As of 2024, Taylor Swift’s new album, Tortured Poets Department, is generating a lot of buzz.
However, it’s worth looking back at one of her impactful songs, You Need to Calm Down, which is track 14 on her 2019 album Lover.
This irresistibly catchy tune quickly became an LGBTQ+ anthem upon its release.
Co-written and co-produced with Joel Little, it was the second single from the critically acclaimed Lover.
With its unapologetic message of self-love, individuality, and support for the LGBTQ+ community, You Need to Calm Down cemented Taylor Swift’s status as a fearless ally and a powerhouse in pop music.
You Need to Calm Down Lyrics: A Sassy Clapback to Haters
From the opening verse, the You Need to Calm Down lyrics pack a punch, delivering a sassy clapback to her detractors and internet trolls.
With witty wordplay and an infectious melody, she confronts those who relentlessly hurl insults and negativity her way, questioning their motives and urging them to, well, calm down.
The pre-chorus resonates with a universal truth: “Stressin’ and obsessin’ ’bout somebody else is no fun,” a reminder to focus on self-love and let go of toxicity.
A Vibrant Celebration of Pride
As the song progresses, Taylor Swift’s unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community takes centre stage.
The second verse is a vibrant celebration of pride, with lyrics that playfully challenge homophobes and those stuck in outdated mindsets.
“Why are you mad when you could be GLAAD?” she quips, referencing the prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy organisation.
Taylor Swift’s You Need to Calm Down lyrics message is crystal clear: embrace love, embrace diversity, and let go of hatred.
The Music Video: A Star-Studded Extravaganza
To complement the empowering lyrics, Taylor Swift delivered a visually stunning music video that quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Directed by Swift herself, alongside Drew Kirsch, and executive produced by Taylor Swift and Todrick Hall, the video is a star-studded extravaganza featuring an array of LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies.
From Laverne Cox and the Fab Five of “Queer Eye” fame to Adam Rippon and RuPaul, the video is a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and self-expression.
Ending the Feud: Katy Perry’s Surprise Cameo
One of the most talked-about moments in the You Need to Calm Down music video was the surprise cameo appearance by none other than Katy Perry.
After years of rumoured tensions between the two pop icons, Perry’s appearance as a larger-than-life burger, hugging a fries-clad Swift, signified the end of their highly publicised feud.
Reflecting on their reconciliation, Swift shared, “[Katy] and I have really been on good terms for a while. She sent me a really nice note and an olive branch — like an actual olive branch — to my tour when it started, the Reputation Stadium Tour, a while ago. From that point on, we’ve been on good terms. We saw each other at a party and walked up to each other and hugged it out and talked about things. Then saw each other again and hung out at another party. It was just like something felt so much lighter about my life when things became really good between us. You know, she and I have been fine for a while and really on good terms but we didn’t know if we were ever gonna really tell people about it. We wanted to make sure that was solid between us before we ever made the public aware.”
This heartwarming reconciliation added an extra layer of positivity to the video’s overall message of forgiveness and unity.
Accolades and Impact: A Resounding Success
At the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, the ou Need to Calm Down‘s music video garnered an impressive nine nominations, ultimately taking home the coveted Video of the Year and Video for Good awards.
Taylor Swift’s unwavering advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and her efforts to promote the Equality Act through a Change.org petition further solidified her status as a powerful ally.
A Triumphant Live Experience
Taylor Swift’s live performances of You Need to Calm Down were nothing short of electric.
From her captivating rendition at the Amazon Prime Day Concert in July 2019 to her inclusion of the track in her highly anticipated Eras Tour (2023-2024), fans were treated to an unforgettable experience.
Taylor Swift’s infectious energy and the song’s upbeat, danceable rhythm transformed every performance into a joyous celebration of self-expression and unity.
The Lasting Impact: A Timeless Anthem
As the years pass, You Need to Calm Down continues to resonate as a timeless anthem of inclusivity, self-love, and unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Taylor Swift’s ability to craft a catchy, empowering pop song while simultaneously delivering a powerful message of acceptance and equality has cemented her status as a true ally and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
The Making of a Masterpiece: Behind the Scenes
The creation of You Need to Calm Down was a collaborative effort between Taylor Swift and producer Joel Little.
In an interview with Vogue, Taylor Swift shed light on the song’s lyrical themes, revealing that the first verse addresses internet trolls and cancel culture, while the second verse tackles homophobes and protesters at her concerts.
The third verse, she explained, touches on the pitting of successful women against one another in the media.
Unveiling the Secrets: Taylor Swift’s Insights
In a candid conversation with Beats 1, Swift delved deeper into the inspiration behind You Need to Calm Down.
She shared her observations of individuals in society who expend tremendous energy and effort on negativity, prompting her to pen lyrics urging them to, well, calm down.
Taylor Swift’s ability to channel her experiences into relatable, thought-provoking lyrics has been a hallmark of her songwriting prowess.
You Need to Calm Down Lyrics Breakdown: Unpacking the Meaning
Let’s take a closer look at You Need to Calm Down lyrics that have resonated with millions worldwide:
“You are somebody that I don’t know But you’re takin’ shots at me like it’s Patrón And I’m just like, damn, it’s 7 AM”
These opening lines set the tone, confronting anonymous critics who relentlessly attack Swift, likening their jabs to shots of tequila at an unreasonably early hour.
“Say it in the street, that’s a knock-out But you say it in a Tweet, that’s a cop-out And I’m just like, ‘Hey, are you okay?'”
Taylor Swift playfully challenges her detractors, suggesting that their online attacks are cowardly compared to voicing their opinions in person.
Her nonchalant response, “Hey, are you okay?” further emphasises her unwillingness to engage with negativity.
“And snakes and stones never broke my bones”
This line is a subtle nod to Taylor Swift’s reclamation of the snake imagery, which was previously used to bully her during her reputation era.
She embraces the symbol, rendering it powerless against her resilience.
“Why are you mad when you could be GLAAD? (You could be GLAAD)”
Here, Swift cleverly references the LGBTQ+ advocacy organisation GLAAD, urging her detractors to channel their anger into more positive pursuits, such as supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
“Sunshine on the street at the parade But you would rather be in the dark age Makin’ that sign must’ve taken all night”
These lyrics paint a vivid contrast between the joyous celebration of Pride parades and the outdated, hateful mindsets of those who protest against them, highlighting the absurdity of their actions.
The Music Industry’s Reaction: Praise and Critique
As with any groundbreaking work of art, You Need to Calm Down garnered a range of reactions from music critics and industry insiders.
While some praised the catchy production and Taylor Swift’s unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, others found the message confusing or perceived it as a cynical attempt to capitalise on Pride Month.
Addressing the Backlash: Swift’s Response
In the face of criticism, Taylor Swift maintained her composure and commitment to her message.
In an interview with The Scottish Sun, she acknowledged the inevitability of detractors but reaffirmed her desire to make her fans feel accepted, supported, and loved.
Taylor Swift expressed openness to constructive criticism, emphasising her willingness to learn and grow as an ally continuously.
The Enduring Impact: A Catalyst for Change
Regardless of the mixed reactions, You Need to Calm Down undoubtedly served as a catalyst for positive change.
Taylor Swift’s tireless efforts to promote the Equality Act through her Change.org petition garnered over 851,850 signatures, including those from prominent Democratic senators and presidential candidates.
Her unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her willingness to use her platform to amplify important causes have solidified her status as a true ally and a voice for the voiceless.
The Art of Collaboration: Joining Forces with Allies
One of the most remarkable aspects of You Need to Calm Down was Taylor Swift’s ability to bring together a diverse array of LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies for the music video.
From RuPaul and Ellen DeGeneres to the cast of “Queer Eye” and drag queens portraying iconic female artists, the video was a testament to the power of unity and collaboration.
The Evolution of an Icon: Swift’s Journey to Advocacy
Taylor Swift’s journey to becoming an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights has been a gradual but powerful one.
For years, she remained relatively apolitical, but in October 2018, she took a bold step by endorsing two Democratic candidates in the US midterm elections, citing their support for equal rights as a deciding factor.
This marked a pivotal moment in Taylor Swift’s evolution as an artist and a public figure, paving the way for her unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community and her advocacy for the Equality Act.
The Power of Representation: Inspiring the Next Generation
Through her music, advocacy, and public persona, Taylor Swift has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals, especially young people navigating their identities and embracing their authentic selves.
Her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community has undoubtedly resonated with countless fans, providing them with a powerful ally and a reminder that they are seen, heard, and valued.
The Future Ahead: Continuing the Fight for Equality
As Taylor Swift continues to captivate audiences with her music and advocacy, one thing remains clear: her commitment to the fight for equality is unwavering.
Whether through her art, her platforms, or her personal actions, Taylor Swift’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond will undoubtedly continue to inspire and empower generations to come.
Conclusion: An Anthem for Unity and Love
In the end, You Need to Calm Down, through its infectious melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and unwavering advocacy, challenges societal norms and promotes unity and love.
This anthem serves as a reminder that love, acceptance, and self-expression will always triumph over hatred and bigotry, and that together, we can create a world where everyone is truly treated equally.
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Taylor Swift You Need to Calm Down Lyrics
Verse 1
You are somebody that I don’t know
But you’re takin’ shots at me like it’s Patrón
And I’m just like, damn, it’s 7 AM
Say it in the street, that’s a knock-out
But you say it in a Tweet, that’s a cop-out
And I’m just like, “Hey, are you okay?”
Pre-Chorus
And I ain’t tryna mess with your self-expression
But I’ve learned a lesson that stressin’ and obsessin’ ’bout somebody else is no fun
And snakes and stones never broke my bones
Chorus
So oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
You need to calm down, you’re being too loud
And I’m just like oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh (Oh)
You need to just stop, like can you just not step on my gown?
You need to calm down
Verse 2
You are somebody that we don’t know
But you’re comin’ at my friends like a missile
Why are you mad when you could be GLAAD? (You could be GLAAD)
Sunshine on the street at the parade
But you would rather be in the dark ages
Makin’ that sign must’ve taken all night
Pre-Chorus
You just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace
And control your urges to scream about all the people you hate
‘Cause shade never made anybody less gay
Chorus
So oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
You need to calm down, you’re being too loud
And I’m just like oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh (Oh)
You need to just stop, like can you just not step on his gown?
You need to calm down
Bridge
And we see you over there on the internet
Comparing all the girls who are killing it
But we figured you out
We all know now we all got crowns
You need to calm down
Chorus
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
You need to calm down (You need to calm down)
You’re being too loud (You’re being too loud)
And I’m just like oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh (Oh)
You need to just stop (Can you stop?)
Like can you just not step on our gowns?
You need to calm down
