Nashville; Derek Garten provided additional engineering at Prime Recording Studio in Nashville, assisted by Lowell Reynolds. It was mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia; engineered for mix by Bryce Bordone; and mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound Studios in Edgewater, New Jersey. Musicians who played instruments include Heller (bass guitar), Sidoti (acoustic guitar), Meadows (banjo, mandolin), Max Bernstein (acoustic guitar), Matt Billingslea (drums, percussion), and Jonathan Yudkin (fiddle). Heller, Meadows, and Billingslea provided handclapping, while Swift, Huett, and Evanson provided background vocals.[123] A country pop track,[124] "Mean (Taylor's Version)" is three minutes and fifty-eight seconds long.[125] The production has a few differences: the fiddle is mixed lower,[126] the vocal harmonies are softer,[127] and Swift sings without the country twang of the original version.[128]

Reception

[edit]

Some critics, such as Amelia Eqbal from CBC.ca and Maura Johnston from Rolling Stone praised Swift's mature vocals as intriguing,[129][130] while The Daily Telegraph's Poppie Platt felt they "can seem jarring, at first, to hear".[131] The Guardian's Laura Snapes thought that the re-recording sounds "more conciliatory" compared to the original version due to its mature and softer vocals.[132] Mark Sutherland of Rolling Stone UK considered it one of the tracks from Speak Now (Taylor's Version) that retained the intensity that made Speak Now a standout album: "The wounded distress [...] still cuts every bit as deep."[133] Kate Solomon from the i stated that the re-recording made her appreciate the song's "silly satisfaction".[134]

"Mean (Taylor's Version)" debuted at number 33 on the Billboard Global 200 chart dated July 22, 2023.[135] In the United States, it reached number 17 on the Hot Country Songs chart[136] and number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[137] The track charted in the Philippines (10),[138] Singapore (27),[139] New Zealand (28),[140] Australia (30),[141] and Canada (41).[142] In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 57 on the Audio Streaming chart.[143]

Personnel

[edit]

Credits shown below are adapted from the liner notes of Speak Now (Taylor's Version).[123]

  • Taylor Swift – songwriter, producer, lead vocals, background vocals
  • Christopher Rowe – producer, Swift's vocal recording engineer
  • David Payne – recording engineer
  • Derek Garten – additional recording engineer
  • Lowell Reynolds – assistant recording engineer
  • Serban Ghenea – mixer
  • Bryce Bordone – mixing engineer
  • Randy Merrill – mastering engineer
  • Matt Billingslea – drums, percussion, handclapping
  • Amos Heller – bass guitar, handclapping
  • Paul Sidoti – acoustic guitar
  • Mike Meadows – banjo, mandolin, handclapping
  • Max Bernstein – acoustic guitar
  • Jonathan Yudkin – fiddle
  • Liz Huett – background vocals
  • Caitlin Evanson – background vocals

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for "Mean (Taylor's Version)"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[141] 30
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[142] 41
Global 200 (Billboard)[135] 33
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[140] 28
Philippines (Billboard)[138] 10
Singapore (RIAS)[139] 27
UK Streaming (OCC)[143] 57
US Billboard Hot 100[137] 39
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[136] 17

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ Attributed to American Songwriter's Rick Moore,[14] The Star-Ledger's Tris McCall,[15] The Washington Post's Allison Stewart,[16] Rolling Stone's Grady Smith,[17] and Roughstock's Matt Bjork.[18]
  2. ^ Attributed to Smith,[17] McCall,[19] Taste of Country's Billy Dukes,[20] The Independent's Roisin O'Connor,[21] and the Boston Herald's Jed Gottlieb.[22]
  3. ^ Attributed to Entertainment Weekly's Mandi Bierly[29] and Kyle Anderson,[32] and Vulture's Nate Jones.[33]
  4. ^ Attributed to Bjork,[18] Jones,[33] O'Connor,[21] NME's Hannah Mylrea,[37] Billboard's Kate Atkinson,[38] Variety's Chris Willman,[39] and Screen Rant's Gina Wurtz.[40]
  5. ^ Attributed to Wurtz,[40] Dukes,[41] Uproxx's Josh Kurp,[42] the Wausau Daily Herald's Scott Hansen,[43] Paste's Liz Stinson,[44] Taste of Country's Ashley Iasimone,[45] and iVillage's Donna Kaufman.[46]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Stransky, Tanner (August 27, 2010). "Taylor Swift Tells EW About New Album Speak Now: 'I've Covered Every Emotion that I've Felt in the Last Two Years.'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 19, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
  2. ^ Kreps, Daniel (July 21, 2010). "Taylor Swift Announces Third Album, Speak Now". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  3. ^ Alanna, Conaway (May 4, 2011). "Taylor Swift, 'Mean' – Lyrics Uncovered". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Swift, Taylor (2010). Speak Now (CD liner notes). Big Machine Records. BTMSR0300A.
  5. ^ a b "Taylor Swift: A Young Singer's Meteoric Rise". CBS News. June 17, 2012. Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Greene, Andy (November 28, 2018). "Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' Tour: The 10 Best Surprise Moments". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  7. ^ "Taylor Swift Sees Fame as a Responsibility". CBS News. November 16, 2011. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  8. ^ a b "Speak Now, Taylor Swift". Qobuz. Archived from the original on March 6, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  9. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (September 27, 2010). "Taylor Swift Rolling Out Speak Now Tracks Early". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 24, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
  10. ^ "Going for Adds: Country". Radio & Records. Archived from the original on August 28, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  11. ^ Hensel, Amanda (March 7, 2011). "Taylor Swift, 'Mean' – Song Spotlight". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  12. ^ "Swift Starts European Leg of Speak Now World Tour". Country Standard Time. March 7, 2011. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  13. ^ Swift, Taylor (October 25, 2010). "Speak Now". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  14. ^ Moore, Rick (December 15, 2010). "Taylor Swift: Speak Now". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  15. ^ McCall, Tris (July 20, 2011). "Taylor Swift at Prudential Center: Song by Song". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  16. ^ a b Stewart, Allison (October 24, 2010). "On Speak Now, Swift Doesn't Hold Her Peace". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 6, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  17. ^ a b Smith, Grady (September 8, 2014). "Teardrops on Her Guitar: Taylor Swift's 10 Countriest Songs". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  18. ^ a b Bjork, Matt (October 26, 2010). "Taylor Swift – Speak Now". Roughstock. Archived from the original on October 27, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  19. ^ McCall, Tris (March 28, 2013). "Taylor Swift at the Prudential Center: Song by Song, Again". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on March 15, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  20. ^ Dukes, Billy (February 7, 2025). "The 25 Best Country Songs of the Last 25 Years". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  21. ^ a b O'Connor, Roisin (July 23, 2020). "Taylor Swift's 100 Album Tracks – Ranked". The Independent. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  22. ^ Gottlieb, Jed (November 18, 2018). "It's Her Turn to Speak Now". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on March 15, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  23. ^ a b c Perone 2017, p. 33.
  24. ^ "The 100 Best Taylor Swift Songs: Staff Picks". Billboard. March 16, 2023. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  25. ^ Willman, Chris (October 19, 2010). "Album Review: Taylor Swift's Speak Now". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Weber, Theon (November 3, 2010). "The Iceberg Songs of Taylor Swift". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  27. ^ Caramanica, Jon (October 20, 2010). "Taylor Swift Is Angry, Darn It". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  28. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (October 25, 2010). "Speak Now – Taylor Swift". AllMusic. Archived from the original on November 5, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  29. ^ a b c Bierly, Mandi (October 19, 2010). "Taylor Swift Takes On a Bully (and John Mayer?) on New Album". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 1, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  30. ^ Jill Serjeant (October 20, 2010). "Taylor Swift Sings Revenge; John Mayer Among Targets?". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 20, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  31. ^ a b Perone 2017, p. 34.
  32. ^ a b Anderson, Kyle (May 9, 2011). "Taylor Swift Battles Bullies, Critics, and Silent Movie Villains in New 'Mean' Video: Watch It Here". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 27, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  33. ^ a b c Jones, Nate (May 20, 2024). "All 245 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked". Vulture. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  34. ^ Ritchie, Kevin (November 4, 2010). "Disc Review: Taylor Swift, Speak Now (Big Machine)". Now. Archived from the original on December 2, 2010. Retrieved November 4, 2010.
  35. ^ Rankin, Seija (May 3, 2025). "The Best Taylor Swift Song from Each Album". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
  36. ^ Liu, Finley (March 11, 2021). "The Ultimate Ranking of Taylor Swift Albums". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  37. ^ a b Mylrea, Hannah (September 8, 2020). "Every Taylor Swift Song Ranked in Order of Greatness". NME. Archived from the original on September 8, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  38. ^ Atkinson, Kate (October 22, 2020). "Taylor Swift's Speak Now Turns 10: Billboard Staff Goes Track-by-Track on Their Favorite Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  39. ^ a b Willman, Chris (April 29, 2024). "Taylor Swift's 75 Best Songs, Ranked". Variety. Archived from the original on December 7, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  40. ^ a b Wurtz, Gina (March 4, 2025). "Taylor Swift Writes About More than Just Relationships, & These 10 Songs Prove It". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on March 6, 2025. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  41. ^ a b Dukes, Billy (December 31, 2019). "50 Best Country Songs of the 2010s". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on November 14, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  42. ^ Kurp, Josh (April 19, 2024). "The 50 Best Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked". Uproxx. Archived from the original on January 3, 2025. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  43. ^ a b Hansen, Scott (October 27, 2014). "Ranking Taylor Swift's Singles: Which Song Is No. 1?". Wausau Daily Herald. Archived from the original on March 16, 2025. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  44. ^ Stinson, Liz (October 29, 2010). "Taylor Swift Speak Now Review". Paste. Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  45. ^ a b Iasimone, Ashley (May 6, 2011). "Taylor Swift Braves the Bullies in Beautiful New 'Mean' Video". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on May 8, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
  46. ^ a b c Kaufman, Donna (May 9, 2011). "Watch: Taylor Swift's "Mean" Video Creates Controversy". iVillage. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  47. ^ Dukes, Billy (September 18, 2013). "10 Best Bully Songs". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on October 12, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  48. ^ Keefe, Jonathan (October 25, 2010). "Taylor Swift – Speak Now". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on October 28, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  49. ^ Sheffield, Rob (April 25, 2024). "All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  50. ^ Song, Jane (February 11, 2020). "All 158 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked". Paste. Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  51. ^ "100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. June 1, 2014. Archived from the original on April 30, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  52. ^ "200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. May 24, 2024. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  53. ^ Osmanski, Stephanie (October 15, 2024). "Best Country Songs of All Time". Parade. Archived from the original on November 20, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  54. ^ Leimkuehler, Matthew; Paulson, Dave; Watts, Cindy (October 6, 2019). "What Are the All-Time Greatest Country Songs? These 100 Top Our List". The Tennessean. Archived from the original on October 23, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  55. ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (October 28, 2010). "Far*East Holds on Hot 100, Swift Makes Another Top Debut". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  56. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  57. ^ Morris, Edward (November 5, 2010). "Taylor Swift's Speak Now Speaks Loud as Week's Best-Selling CD". CMT. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
  58. ^ "Hot Country Songs (November 13, 2010)". Billboard. November 13, 2010. Archived from the original on January 23, 2025. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  59. ^ Trust, Gary (May 5, 2011). "Weekly Chart Notes: Taylor Swift, Adele, Richard Marx". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 2, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
  60. ^ "Hot Country Songs (May 14, 2011)". Billboard. May 14, 2011. Archived from the original on January 3, 2025. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
  61. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  62. ^ Grein, Paul (August 10, 2011). "Week Ending Aug. 7, 2011. Songs: Place Your Bets". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  63. ^ "Small But Mighty: A Big Year for Indie Labels". Billboard. Vol. 114, no. 1. January 7, 2012. p. 37. Archived from the original on February 11, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2022 – via Google Books.
  64. ^ a b "Hot Country Songs: 2011 Year-End Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
  65. ^ a b "American single certifications – Taylor Swift – Mean". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  66. ^ Trust, Gary (November 26, 2017). "Ask Billboard: Taylor Swift's Career Album & Song Sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  67. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  68. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  69. ^ a b "Canadian single certifications – Taylor Swift – Mean". Music Canada. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  70. ^ a b "Taylor Swift – Mean". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  71. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  72. ^ a b "New Zealand single certifications – Taylor Swift – Mean". Radioscope. Retrieved December 19, 2024. Type Mean in the "Search:" field.
  73. ^ a b "Brazilian single certifications – Taylor Swift – Mean" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  74. ^ a b "British single certifications – Taylor Swift – Mean". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  75. ^ a b "Taylor Swift's "Mean" Video Debuts Friday". CMT. May 4, 2011. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
  76. ^ a b c Vena, Jocelyn (May 6, 2011). "Taylor Swift's 'Mean' Video Aims to Empower Fans. Singer Plays Up Anti-Bullying Message in Her Video". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 20, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
  77. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (May 9, 2011). "Taylor Swift's 'Mean' Director Calls Her 'Timeless'". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 13, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  78. ^ Bonaguro, Alison (May 6, 2011). "Offstage: Taylor Swift Isn't 'Mean' at All, Director Says". CMT. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
  79. ^ Willman, Chris (July 8, 2023). "Taylor Swift Casts Her Ex, Taylor Lautner, as Co-Star in 'I Can See You' Video; the Two Tays Reunite on Stage in Kansas City for Premiere". Variety. Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  80. ^ Conaway, Alanna (July 5, 2011). "Taylor Swift Gives Behind-the-Scenes Look of 'Mean' Video". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on April 6, 2017. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
  81. ^ a b Swift, Taylor (2011). Speak Now: World Tour Live (CD/DVD). Big Machine Records. BMRTS0340B.
  82. ^ "Taylor Swift World Tour – Only at Target". Target Corporation. Archived from the original on November 23, 2011. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
  83. ^ Buchanan, Kyle (May 9, 2011). "Taylor Swift's 'Mean' Video Makes Us Temporarily Pro-Bully". Vulture. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
  84. ^ Grant, Drew (May 9, 2011). "Taylor Swift's "Mean" Doesn't Equate to "It Gets Better"". Salon.com. Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  85. ^ Schillaci, Sophie (May 9, 2011). "Taylor Swift's 'Mean' Video: A Deserving Message Gone Wrong". Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 13, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  86. ^ Hawgood, Alex (November 5, 2010). "For Gays, New Songs of Survival". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  87. ^ Dauphin, Chuck (February 13, 2012). "Country Music's Very Good Grammy Night". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 31, 2025. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
  88. ^ "Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez Win at Teen Choice Awards". Rolling Stone. August 8, 2011. Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  89. ^ Morris, Edward (October 17, 2011). "Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson Among Five Inducted into Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame". CMT. Archived from the original on October 26, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  90. ^ "Tom T. Hall, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird and Others Recognized at BMI Country Awards". Broadcast Music, Inc. October 31, 2012. Archived from the original on January 24, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  91. ^ Hensel, Amanda (December 5, 2011). "2011 American Country Awards Winners – Full List". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on February 23, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  92. ^ "2011 CMA Awards Winners – Full List". Taste of Country. November 9, 2011. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  93. ^ Dukes, Billy (August 5, 2011). "Taylor Swift Is 'Beyond Excited' About 'Mean' Being Nominated for MTV Video Music Award". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on June 2, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  94. ^ "Taylor Swift Wins Big at Academy of Country Music Awards". CNN. April 2, 2012. Archived from the original on March 29, 2013. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  95. ^ Swift, Taylor (November 25, 2010). Taylor Swift: Speak Now (television special). NBC.
  96. ^ Mansfield, Brian (April 4, 2011). "The ACM Awards Emphasize Music". USA Today. p. D3. ProQuest 859981260.
  97. ^ Fisher, Carolene (May 30, 2011). "Taylor Swift Performs 'Mean'". The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Archived from the original on June 2, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  98. ^ Parton, Chris (June 13, 2011). "Taylor Swift Caps CMA Music Festival with Love". CMT. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  99. ^ Kaufman, Gil (June 7, 2013). "Taylor Swift Jams with Tim McGraw, Keith Urban at CMA Music Festival". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  100. ^ Pacella, Megan (September 24, 2012). "Taylor Swift Suffers Minor Wardrobe Malfunction at iHeartRadio Music Festival". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  101. ^ David, Letterman (October 23, 2012). "Taylor Swift/Rachel Maddow". Late Show with David Letterman. Season 20. Episode 36. New York. CBS.
  102. ^ Willman, Chris (October 17, 2012). "Taylor Swift Tapes VH1 Storytellers, Lifts Curtain on New Songs from Red". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  103. ^ Suddath, Claire (February 12, 2012). "The Best and Worst of the 2012 Grammys: Taylor Swift, 'Mean'". Time. Archived from the original on April 24, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  104. ^ Raven, Robin (April 2, 2022). "A Timeline of Taylor Swift's Grammys History, from Skipping Senior Prom to Setting a Record with Midnights". Grammy.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  105. ^ Gibson, Kelsie (July 10, 2023). "Who Are Taylor Swift's Speak Now Songs About? What She Has Said About the Inspirations". People. Archived from the original on February 21, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  106. ^ Hopper, Alex (December 13, 2022). "Top 10 Live Performances from Taylor Swift". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  107. ^ McDonnell, Brandy (December 16, 2011). "DVD review: Taylor Swift Speak Now World Tour Live CD+DVD". The Oklahoman. Archived from the original on August 26, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  108. ^ Masley, Ed (October 22, 2011). "Taylor Swift Treats Glendale to Greatest Hits, Jordin Sparks Tune". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on October 25, 2016. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  109. ^ Deluca, Dan (July 20, 2013). "Taylor Swift Set List". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 14, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  110. ^ Riemenschneider, Chris (September 14, 2015). "Twin Cities Still Aglow from Three Nights of Taylor Swift". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  111. ^ Linder, Emilee (August 27, 2015). "Justin Timberlake And Selena Gomez Surprise Taylor Swift's 1989 Tour: Watch". MTV News. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  112. ^ Rodriguez, Albert (August 14, 2015). "Taylor Swift Wows 60,000 at CenturyLink Field with Explosive Show". Seattle Gay News. Archived from the original on June 16, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  113. ^ Hall, David Brendan (September 11, 2015). "Live Review: Taylor Swift at Houston's Minute Maid Park (9/9)". Consequence of Sound. Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  114. ^ Iasimone, Ashley (November 20, 2018). "All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Performed on Her Reputation Stadium Tour B-Stage". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  115. ^ Gomez, Dessi (December 8, 2024). "All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Played on Her Eras Tour". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  116. ^ Iasimone, Ashley (June 22, 2024). "Taylor Swift Debuts 'Thank You Aimee' Live, Sings 'Castles Crumbling' with Hayley Williams in London". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  117. ^ Willman, Chris; Aswad, Jem (November 19, 2018). "Taylor Swift Signs Landmark New Deal with Universal Music Group". Variety. Archived from the original on November 19, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  118. ^ Aniftos, Rania (November 17, 2020). "Here's Everything Taylor Swift Has Said About Re-Recording Her Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  119. ^ "Taylor Swift Wants to Re-Record Her Old Hits". BBC News. August 22, 2019. Archived from the original on August 22, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  120. ^ Finnis, Alex (November 17, 2020). "Taylor Swift Masters: The Controversy Around Scooter Braun Selling the Rights to Her Old Music Explained". i. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  121. ^ Shah, Neil (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift Releases New Fearless Album, Reclaiming Her Back Catalog". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  122. ^ Paul, Larisha (July 7, 2023). "Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Is Finally Here — Listen to Taylor Swift Revisit the Past". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
  123. ^ a b Swift, Taylor (2023). Speak Now (Taylor's Version) (CD liner notes). Republic Records. 2455678249.
  124. ^ Siroky, Mary (July 7, 2023). "Speak Now, Again: Taylor Swift Banishes the Ghosts of Her Past". Consequence. Archived from the original on July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  125. ^ Swift, Taylor (July 7, 2023). "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on March 10, 2025. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  126. ^ Nugent, Annabel (July 7, 2023). "Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Finds Its Musician At an Old Crossroad – Review". The Independent. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  127. ^ DeWald, Mike (July 7, 2023). "Album Review: Taylor Swift Revisits a Classic on Speak Now (Taylor's Version)". Riff Magazine. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  128. ^ Barnes, Kelsey (July 7, 2023). "Taylor Swift: Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Review – Youth and Growth Collide". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  129. ^ Eqbal, Amelia (July 8, 2023). "Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Is 'Better than Revenge'". CBC.ca. Archived from the original on December 13, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  130. ^ Johnston, Maura (July 7, 2023). "Taylor Swift Expands Our Image of a Landmark Album With Speak Now: Taylor's Version". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  131. ^ Platt, Poppie (July 7, 2023). "With Speak Now, Taylor Swift Had Nothing to Be Ashamed Of – So Why Rewrite Her Teenage Lyrics?". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  132. ^ Snapes, Laura (July 7, 2023). "Taylor Swift: Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Review – Re-Recording Project Starting to Feel Wearying and Pointless". The Guardian. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  133. ^ Sutherland, Mark (July 7, 2023). "Taylor Swift Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Review: Modern Revamp of a Classic". Rolling Stone UK. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  134. ^ Solomon, Kate (July 7, 2023). "Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Gives Taylor Swift's Most Underrated Album a New Lease of Life". i. Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  135. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  136. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  137. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  138. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Philippines Songs)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  139. ^ a b "RIAS Top Charts Week 28 (7 - 13 Jul 2023)". RIAS. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  140. ^ a b "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  141. ^ a b "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. July 17, 2023. Archived from the original on July 16, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  142. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  143. ^ a b "Official Streaming Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on July 16, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.

Source

[edit]
  • Perone, James E. (2017). The Words and Music of Taylor Swift. The Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection. ABC-Clio. ISBN 978-1440852947.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mean_(song)&oldid=1284328003"