Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” is not just another pop anthem but a candid exploration of her inner struggles, fears, and the challenges of public scrutiny.
The song was released on 21st October 2022, as part of her album Midnights, alongside the music video, which premiered on the same day.
The track captures the anxieties that come with fame, self-loathing, and the overwhelming feeling of being too large for life, both literally and figuratively.
Let’s dive into the key themes, symbols, and references that make “Anti-Hero” one of her most personal tracks yet.
Exploring Self-Loathing and Intrusive Thoughts in Anti-Hero
In her own words, Swift described it as a “guided tour throughout all of the things I tend to hate about myself,” and it’s easy to see why she calls it one of her most honest pieces yet.
The song was intended to explore the aspects of her personality that make her feel disconnected and flawed, echoing her past struggles with public scrutiny and her own mental health.
Swift previously discussed how her 2016 public feud with Kanye West and the resulting backlash left her feeling isolated and deeply affected her mental health.
In an interview, she described this period as a “mass public shaming” that made her question her identity and sense of self-worth.
Anti-Hero revisits these emotions with added years of perspective, blending vulnerability with a touch of dark humour.
One of the central themes in “Anti-Hero” is self-loathing. Swift opens up about her darkest thoughts, portraying herself as her own worst enemy.
Lyrics like “I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror” reflect her unwillingness to confront her vulnerabilities and fears, a sentiment that resonates with many who struggle with self-acceptance.
The chorus hook, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me,” turns her own insecurities into a mantra, an acknowledgment of her part in the chaos of her life.
In the music video, Swift’s alter-ego is a visual representation of these intrusive thoughts—embodying her self-criticism, partying uncontrollably while the real Swift looks on in horror.
This dynamic reflects the constant internal battle many experience, where intrusive thoughts take over and disrupt their lives.
The alter-ego’s flashy antics are a reminder of how the inner critic often craves attention, distracting us from living authentically.
Controversy Around the Scale Scene in Anti-Hero Music Video
The music video faced backlash for a scene depicting Swift stepping on a scale that reads “fat,” which critics labeled as fatphobic.
In response, this scene was edited out of the music video on platforms like Apple Music.
The removal highlights the fine line artists must navigate between personal expression and public perception.
Swift has been vocal about her struggles with body image, especially in her 2020 Netflix documentary Miss Americana, where she spoke about dealing with an eating disorder.
Her intention with the scene was to convey her insecurities around body image, but its reception underscores the sensitivity of the topic in the public eye.
Fame, Betrayal, and the Fear of Losing Control
The lyrics also touch upon Swift’s ongoing struggle with the price of fame.
The giant version of herself at the dinner party in the video—attempting to fit in, only to cause chaos—symbolises her fear of her life being too “unmanageably sized,” as she put it on Instagram.
The visual metaphor extends into the lyrics: “Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby / And I’m a monster on the hill.”
This stark contrast represents the discomfort of feeling alien and unlovable in a world that prizes youth and beauty.
The line “Did you hear my covert narcissism lightly disguised as altruism” references how her intentions have often been questioned, especially regarding her public image and philanthropic actions.
Swift acknowledges these criticisms, reflecting on her fear of being perceived as disingenuous, and further emphasises her insecurities about being misunderstood.
In the music video, her fictional funeral scene is a darkly humorous take on this fear of exploitation.
Her imagined children, obsessed with finding hidden messages even in her will, poke fun at her fanbase’s constant quest for Easter eggs.
Yet, it also reflects a deeper anxiety: the fear that those closest to her are only interested in her wealth and fame, not her as a person.
Joe Alwyn References: Relationship Struggles in Anti-Hero
The track also contains references to her relationship with Joe Alwyn.
Lines like “One day I’ll watch as you’re leaving / ‘Cause you got tired of my scheming” reflect Swift’s insecurities about her personal relationships, especially how her fame and past controversies might impact her connection with Alwyn.
This vulnerability is echoed in previous songs like “Delicate” and “Call It What You Want,” where she expresses anxiety over whether someone could love her despite her public persona and the baggage that comes with it.
The line “Midnights become my afternoons / When my depression works the graveyard shift” further illustrates the impact of her mental health struggles on her relationship.
The idea of depression affecting her nights, turning them into long periods of introspection, highlights the difficulties she faced while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in her personal life.
Dark Humor in Anti-Hero: Analysing the “Sexy Baby” Line
Swift uses dark humour throughout “Anti-Hero” to address her struggles.
The “sexy baby” line—a reference to infantilisation and the pressures of societal standards—evokes mixed emotions.
It’s likely a nod to the 30 Rock episode featuring a character who describes herself as a “sexy baby,” highlighting how women are often forced into these overly sexualised, childlike roles to be accepted.
The juxtaposition of this imagery with her own portrayal as a “monster on the hill” suggests a deep-seated fear of being the outsider, too awkward or different to fit into these narrow standards of femininity.
Swift’s use of dark humour is also evident in the line “I have this dream my daughter-in-law kills me for the money.”
This surreal, exaggerated imagery brings levity to her fear of being exploited by those close to her, reflecting how humour can be a coping mechanism for dealing with painful insecurities.
In-Depth Breakdown of Anti-Hero Music Video and Easter Eggs
A significant element of the Midnights album is its visual storytelling, with “Anti-Hero” being the centrepiece of its visual narrative.
The music video is filled with Swift’s trademark Easter eggs—symbols, references to past work, and playful nods to her fanbase.
The opening scene features ghosts in bedsheets, which evoke a sense of haunting past mistakes and insecurities.
The doppelganger alter-ego that parties uncontrollably represents the flashy, often exaggerated version of herself that the media and fans fixate on.
This version of Swift embodies her inner critic, making the video a striking representation of how she battles herself internally.
The dinner party scene, where a giant Swift struggles to fit in, symbolizes her fear of overwhelming those around her due to her fame.
The giant version of herself smashing the too-small table and being shot with an arrow by a guest further emphasises the clash between her true self and how she is perceived by others—too big, too much, never fitting in quite right.
This scene illustrates the feeling of alienation that fame can bring, as well as the impossibility of being both true to oneself and universally accepted.
Understanding Anti-Hero in the Context of the Midnights Album
Understanding “Anti-Hero” also requires looking at its place within the broader themes of the Midnights album.
The album is described by Swift as a journey through her “13 sleepless nights.”
Each track delves into various emotional experiences, and “Anti-Hero” stands out as the most introspective.
It highlights Swift’s anxieties, fears, and the complexity of her public image.
By placing this song as the third track, Swift sets the tone for an album that isn’t afraid to delve deep into the vulnerabilities that keep her up at night.
The introspection in “Anti-Hero” aligns with other tracks on the album, such as “You’re On Your Own, Kid” and “Labyrinth,” which explore themes of independence, self-discovery, and the struggles of navigating personal relationships amid public life.
“Anti-Hero” serves as a linchpin that holds together the album’s overarching theme of introspection and vulnerability.
Mental Health Struggles and Public Scrutiny in Anti-Hero
Another key subtopic in “Anti-Hero” is the scrutiny Swift faces from both the public and herself.
The lyrics “I wake up screaming from dreaming / One day I’ll watch as you’re leaving / ‘Cause you got tired of my scheming” underscore the toll this constant pressure takes on her mental health.
These fears are not just about romantic relationships but also about her connection with fans and the world at large.
Swift’s candidness about her struggles with mental health, particularly anxiety and depression, resonates deeply with listeners.
By depicting these experiences in her lyrics and music video, she provides a voice for those who may feel isolated by similar challenges.
Her portrayal of her “nightmare scenarios”—as she described them on Instagram—reveals a raw, vulnerable side of herself that contrasts with the curated perfection often expected of celebrities.
Critical Reception and Commercial Success of Anti-Hero
Anti-Hero was not only a personal triumph for Swift but also a commercial one.
The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her ninth chart-topper.
Critics praised the track for its raw honesty and catchy production, with many considering it one of the standout releases of 2022.
The candidness of her lyrics and her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths resonated widely, cementing Anti-Hero as a significant moment in Swift’s discography.
Many critics also highlighted the song’s dark humour and the clever way Swift uses irony to make her vulnerability more accessible.
Taylor Swift’s Vulnerability in Anti-Hero
In Anti-Hero, Taylor Swift takes her audience on a journey through her darkest insecurities, demonstrating once again why her storytelling resonates so powerfully with millions.
The song is not just about her struggles with fame but also about the human condition—our fears, flaws, and the ongoing effort to find peace with ourselves.
It’s this willingness to be vulnerable that continues to endear Swift to her fans, making Anti-Hero not just a song but a powerful statement of self-acceptance.
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Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-Hero’ Lyrics
VERSE 1
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
PRE-CHORUS
I should not be left to my own devices
They come with prices and vices
I end up in crisis
I’ve realized all this time
I wake up screaming from dreaming
One day I’ll watch as you’re leaving
Cuz you got tired of my scheming
For the last time
CHORUS
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me
At tea time, everybody agrees
I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting, always rooting for the anti-hero
VERSE 2
Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby
And I’m a monster on the hill
Too big to hang out, slowly lurching towards your favorite city
Pierced through the heart, but never killed
PRE-CHORUS
Did you hear my covert narcissism
Lightly disguised as altruism
Like some kind of congressman
I wake up screaming from dreaming
One day I’ll watch as you’re leaving
And life will lose all of its meaning
For the last time
CHORUS
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me
At tea time, everybody agrees
I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting, always rooting for the anti-hero
BRIDGE
I have this dream my daughter-in-law kills me for the money
She thinks I left them in the will
The family gathers around and reads it and someone screams out
“She’s laughing up at us from hell!”
BREAKDOWN
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me
It’s me, hi, everybody agrees
Everybody agrees…
CHORUS
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me (I’m the problem, it’s me)
Everybody agrees
I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting, always rooting for the anti-hero
