A Critical Response to Taylor Swift’s “Mean”
One of the singles on country radio right now is Taylor Swift’s “Mean”. As Taylor says in the preview of the song, it is about “…one guy…who just crossed the line over and over again of just being mean.” Prompted by numerous people saying the song was about me, I dared ask the question, which apparently since Carly Simon wrote a song about this subject matter, you’re “vain” for even broaching the subject, though I would counter by asking if someone asks the simple question and the answer is “yes”, are you being vain, or just perceptive?
The popular belief is that “Mean” is about music industry guru Bob Lefsetz. Problem is, even according to Bob, he does not fit the criteria Taylor lays out in her song. Bob really didn’t cross any lines “over and over”, he simply took the point after her bad performance on The Grammy’s with Stevie Nicks to say that now that we all knew Taylor Swift couldn’t sing, it was over for her.
The one big piece of evidence pointing to Bob as the subject of “Mean” is that in the liner notes, Taylor CAPS certain letters to hint who songs are about. In “Mean” they spell out “I THOUGHT YOU GOT ME.” Taylor & Bob were close until his post-Grammy premature epitaph. Though this goes against the grain of someone criticizing her “over and over”. Taylor may have one primary person in mind for the subject of “Mean”, but I think she drew inspiration from multiple sources, and because of the tone and exposure of my post-Grammy rant, I do feel like she read it, and pulled out parallel launguage (ex. “The cycle ends right now”) for the song.
Go ahead, call me vain. I’ve been called worse.
But both Bob and I were wrong in saying she would flame out. I still say she is not country and that her voice is weak, but unlike 80% of the stuff coming out of Nashville right now, Taylor Swift is doing what she wants to do. The 80% is doing what they think will sell. Taylor is leading, while everyone else is following. When she won CMA for Entertainer of the Year, she symbolized the worst of country music. Six months ago, she symbolized the median. Now she may be one of the standard bearers for mainstream country music, as sad as that may be.
Taylor and her handlers must be at least slightly disappointed in the performance of the album’s singles. There’s been no blockbuster #1’s, not even close. “Mean” peaked at #6, and now sits at #17. Maybe it’s because a lot of these songs are too long, and some too good for the demographics they target. As the rest of country music is dumbing down, mistakenly thinking this is Taylor Swift’s appeal, Taylor is maturing, and though her talents might be minimal and her perspective pallid and shallow, someone making art honestly will always trump something made to mimic something else. As country songs, tracks from Speak Now are a joke. But as pop songs, they carry some weight in a mainstream music world where little else does.
But “Mean” might be the worst track on her Speak Now album. It is the most “country” song on the album, but it is not catchy like “Enchanted” or “Sparks Fly”, or clever, or well-crafted.
Calling someone “Mean” is just such a base accusation. This isn’t punditry, it’s name calling. Maybe this song would have worked if she delved into the psychology of why people are mean, or even created some sympathy and understanding for her bullies. But instead she descends into the same “Mean” mentality herself, calling her detractor(s) “…pathetic, and alone in life”. Think about it: If someone truly is alone in life, then that is a pretty harsh mean-ism.
Then she tries to use envy against her critics, talking about “living in a big old city”. “Big ol’ city” has connotations of wealth and stature. It also has some anti-country connotations, as if not living in a big ol’ city is something to be looked down upon, or something to be ashamed of.
There’s certain ways you can handle criticism. You can ignore it, deflect it, debate it, or you can absorb it and attempt to learn from it. Or you can try to avenge it, which Taylor seems to be doing with “Mean”. Some more insight on how Taylor deals with her adversaries can be found in the song “Better Than Revenge”. Revenge is anger that is personalized. Good music uplifts the soul, or nurtures it by providing camaraderie through pain. Revenge brings down the soul, to a carnal, reactionary state. Revenge is also a sign of a young soul. “Dear John” from Speak Now did a surprisingly good job humanizing Taylor Swift. “Mean” just makes her come across as spiteful, immature, if not hypocritical.
It goes without saying that when you’re in the public eye, there will be people who will use your persona to vent anger. I can tell you with certitude, whoever the next President of the US is, regardless if he’s the greatest humanitarian who ever lived, there will be people painting Hitler mustaches on his image before he even signs one piece of legislation. Hating Taylor Swift is the new world sport, evidenced by this Hater’s Guide to Taylor Swift published on of all things, a sport’s site. This type of anger venting is not only unfair to Taylor, but unfair to critics who are trying to fight for the integrity of a form of music they love, by painting all Taylor critics as just “Mean”.
But it goes without saying that Taylor Swift will have the last laugh between her and her critics. She’s a millionaire, going on billionaire, and showered with accolades and awards beyond belief. So who cares if a few music nerds pick fun at her?
Or is the last laugh hers? What is more valuable, wealth that will be gone the moment her heart stops ticking, or a life full of learning and humility and giving that is nurtured by attempting to build understanding through conflict with other humans?
Taylor Swift has come a long way in my estimation over the past couple of years. But if she wants to go farther, she must understanding that some of her critics are not simply being “Mean”, they are simply “right”, and understanding and admitting to her limitations and shortcomings is the only way she will ever get past them. I still assert that in the end, I will look like Taylor Swift’s best friend. The people who were “Mean” to her were the ones that told her she was country. Without that simple designation to her music, I and many others would have never raised our poisoned pens against her.
There are a lot of songs on Speak Now that are good…as POP SONGS. But “Mean” is not one of them.
Two guns down.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Joe Buck about Taylor Swift: “I think she’s got talent”, from September 2010 interview.
[audio:https://savingcountrymusic.com/audio/joe-buck-taylor-swift.mp3]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CPrzNr1b14
April 15, 2011 @ 10:44 am
How long did you spend on this pointless blog?
Thanks for reminding us and stroking your ego about this song “might be about you”.
Jesus, you claim the song is about you (or “people” brought it to your attention it might be) and then you learn it might not be about you, so you go disect it to find out, and then right another blog about this shit.
And now you seem to be trying to make amends somehow by saying Taylor isn’t all that bad, she just isn’t country, and giving her guidance on how to mature and grow in her career.
Are you serious with this?
In some recent blogs you were challenged pretty hard on somethings. So as your M.O.- write something to bash pop country and get everyone back in your corner, rather than take on the challenges and lead.
July 1, 2011 @ 9:48 pm
I totally agree here cold and guess what the song went Number 1. So what do you say to that now?!
July 9, 2011 @ 8:12 am
Correction: Number 2 on Billboard – no blockbuster #1’s yet, get your facts straight.
February 12, 2012 @ 8:53 pm
Are you kidding? You really think an album being number one or even two makes it any “good”. Marketable yes but “good” no. The “music” industry, like almost all others, has fallen from what it was truly intended to be! Even in the 1st days of record execs, contracts, segregation, and such REAL artist got pushed behind the scenes because of “IMAGE”. Just because the masses follow some awkward girl that sings about the same thing over and over and over again does not make her music remotely “good”. It makes it marketable. Some proof that the “music” industry is all about “image” versus TALENT is that lil twit landing a Spokesperson job and looking horribly awkward… I mean does anyone notice how awkward and completely painful it is to watch her bull in a china shop type movement. It is borderline comical. Wait .. All I’m gonna be is just mean… Stellar lyrics every time too… Mind blowing… No need to break out a dictionary or GOD forbid think about the message… Let’s put it in preschool folky terms…I’m so mean… doo doo dunker doo! BAH!
August 12, 2012 @ 7:33 pm
Taylor Swift is a brilliant and talented young lady! Google her interview and you’ll see she writes her own songs, coordinates all of her shows dance steps and sets the stage on her own; and she started this in her teens. Jealousy rears its ugly head in many forms. Why do you have to be so mean?
August 12, 2012 @ 7:37 pm
Jealousy is alive and well on this site. It rears it’s ugly head in many forms.
April 15, 2024 @ 4:05 pm
why don’t you stop being rude she is one of the nicest celebs out there and is humble
September 21, 2011 @ 8:14 pm
Well said, IceCold! This was about as pointless a piece of music “journalism” as anything I’ve seen, and I’ve read plenty of non-sensical, pedantic, tome-like (Jesus, can’t ANY music critic write a review under 10,000 characters?!) rants over the years. “Triggerman” should learn to shoot straight, instead of shooting himself in the foot, which he does over and over in this ridiculous treatise. The song is well-written, well-crafted, and well-performed, and NO, Trigger, you don’t have any fucking idea WHO or WHAT inspired the song, so why bother going there? Go write a novel or something, since fiction DOES seem to be something you understand all too well.
February 16, 2012 @ 3:06 pm
“This isn”™t punditry,”
That’s the truth. I googled to this page and have no idea who you are or even what this site is really all about, but hey, I read the piece and you’re a terrible writer with little to say that’s grounded in reality. But I suppose there’s an audience for train wrecks and splatter movies too, along with bad reviews.
John
April 15, 2011 @ 10:52 am
This song aside… I give alot of props to Taylor Swift. She’s a fine young citizen in a world where most girls her age in the spotlight are train wrecks… like Miley Cyrus, Lindsey Lohan, etc. She’s one of the few mainstream artists doing her “own” thing in Nashville these days and she’s creative with the pen. She may not have the biggest pipes or the best voice but she has talent. Her songs are catchy and as much as I hate to admit it, I’ve found myself enjoying a Taylor Swift song from time to time. Do I consider her country? Not really. I just think she’s a victim of the industry. There is no place for people like Taylor to fit in and be successful other than Country music. When I think of Taylor Swift I think of artists like Billy Joel, James Taylor, Elton John…. if these artists came on the scene today they may very well flop because there is no market for them. They’re not Hip Hop, They’re not Metal, They’re not Country… there really is no home for the classic rock / pop star. Today’s pop star is Justin Bieber… it would be a disgrace to group Taylor into the same classing as him.
May 7, 2011 @ 2:36 pm
best comment on this thread!!. she is not doing any promotion because she is touring – just a live performance and a video for this song – so no wonder mean its not hot on the charts.
January 3, 2012 @ 7:08 pm
I fully agree. I have never been a Taylor Swift fan, and no, she may not have a super strong voice, but yes, she has got talent, she appeals to a younger generation, she writes and sings about life. And you are right, she is not a train wreck. She seems to be in control of her life and that is a credit to her. She has not stopped working and touring, it isn’t any wonder that she had to cancel some concerts due to illness. I have a lot of respect for Taylor Swift, even if I am not one of her avid fans.
February 9, 2012 @ 3:32 am
I know. I mean, about 99.9 percent of songs in the world are about falling in love, dumped, hating a guy who loves you, love, love, and love. But Taylor swift is different. She talks about friends and the hurt she felt when she was excluded. She wrote from personal experience. THAT’S why I like her, so don’t go insulting her about that. Besides, I don’t get what you’re trying to say on your blog. One minute you’re insulting her, the next you’re giving her advice.
April 15, 2011 @ 10:52 am
“Taylor and her handlers must be at least slightly disappointed in the performance of the album”™s singles. There”™s been no blockbuster #1”²s, not even close.”
The reason is that Taylor is not that popular among the core country radio listeners. A study was released at this year’s Country Radio Seminar that had Taylor ranked 22nd in popularity among Country radio’s P1 listeners (those that list a country radio station as the station they listen to the most.)
Here’s a link to the study.
http://www.crb.org/uploads/colemanstudy.pdf
A lot of interesting info about country radio listening, and what country radio fans say they like.
You could probably do a month long series of articles on what you’ll find in there, Trigger.
April 15, 2011 @ 11:05 am
Wow, scanning through it Sean, that looks like great stuff. I’ll have to come back to it when I have some time.
And I agree, she doesn’t speak to the country music listener, so why call it country? I think the answer is that puts her in line for country radio play and country awards. It’s the super-genre theory in action. So though traditional country listeners may not identify with her, at least someone will from exposure.
But “Love Story” was a huge #1 hit. “Tim McGraw” was a big hit for her, seeing how she was a virtual unknown before it. None of the songs on “Speak Now” have reached that kind of exposure.
April 15, 2011 @ 11:20 am
She is country because she mentioned Tim McGraw in a song. Her first song/hit. She mentioned his name, which he is a country artist (like it or not) and a label exec. had the smarts to think “hey, everyone loves Tim McGraw, so they will love this song. Sign her up, put her on country radio.” The rest is history. Not Taylor’s fault. If she would have had her first kiss with a dude that was playing Enrique Iglasias on his radio, maybe she never enters the country world.
You could give her and her handlers credit for being the first artist in many years to actually reference a current artist in a way that translated to an audience that would eat it up.
Many girls her age probably had their first kiss/date with some kid who had McGraw CD’s playing all the time. She took that idea/memory whatever, and was the first of this generation to nail it.
August 12, 2012 @ 7:44 pm
Who cares if the country music fans like her or not; which I think is not true. She has many fans of music lovers. If Taylor Swift touches something it turns to gold. I wouldn’t mind having a bank account like hers because of something I do well; such as write lyrics and sing, just to name two!
April 15, 2011 @ 11:03 am
Great analysis and I also have to agree with BigStem51’s point above. Taylor is not country and there’s no way that she’s the best out there, but she probably is one of the best in the mainstream, at least under 30 or 40. Maybe that’s just a sad statement on the music business these days, but it’s true.
And for the record, I’m about 99% sure that “You’re So Vain” is about me. 😉
April 15, 2011 @ 11:03 am
im not sure if you are covering this whitewash because you find the need to keep new articles coming…but why even bother with this stuff? i feel like a lot of your articles are meaningful, but then the other half are just incendiary “National Enquirer” types of ex-po-zay trash. If you want to Save Country music, keep the fluff out of here.
April 15, 2011 @ 11:25 am
National Enquirer ex-po-zay trash fluff?
I would call it more hyper-nerdy obsessive-compulsive music overindulgence with a dash of self-absorbed culture-crusaderism. Fluff it is not.
But if you are disappointed with your Saving Country Music reading experience, then I will forward this compliant to out Customer Service Department for a full refund of the price you paid to read it.
If you only like half the articles I write, my advice would be, don’t read the other half. Your time and attention is always appreciated. Can’t keep everyone happy all the time.
April 15, 2011 @ 3:01 pm
My tastes in country run to George Jones, Vernon Oxford, Buddy Miller, and Alejandro Escovedo, but fairly often I end up on long drives with my 14-year-old daughter and so end up listening to a lot of Taylor Swift. No, she’s not country, but damn it, the woman can write a song. She’s got a directness that it takes real talent to pull off, and the “mean” song is an example. It’s a shame she’s being so over-hyped, and she’s not what I would choose to put on when my daughter’s not in the car, but she’s far from an empty commodity.
April 15, 2011 @ 3:33 pm
Trig – I liked the article. I think there are some people that will miss the point of the article if they haven’t already. Why shouldn’t you write an article about Taylor Swift? She’s dominated the country scene for a few years now. If she is helping to set the precident for what is considered to be popular country music, then I think its valid to write an article like this. I think there are a few valuable messages in there. But if people can’t see them, far be it for me to point them out to an audience with closed minds.
Furthermore it is your site and if you want to fill it with “fluff” (not my words) then I say do it. I personally don’t consider this fluff.
And as for the statement above that Taylor is “probably is one of the best in the mainstream, at least under 30 or 40”, I disagree. I’m not “into” pop music but as a mother of a teenager, I get exposed to alot of music and I personally would rather hear Katy Perry, Lady GaGa (yes, I said it) or even boy bands (*sigh*) than listen to Taylor whine and sound like shit. If this was not a reference to pop mainstream, but rather a ref. to mainstream country, then I’d rather listen to miranda lambert or carrie underwood. At least those women can sing.
Don’t get me wrong though, I may not be a fan, but I’m not a hatter either. I do believe Taylor may be growing as an artist, how can she not? But she can’t sing worth a damn live. She may be a good entertainer in the way that she is, but she can’t sing without the aid of production to make it sound good.
I think the true test of a good artist is a well rounded mix of vocal talent, musical talent, good song writing, being a great entertainer and having good people in your corner…. so far, I still see no real vocal talent. I can’t judge her songwriting because I don’t know what she’s actually written. I don’t play an instrument so I can’t judge her skill level in that way. I don’t know anyone she knows so I can’t speak of the people in her corner… BUT If I can’t stand to listen to you, then you won’t get my money for your crappy album….
And who cares who the song is about, really…. it still sucks….
April 15, 2011 @ 5:03 pm
An article of this length and with the subjects I brought up is bound to be misunderstood, and I understand that going in. Pretty much every one of my articles is misunderstood at this point, as many people try to read between the lines and think that I have these hidden agendas.
When I was talking about the best in the the mainstream, I was talking about country specifically. I put Taylor and Lady Gaga in the same company as far as them being dramatically underrated by their critics. I am a Taylor critic, but I am going to give her credit where credit is due, because if not, it erodes the legitimacy of my other points. Yeah, I would probably rather listen to Miranda. She would probably fit in the 20% I was talking about.
May 6, 2011 @ 8:03 pm
I’m gonna play the good guy.
Comment after comment about her lackluster singing ability… If you only want artists who can sing, then go big and petition to outlaw the use of AUTOTUNE in the production of music. There’s not a single genre of music in which it can’t be found, and I’m willing to bet that 80% of artists in the last 10 years have used one at some point.
Truth be told, she has an amazing gift for crafting melodies with her voice; a talent that has been passed over recently for thumping bass beats and lyrics about drinking and partying. Every time I’m forced to listen to any other “country” artists these days that’s all I hear, “thank god for beer and women” or “I’m gonna shoot my two-timing ex-boyfriend.” It’s exhausting to listen to it.
I listen to a lot of music and she’s not my favorite artist, but at least give her credit for what she does. It’s not the norm. Her voice doesn’t sound like she just walked off the farm and into the recording studio like many of her contemporaries and her lyrics DO reek of adolescence. But let’s not forget that she did just turn 21.
She’s milked her talents for everything they are worth so far. And she’s one of the few artists who actually interacts with her fans. She deserves everything she’s won and has been given.
April 15, 2011 @ 7:09 pm
I listened to that song again. Jeez, I never realised how annoying her upper register is. Speaking of ‘nails down a chalkboard’.
I actually like the cover artwork though and I must say the likeness to you is extraordinary! How did they even know you had one of those big waxed moustaches?!?
Interesting what Joe Buck had to say. I love him. I kind of agree with what he said about Taylor Swift. I also think that North America may be the only place she is marketed as ‘country’. Whenever I see any articles/reviews about her in the southern hemi she’s referred to as country-tinged pop or pop-country.
The one thing that bothers me about her is that hair. With all her millions (going on billions) you’d think the girl could afford some ghds.
April 15, 2011 @ 8:12 pm
HUH?! no really. HUH? This is not music. It is an immature superstar trying to one up someone.
dumb.
April 15, 2011 @ 8:17 pm
Let me show you. It’s very simple. Here’s a sample:
Taylor why you gotta be so mean
Taylor ain’t you the queen?
Taylor Swift
Music Rift
You know this song is bout you.
Taylor
what’s your problem
ain’t your money
enuff for you?
you got trophies and
awards
comin’ out your gourd
and still
you gotta
be
so
mean
February 15, 2016 @ 11:48 pm
I agree 100%. She is immature, not a great singer. And she is so NAIVE about her handlers who are hanging on because of her reputation. Please let’s move on. Her music is childish and lacsk substance.
Mario
April 16, 2011 @ 3:27 am
Trig, I think you should include this as as ‘liner notes’ prior to each and every article you write:
“Your time and attention is always appreciated. However if you are disappointed with your ‘Saving Country Music’ reading experience, we want to hear about it!
Please forward your complaint to our Customer Service Department for a full refund of the price you paid to read this article.
For more information on how to lay a formal complaint, please watch this instructional video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byQIPdHMpjc
April 16, 2011 @ 9:47 am
Trig — one of my commenters put up a brilliant analysis of this song and Taylor Swift’s music in general a few weeks ago. It’s fairly lengthy and I won’t post it without your consent, but I’d be interested in your take on it.
April 16, 2011 @ 12:16 pm
Post away! I’m not one to judge lengthy comments!
April 16, 2011 @ 12:57 pm
All righty,here you go.
I was wondering why TS had to be so adolescent in so many of her songs, “Mean” included. My wife said, “She has to be so adolescent because that”™s who her target audience is and that”™s how she makes money.”
I replied, “This may be, but considering how ‘Mean,’ for example, is a reflection of what she really thinks, it makes her look, well”¦puerile and petty.”
Another commenter took that last thing and ran with it…
She IS puerile and petty. Let”™s take a look around, shall we?
Taylor Swift has exactly two kinds of songs ”“ the one about Unrequited Love and the one about That Guy Who Left Her. She claims she sings the plain unvarnished truth. Trouble is, truth cuts both ways. While she”™s singing about how people are mean to her and none of her relationships work, any listener with a couple of extra brain cells to rub together is going to hear a very different story.
Consider the following. She sings:
”“ About how her boyfriend left her (and is a proper cad for choosing a clearly inferior woman).
We hear:
”“ A tiny blonde woman with Disney princess looks is unlucky in love.
Stop the presses. Boo-freaking-hoo. This cannot stand.
Fact is, if a good man runs across a good woman ”“ as she claims to be by forever painting herself as the loving, innocent victim of callous mens”™ whims ”“ he”™ll hang on until his dying breath. Unless, you know, she”™s some kind of psycho with a victim complex. You know, like she takes legit criticism as a personal attack, or she can”™t be wrong because she”™s just too precious, or because her version of life can”™t possibly square up with any known reality.
She doesn”™t sing about love. She sings about infatuation. About the appearance of things. So long as she”™s wearing a pretty dress before an adoring crowd of thousands she”™s fine. Take that away and give her reality and she”™ll likely implode under the imperfection of it all. To extrapolate the theory, this means she”™s only ever going to be happy on her wedding day(s) and that no one in her general vicinity will EVER be happy again afterwards.
One final thing before I crawl back under my rock. I was driving to town today and one of her insipid songs came on the radio. I forget the name. Repressed, possibly. At any rate it was the one where she”™s in high school and the boy she likes doesn”™t notice her and –
Never mind. That could be half her catalogue.
Anyway ”“ while she was whining along I began to wonder. So she”™s that cute girl that nobody notices (sure”¦happens all the time in high school) who wants to bag her the football captain.
Now, I get that she”™s struck by the alpha-male nature of said football captain. But as a victim of what we can only assume is her self-imposed ostracism from the top tier of largely meaningless high school society, I have to point out a couple of holes in this song and some rather distressing questions about the social implications down the road.
She”™s an outcast, apparently, which makes her several dozen rungs down the ladder from her shoulder-padded Captain Prince Charming. Still, it”™s not as if he”™s the only male in her little world. Why not try talking to that fat guy who”™s good with numbers, or the geek who can build a network in his sleep, or the guy from auto shop with permanent
grease stains under his fingernails? I mean, none of those have the whiz-bang superstar awesomeness of dashing Captain Charming, but none of them are liable to blow their knees (and career prospects) playing college ball and doom themselves to a life of used car sales.
Seems like one outcast ought to have a little understanding for another. Plus, those guys might actually appreciate a girl so good as she claims to be ”“ IF she”™s as good as she likes to advertise. Besides, people love an underdog story. Two of the Beautiful People make it? Who cares. A pair of castoff nobodies pulls out a win late in the seventh? That”™s 14-karat gold.
As for Captain Prince Charming”¦would she stay with him if she caught him? True, he might go pro ”“ but those odds are very, very long, and when his athletic ability goes, so goes the spotlight. Does she have the ability to gut it out when that dream goes up like smoke? How about when, a few years on, he screws around with a girl from back in his high school days who (like himself) hasn”™t managed to grow up and move on and who”™s still up for a tumble with the has-been gridiron hero? Or when some day it occurs to her that she”™s in a loveless marriage with a washed-up failure, a house that”™s falling apart, and three screaming kids?
I doubt it. And understandably I”™m harshing her magical youthful post-teenage buzz, but”¦tough shit. Grow up, realize your part in your failed relationships, and move on, because nobody with real adult problems and concerns wants to hear about it anymore.
April 16, 2011 @ 1:03 pm
Yeah, cause we were all totally grown up and mature adults when we were 20…
April 16, 2011 @ 1:06 pm
Elvis was done recording his best music when he turned 21.
April 16, 2011 @ 1:43 pm
And never wrote a lick of it…I still love the guy though!
April 16, 2011 @ 6:22 pm
Actually, he wrote two songs right Adam 😉
April 16, 2011 @ 6:46 pm
Well, you’re both right. No, he didn’t write anything he recorded between ’54 and ’56 (which I referred to as his best music), but yes he did write two (really good) songs in the early to mid ’60s.
April 17, 2011 @ 1:06 am
Haha, I only know there were two songs he ever wrote because of you Adam. I’d only ever heard one. See how valuable you are around this here place? I’m interested how you referred to them as “really good songs” as that’s my perception also. Man, imagine if he’d been given free rein to be the artist he really wanted to be?
April 17, 2011 @ 1:22 am
Bugger, I forgot to ask you this Adam: so apart from the work Elvis did at Sun you don”™t think anything he did since challenged that work? The stuff he recorded at American Studios in Memphis I thought was incandescent. Infact, I personally listen to that more than I do his early stuff. It”™s totally different I concede, and was recorded in ”™69 when he was much older and wiser. Power of Your Love is probably my favourite Elvis song ever. The maturity and sexy rasp in his voice ”“ that is all over that whole album ”“ is pretty amazing. I heard he had a cold when he recorded it, but damn it worked.
Reply
April 17, 2011 @ 1:25 am
Grrrr, sorry that ‘Reply’ at the end of my comment wasn’t a demand, just a left over from cutting and pasting the comment from elsewhere. Before I got to edit it, I somehow hit the wrong key and posted it.
April 17, 2011 @ 6:44 am
Yeah, I’d actually put everything he did from the ’68 Special through the Elvis Country album in ’71 right up there with his early stuff. As well as the Jungle Room sessions in ’76.
April 17, 2011 @ 5:04 pm
Adam: I have bookmarked that great article you wrote in December ’09 for No Depression! Intend adding all those albums to my collection in time.
April 16, 2011 @ 9:29 pm
Do you know what James Hetfield was writing at 20 years old? Just a hint: Not whiny songs about ex-girlfriends or critics. Maturity isn’t a certain age. It’s a state of mind.
April 17, 2011 @ 7:44 am
Kill ‘Em All!! Sorry, couldn’t resist. Don’t know that album, but the title track from the followup Ride The Lightning (awaiting electrocution) is certainly a meaty subject. Point taken.
April 17, 2011 @ 8:18 am
I was actually thinking of the Ride the Lightning album, yes ”” more specifically, a couple of the songs from it, “For Whom The Bell Tolls” and “Creeping Death.” You were right about the title track as well.
April 17, 2011 @ 8:17 am
For Whom The Bell Tolls and Fade To Black… That whole Ride The Lightning album is largely responsible for me being on this web-site. Well said pistolero.
August 12, 2012 @ 8:02 pm
Have your wife watch her 60 minutes interview on utube. So easy to judge this amazing self made, self managed singer. Album of year: the highest honor. Does she make mistakes, I hope so, it’s makes her like you and me; a human being and a positive leader and role model. You go girl! I love your style Taylor! epitome of class!
August 12, 2012 @ 11:23 pm
Read this:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/cma-2011-preview-we-were-wrong-about-taylor-swift
April 16, 2011 @ 12:59 pm
Other singers who have been labeled “not country”
Dolly Parton in the 80’s
Waylon Jennings
Jim Reeves
Brenda Lee
Willie Nelson in the 80’s
Patsy Cline
Kris Kristofferson in the 80’s
Ray Charles during his country era
John Denver…ok, bad example
April 16, 2011 @ 2:41 pm
The “Sweethearts of the Radio” era Byrds by the Nashville establishment. Especially Mr. Ralph Emery. Years and years later, when Ralph was interviewing Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, he asked “What’s Gram doing these days?” Roger deadpanned “He’s still dead.”
April 16, 2011 @ 4:57 pm
That is, Sweethearts of the RODEO.
April 16, 2011 @ 11:06 pm
And of course The Eagles….
I actually can’t believe I’m in the mood to defend stuff like Taylor Swift…I don’t really like the music and I’d look like a middle aged pervert if I did…
I just think it’s useless to complain that she’s not enough of one thing or another. It’s not like 3000000 teenaged girls were going to buy Jimmie Rodgers or Hank Williams records and she stole their thunder.
In the end she will be good for county music as a gateway drug for many who would have otherwise been embarrassed to be seen with music labeled “country”.
Many of those kids will grow up with a more open mind to the genre and as their taste matures, experience more variety.
(It’s interesting to see that the most venomous comments always come from other women…and usually involve some comment about physical attributes.)
April 17, 2011 @ 4:35 am
You’re entitled to your opinion Dan. So are the people opposed. I guess my opinion hasn’t come across correctly. Let me try again. I oppose the singers who are breaking down the purity of the genre with greed and manipulation. I oppose the target audiences in general. True talent comes from a higher level. It comes from something that can’t be manufactured or developed on music row. I oppose pop country because I cannot relate to it. Not because I am better.
Because I KNOW better.
Taylor Swift certainly has her place in music history. Too bad it is for all the wrong reasons. Too bad she will set the standard for good music by singing off key. Too bad she has set a standard for recording songs only for marketibility.
An artist who lives and breathes music feels it in their bones. Defending Taylor Swift is an honorable thing, Dan. To a point you are correct about her age. I hope one day she wakes up and says, “I want to do real music.” If I met Taylor Swift on the street and she would talk to me, I would be friendly and such. I don’t hate HER. I don’t like her music and what pop country is all about.
And you comparing her to a gateway drug? People embarrassed to be labeled country? I think you are way off track.
April 17, 2011 @ 5:10 pm
Dan, true true, I’ll own that. I was actually just being facetious saying that stuff about her hair! My true feelings about her are completely neutral. I don’t like her nor dislike her. She doesn’t have one bit of impact on my life and I wouldn’t even know a Swifty song if I heard one on the radio. I must say though, my heart did go out to her when Kanye pulled that stunt on …. what was it, The MTV video awards? End of the day, she’s just a kid and I have no ill will towards her.
April 17, 2011 @ 8:29 am
I guess what I’m getting at is that there is nothing new about Taylor Swift that deserves so much anger. There has always been a Taylor Swift and there will always be more to replace her. She is the Juice Newton of our time….and yet even after Juice Newton and Kenny Rodgers we still have lots of great music out there.
I think folks give her way too much credit for the sad condition of American music.
In the end the power of the marketplace will be the final arbiter. If someone can do real music that a zillion teen aged kids will buy they will replace her. Until then we get what sells. That’s not a bad thing in the in the long term. Remember that what made Jimmie Rodgers and Cash and Hank Williams was their ability to sell records to the masses. By the way, there were loads of people trying to save country music from them in their day also.
There is no going backwards in culture and that’s why groups that try to “preserve” what used to be the mainstream in country are doomed to frustrating obscurity. Music forms have to move forward and make money or they die, like the blues has died.
Best wishes
Dan
April 17, 2011 @ 11:08 am
You need to check buddy guy’s music, if ya think the blues is dead. Good point otherwise.
April 17, 2011 @ 12:51 pm
The blues is far from dead. You’ve obviously never been through the Mississippi hill country.
April 17, 2011 @ 11:40 pm
Hell Yes to NMHCBlues!
April 17, 2011 @ 3:27 pm
Dan
Just because it sells, don’t make it right. It’s not obscure to hang on to the traditionalist music. Almost every one of the great country music greats have done gospel. When is Taylor Swift gonna quit capitalizing on marketabliity and do something worthwhile?
Unless money is her motivator. Surely she is old enough at 20(?) to realize that not all you do for money is a good thing. If not, her managers should. If not them, then someone needs to tell her. I will. Taylor, if you love the music and your fans, then prove it by saying no to the corporate greed. You are rich enough. Your FANS made you rich. They’ll love anything you do, right? So do the right thing and quit giving in to Music Row.
Standards. Pop country doesn’t seem to have them. Singin’ about anything and everything and never once thinking twice.
There is going backwards in culture. The circle, WILL NOT, be unbroken. The Beginning and the End.
Best wishes back.
April 17, 2011 @ 5:29 pm
Hey Dan, I am really liking what you have to say and agree with most of what you have said here. Are you new around here, or have I just not been taking enough notice of what you’ve had to say up to this point?
I very much like the analogy of Taylor Swift being a ‘gateway drug’. I have said this before in similar arguments: I recall an interview with Jello Biafra of The Dead Kennedy’s from a few years back. When he was asked about all these ‘nu-punk’ bands such as Green Day and Blink 182, he said he thought it was a positive thing as potentially these bands could provide an access to the old school (ie real) punk rock. Like you say, a gateway drug. The kids like it and dig a little deeper into the scene. I’m sure there will be kids who like Taylor Swift who will want to find out more.
It’s like the current season of American Idol. There is a couple of contestants who are championing artists such as Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Ryan Adams, Patsy Cline, Nat King Cole, Johnny Cash ….. Essentially introducing tens of millions of American kids every week to this kind of music. The coolest thing is one of the cats doing this is only 20 years of age. I think it’s heartening to see and I am thinking maybe the worm is turning? Maybe not, however it still seems very positive to me.
April 17, 2011 @ 5:36 pm
PS Adam: North Mississippi Blues! Like some of the old blues guys signed to Fat Possum?
Dan, if you are able check out a documentary called You See Me Laughin’ – it’s a wonderful (and hilarious) documentary featuring some exquisite blues and characters:
http://amazon.imdb.com/title/tt0363223/
April 17, 2011 @ 5:43 pm
The old guys like R.L. Burnside, Otha Turner, Junior Kimbrough, and, still living, T-Model Ford, yes. But also Alvin Youngblood Hart, the North Mississippi Allstars, and the new generation of blues guys. There’s actually still a lot of great blues coming out on the West coast as well. A great label out there called Delta Groove that specializes in new West coast blues.
April 18, 2011 @ 3:05 pm
Excellent, will check ’em out.
February 22, 2012 @ 8:41 pm
“When is Taylor Swift gonna quit capitalizing on marketabliity and do something worthwhile? ”
Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile. I think you’re too closed minded. Open yourself up to the possibilities.There’s more out there than the same old, same old, as good as it is.
You probably wish you could sell a record or three and write songs people wanted to hear.
Why should she quit doing something she likes, just because you don’t? She is not the dumb one. Not by a long shot.
April 17, 2011 @ 10:29 am
Jesus Christ i thought i was on the cMTblog . I cant believe all the Talentless Swift apologist in here.I come here to get away from mainstream country garbage. It like the Twilight zone. Triggerman keep up the good work.
April 17, 2011 @ 11:53 am
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?” ”” George Carlin
April 18, 2011 @ 8:13 am
Ok, Ill explain this Taylor Swift phenomenon one more time- do you ever see those white 18-wheelers running up and down the highway with the blue “Swift Transportation” on them? They’re everywhere. It’s the largest trucking company in the USA -Yes, that’s daddy.
The Nashville music mill is not responsible for signing Taylor Swift on her talent.
That’s right, daddy went to the label and put up the millions required to ‘backline’ her record deal. Shocking I know, but a pretty good deal for a teenager if you ask me. Wish my dad would have financed my early endeavours! It costs a fortune to produce and market a single up into the top 10, as it always has. So, zero risk for the label, and a pretty smart business decision for the label. Hey, if it tanked, they weren’t out anything. So the expert producers, engineers, musicians and marketing guys went to work, spending all daddy’s money on the spit and polish- voila! …your next superstar..
So, let’s recap and total what we have here:
Number of doors knocked on in Nashville – 0
Number of pool tables slept on to save gas money to the next gig – 0
Number of personal items pawned to make rent- 0
Number of ‘play for the door’ honky-tonk gigs in Nashville – 0
Number of records sold – MILLIONS.
Don’t hate the player, hate the game..
April 18, 2011 @ 6:22 pm
That explains alot.
April 19, 2011 @ 3:47 am
If this info is correct it’s fascinating. Poor little rich girl. Casting couches need not apply.
April 19, 2011 @ 7:54 am
Okay, I’m no fan of Swift, actually I kinda hate her because of her whiny vocals and hair slinging ways, haha! But I have a few questions about this:
1. What is the proof that her dad indeed paid the label to sign on Taylor? I mean, yes, daddy might be rich, but doesn’t automatically mean her bought the record deal.
2. Even if the buying of record deal story is true, well, that only explains why she got the recording contract, that does not explain why she eventually became a phenomenal success? I guess my question is, and the real puzzle for me is, how the hell did someone with mediocre vocals win so many industry awards and fool millions of people into thinking that she is a good singer and consequently made her albums multiple platinum???
June 13, 2011 @ 11:23 am
It’s false to spread Taylor as the daughter of Swift Transportation. Scott Swift is her Taylor’s Dad; Jerry Moyes is the Chairman of the Board and founder of Swift transportation, circa 1986. Swift Transport was originally based out of Arizona, where Taylor never mentions living. Her fans, however, have adopted the trucks as a sort of good-luck charm, or telepathic remembrance, similar to the way they use the number 13 and the heart-hands. Swift transport may have had a very recent and successful IPO, leading to the confusion. Taylor’s family hails from New England, and while both were successful bank types (Taylor’s never been poor, I’ll grant you that), she’s by no means an Empress to a transportation mogul.
http://www.swifttrans.com/c-clamp.aspx?id=142
Yes, the business model is contrived. But no more so than any other national circuit.
April 18, 2011 @ 4:39 pm
Dave you just knocked the nail right through the board buddy 😉 !!!
April 19, 2011 @ 12:51 pm
The business model for Swift’s arrangement is pretty well known in the major-label circles around Nashville. The proof is I know it, and I’m telling you about it. Doesn’t matter if you believe me or not, it’s just what happened. It wasn’t much of a shock to those who know how the labels work.
I don’t blame her dad for doing this- it was very smart on his part to just “guarantee” her deal. The odds were against her scoring a deal on her own in the traditional sense. She didn’t really have the singing voice, the songwriting skills, or the touring experience to get signed.
There’s tons of talented young girls moving to Nashville- heck, daily- who can outsing her. The 20 year old brunette from Kansas who just took your Burger King order for instance.. And, they write their own good songs. And, they’re proficient on their instrument of choice. And they’re cute, or whatever. Some of those girls will join NSAI (or some other songwriter’s group) and try to get appointments writing with some of the more seasoned pens on the row. Most will wait tables or work in an office meanwhile. A (very) few will score some demo or background singing studio work (for free) as well. If they have a great voice and delivery, it could lead to other gigs. It’s all about the networking, making contacts, and finding label people who believe in your work ethic, ability and attitude. But it’s got to be the total package to get signed- the look, talent, uniqueness, musicianship, writing ability, personality, lifestyle, attitude and many other factors. You can’t have just 3 or 4 of the requirements, you’ve got to be the whole package-everything! There’s just too much for the labels to choose from. The labels are each constantly searching for artists with a specific look, sound and attitude- it’s almost like shopping at Wal-Mart for them. Go see this girl’s showcase, listen to this girls’ demo, hire this one to sing some backups- there’s just an awful lot to choose from. They’ve got to know in their gut it could be the next big thing.
But, because he was able to, Taylor’s dad just saved her from all that grief, door knocking and humility. Can’t say I blame him-I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want my teenage daughter rattling around Nashville looking for a record deal. All he really did was guarantee that the label wouldn’t be out anything if the public didn’t go for it. In return, he got full access for his daughter to world-class studios, producers and musicians, songwriters, videographers, media school, make-up artists, stylists.. on and on. Of course, it was all packaged and sold nicely, and the demographic has accepted her style and music wholeheartedly. It’s a pretty easy business plan. I think this plan would work for my 70 year old mom, or anyone else for that matter. When you have total access to all the top shelf industry secrets and pros, how could it fail?
Most of the struggling girls in Nashville can’t afford the high priced demos, producers and musicians, even for product to shop themselves to the labels. Some labels will take a chance cutting a few professional sides for a potential new artist. But then if the study groups they play the singles for don’t take the bait- it’s shelved. “Thanks for coming out”. And the girl is on to the next episode, the next showcase, the next demo gig. If she’s lucky. This example plays itself out several times DAILY in Nashville. It’s just how it works.. It’s definitely a ‘buyers market’ when it comes to record deals.
April 26, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
That is just not true. She made demos, worked hard, and was singing in front of record labels from an early age. I actually have one of the demos and bought it from a friend of her dad. Like DeeDee said, if Taylor is your biggest problem today, then you don’t live in the America that I do.
April 19, 2011 @ 9:22 pm
My feeling is this:
All the obvious obligatory comments about her music aside, the fact is that she has been phenomenally successful in an era when music is dying. If you adjusted for music deflation, she might be the biggest thing to ever happen in country music. Now we could spend time trying to act like all of her success is the fault of smoke and mirrors, but that would not give her and her handlers any credit for being wickedly shrewd, or for her writing songs that relate to people, and in the beginning, being very savvy from a very grassroots perspective by giving her music away for free, and answering EVERY MySpace message her fans sent her in the early days. These fundamental things created a fan base for her that has allowed her to grow to where she is.
We can be like the football team that underestimates the opposing team’s defense, and so they don’t practice for them, don’t give them credit where credit is due, don’t study them, even if it’s only in a few small places, and when it’s Sunday get clobbered because we underestimated. Or we can watch what Taylor Swift is doing, and learn from her savvy moves. I for one will not underestimate her.
I have heard all the conspiracy theories about how she was “made” into a star: buying 25,000 copies and putting them into a warehouse to drive Soundscan numbers, or staging the Kanye thing to take pressure off her for the Grammy’s. Maybe where there’s smoke, there’s fire, but she is not a complete waste of space like so many pop country stars. I am going to see her for what she is: a force in music, however good or ill.
April 20, 2011 @ 7:30 am
Yes Triggerman, It is what it is. Taylor Swift has her place in pop Country.
April 21, 2011 @ 1:07 pm
WOW, If everyone had the talent to write a song about their OWN feelings and how THEY feel and be successful at it, then I am sure it just would not matter what the apparently “all knowing” bloggers think. Write your own songs about whatever everyone else thinks… If you like her great! If not, don’t listen!
April 23, 2011 @ 10:30 am
Thank you Peg. I’ll be sure to exercise my rights too. The point moreso than just not liking her music is that she is idolized as the greatest country singer in the world at this time. I have a problem with that.
I don’t listen to her. I wish her the best. But to continue to hand over little statues to her making her something she is not, I have to say something. Those are my feelings on it.
I’ll start a song about it.
There was a time
when country was country
and a dime was a dime
But that’s all changed
and not for the better
It’s not real now
The country’s not real
it’s made in Nashville
and it’s not real
Lawyers and executives
making the deals
but it ain’t real
where’d my country go?
April 23, 2011 @ 9:34 am
Ok, the problem with comments like Dangerous Dave is they are wrong. Swift Transportation was found by Jerry Moyes in 1966. He is still the CEO. Swift’s actually father is a stockbroker for Merrill in Nashville. Now does she have great vocals. No. Are her songs more immature than we would like? Yes. She came on the seen as a 15 year old girl. She was supposed to be immature. Her songs are growing. On the song mean, she is allowed to say and sing whatever she wants. That is why this is America. She is allowed to defend herself. However, money does make that industry go round. SO, if everyone hates her then she wouldn’t be selling albums or being played on the radio. You guys may not like her but some do. This world is changing. Not just country music. And honestly… oh hell nevermind people just like to bitch about each other instead of trying to fix real issues and real problems this country has. If Taylor Swift is the biggest problem you can think of for today then God Bless you because you live somewhere other than the current American that I live in.
April 25, 2011 @ 6:08 am
The saddening part is that Taylor Swift is somehow labeled country. How? Her songs are as adolescent as her voice is atrocious. For Taylor Swift to represent country is a slap in the face to all real country fans. As bad as pop music is today, and it truly is at one of the worst states I’ve heard it in, Taylor fits right in because she’s actually decent comparatively. How a singer that can hardly carry a tune can continue to sell records and win awards in a genre she doesn’t, in any way, represent, is beyond me. Hank Williams is rolling over in his grave right now.
When they start calling Eminem country is when I know the apocalypse is truly upon us. I’ve always heard her defenders say they agree she might not be the best singer but she’s a good song writer. After looking through her body of work her songs are nothing but high school memories, told over and over again. Couple that with Mean, a juvenile attempt to call names and strike back at “someone” just helped solidify her as neither a good singer nor a good songwriter…. unless if you’re 13 I guess.
April 25, 2011 @ 7:59 am
That’s a good summation Clint with one exception: I wouldn’t want my thirteen year old daughter thinking it’s good country music either. It’s all for the money, nothing for the art, and she should take that crown off her head.
She is not country.
April 25, 2011 @ 8:37 am
Denise, you’re quite correct. The frightening thing is that if our children believe this is country, REAL country is going to fade even further into oblivion. Perhaps not, but it’s still a concern.
Hopefully we can still show our kids what it is to be a strong, successful woman but also be true to the roots of the genres you proclaim to be a part of.
April 26, 2011 @ 6:59 pm
Taylor’s target audience is people who are, were, or will soon be teenage girls who dream of falling in love (and everything that is associated with it). Not surprisingly, you don’t like it because you don’t identify with it.
But, within her target audience, she has obviously done very well.
As for whether this is “good” music, ‘Mean’ is just Taylor expressing herself; her songs are true to normal human nature and very relatable. We all feel badly when someone criticizes us and want to make ourselves feel better. It’s not intended to be worthy of Mother Teresa.
If you really take issue with her being (mildly) hypocritical in returning some name calling, don’t you have bigger fish to fry? Look just about anywhere else in business for a more blatant example and you’ll find it.
I really doubt this song it about you. So, go pick on someone your own size.
April 26, 2011 @ 7:46 pm
Taylorfan yes her target audience is 10 to 15 year old girls I have no problem with the girl singing to those people now i dont like it at all its bubble gum pop and crap. My problem is her calling herself country shes not and me actually being country I find it offensive that she actually thinks she is. Like George Jones said “They’ve stolen our identity” They had to take something that was already established to advance there own careers and there crappy music.
April 27, 2011 @ 5:02 am
I dislike cynical/immature/smug men who feel like they have to have the last word by over intellectualizing and making other people look bad. It doesn’t make you more clever or even in the right to over-analyze and pick apart this song more articulately than was done in the medium of lyrics. Anyone can do that. You’re still being an ass, deliberately I’ll venture, and clearly missed the point – but she anticipated that you would. I dislike this article very much.
April 28, 2011 @ 10:01 am
Not since grad school seminar papers have I read an essay with the structure of your Taylor Swift expositon. But Taylor Swift is not Stendahl, and even about him, that kind of writing is boring. When I heard “Mean,” I thought of “Goodbye, Earl” or other “get out of my life” songs. It is playful and adolescent and a trifle, but the little lilting melody is fun to listen to. That’s all “Mean” is, and I trust it is all Taylor Swift intended it to be. Mercy.
May 1, 2011 @ 5:31 am
Junie Moon the song obviously is more than a little ditty. Taylor Swift explained herself that every time she turned around a writer was putting her down, so all she could do was write a song in retaliation. She only wants contructive criticism and if you cross the line she will retaliate. As a performer, albeit young and all, Miss Swift must know that she will face criticism. As a music lover, I don’t understand why they continue to hand her accolades when she most obviously is a medicre singer at best. That’s what it comes down to. How can the most popular singer in country music be off key most of the time? How can she write songs like Mean and be considered above criticism? All artists face criticism. They have too. It’s part of the job. And if she wanted to uphold her ranking in country music, one would think that Taylor Swift would work harder to be better rather than be so flippant and degrading about a critic.
The words of that song, that she just had to write, are not very nice. Here’s some constructive criticism for her:
1. Take voice lessons. Study the better singers (yes, there are many, many better singers, probably millions)
2. Write songs from your real heart, not the mean ass one that makes you want to spurn exboyfriends and critics
3.Try to understand that not everyone is going to like your POP country faire.
If Taylor Swift really accepts all those trophies and all as REAL, then she needs to start being REAL country. If she can.
April 28, 2011 @ 10:53 am
You taylor fans dont get it at fucking all we are trying to expose her for what she is a talentless pop singer NOT at all country music and we dont want her in country music
April 30, 2011 @ 5:40 pm
Thank you, thank you! I do not understand with so many talented people pouring out of Nashville why we bother ‘fixing’ Taylor’s voice? Every time I have heard her live performances she has been flat and out of tune. Not even POP music deserves a pseudo-talent. Give the singers with talent the limelight.
April 30, 2011 @ 8:06 pm
Today i stumbled upon “Rolling Stone” Magazine. Issue1117 (November 2010 Conan Obrian on cover ). On page 30, Austin Scaggs asked Taylor “who is the song “Mean” about?”
Taylor responded
” “Mean” is about a writer who kept going off on me, blasting me. There’s a place for constructive criticism, but then there’s a line that gets crossed. Everytime I’d read something new, it would level me, and my only way of handling it was to write a song about it”
Dont know if its about Trig, but he fits the bill though.
May 6, 2011 @ 12:41 am
I am amazed how so many of you think you are better qualified than the ACTUAL country music artists, fans, etc. The recipients of the various awards are decided based on sales and on votes, sometimes by fans and sometimes by the artists themselves.
How many songs have each of you written?
How many records have each of you sold?
How many awards for your music have each of you won?
Did you not see the standing ovation that she has received on at least two occasions by her fellow “country” artists, including George Strait, Reba, etc. And of course “Mean” is just a little ditty. Most popular songs are.
May 6, 2011 @ 10:47 am
Well, I think we are all country music fans, otherwise we wouldn’t be here. How many records have I sold or how many songs have I written? So, what you’re saying is that I can’t be critical of something unless I can do it myself. I see. So next time you eat, you can’t complain if you don’t like the food unless you’re a chef. You can’t dislike a book unless you’re a writer. You can’t dislike clothes well, because frankly you’re not a fashion designer. Do I think I’m qualified? Absolutely. As a fan of country music and as someone who has delved into the history of country music, I think I AM qualified. I think anyone who listens to music is able to critique it. As for the standing ovation, she is in a big room with like minded individuals, most of whom are in it for the money, not the music. Instead of making bad arguments, just accept that there are differences in opinions. You need to delve and see what is actually going on. People with little talent are being overrecognized and people with massive amounts of talent are cast away. That’s thee problem I have.
May 6, 2011 @ 9:54 pm
All I know is that my 5 year old daughter is OBSESSED with her. And I mean obsessed. Her first sentence when she was a baby was “I like Taylor Swift.” She has a million posters, every CD, knows all the words, only wears cowboy boots in an attempt to look like her and recently started playing the guitar because Taylor Swift does. I don’t love her music, I tolerate it because my daughter likes it and some of her songs are catchy and fun. Is she country? Not in my opinion… but then again, she isn’t exactly “pop” either.
I like Taylor Swift because she is a decent role model for my young daughter. She isn’t out there partying every night, drunk or on drugs, wearing outfits that are barely covering her body. She appears on talk shows and is sweet and as down to earth as one could be when they are a multi-millionaire. My daughter waited for hours to see her after an appearance once and she took her time to sign every single autograph, including one for my daughter and gave her a hug and complimented her outfit and hair. When my little girl started to cry, out of excitement, Taylor even went so far as to wipe the tears from her cheek with her thumb and thank her for being so patient.
So to the writer of this article… you have a right to say what you want about Taylor and I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you are wrong or that you are “mean” for writing it. Because everyone is entitled to their own opinion and entitled to write what they want to… including Taylor Swift. I won’t say she’s the best singer out there or that she’s country, I agree with you in those regards. But she is a good role model in a world full of cracked out, drunk and talentless other celebrity ‘role models’ and for that she should be commended.
May 6, 2011 @ 10:44 pm
As a father of a five year old daughter myself, I can appreciate what you’re saying. Would have to admit that I’m thankful my daughter is largely ignorant of Ms. Swift, but that’s more because of purely selfish reasons. But better her than Lady Gaga.
May 7, 2011 @ 2:03 pm
So…I came across this blog for the first time when researching who Taylor Swifts, “Mean,” was about. I can see the writers points that, maybe, other artists with better singing abilities are getting overshadowed by someone who can’t belt out a really strong country song. However, I LOVE Taylor Swifts music. I’m a 25 year old female, and even at this age, I can still relate to some of her songs. Sure, her song “Mean” is a little bit hypocritical. Where she points out that the person she’s singing to is well, pathetic, among other things. But she’s 21. Do you expect her to be just this perfect girl, with a perfect voice, with perfect songs? Damn. We’ve all made a cheap shot once or twice at someone, been hypocritical, and/or tried to get revenge on someone at some point in our lives. She’s just under this microscope. If you really don’t like Taylor Swift, then turn the station when her song comes on. If her music is played too often on the radio, go buy yourself an i-pod and an i-pod dock and download some of your favorite artists and listen to them. It really is just that simple. I find Taylor to be a pretty positive role model. I saw one mother write on here that Taylor writes about how she goes through guys. Well, again…she’s 21! People date. It doesn’t mean she’s sleeping around. I’m pretty sure that womans children have heard a Kesha or Lady Gaga or Britney Spears song…ALL which contain lyrics having to do with sex or drinking. Sure, Taylor can’t belt out a ballad like Martina McBride or Carrie Underwood, but does that mean that in order to be successful in the music industry, you HAVE to be able to sound like Christina Aguilera? Sometimes I’m in the mood for a really powerful song with a really powerful voice. Sometimes I’m in the mood for something a bit lighter, with cute lyrics that brings my mood up a bit. Usually I go to Taylors music for that.
May 8, 2011 @ 6:35 am
Vai fzr algo de interresante, suas criticas foram horrivel , vc nao o que fala , vc nao tem certeza do que fala.
May 9, 2011 @ 11:32 pm
well , she may not have the best ‘ vocals’ . But at least she has the talent in poetry.
And most of her songs these days are classified as ‘ Country – Pop ‘.
I personally think Taylor is still a good singer , (though she can’t belt out high notes like the ‘ Real Divas’ can ), it’s because her voice fits her song perfectly , and that’s what matters the most right .
I agree that not all Critics are ‘ Mean’ , they’re just pointing out some mistakes . And one of their jobs is to prove us that we’re humans , we are not perfect .
She became famous mostly because of the lyrics of her songs , it tells stories of lives millions of fans out there.
May 28, 2011 @ 11:42 pm
I would just like to say I think you make a few valid points, very few. But other than that your blog sucks. And the song is catchy, cute and true for many woman, which you are not. Her voice isn’t the greatest, but it is different, fun and she writes great material slamming people or expressing her heart. Either way it lets go of whatever she feels which is healthy. I think young or old can relate to her music, and let go of past hurts in song!! She will be around for a long time.
May 29, 2011 @ 12:59 pm
I love Taylor swift. She is a wonderful person. As a matter of fact mean is my favorite song. Also at least your listening to her real voice and actual instruments. Most music today is just done by computer. You could suck at singing but be famous because of all the editing they do. I’m only 13 and I know thtat
June 1, 2011 @ 12:03 pm
Perhaps its Blake Shelton…. he is not a big fan, and she does say something about getting drunk : )
June 4, 2011 @ 1:15 pm
I have many mixed opinions about this article, but they’re all based on the same idea.
First of all, Taylor Swift can sing. She does not rely on machinery for her naturally beautiful voice.
Second, on the subject of Taylor’s Song, Mean, there is no proof whatsoever that she was referring to her critiques. In fact, a more accurate estimate would be that she was singing about all her bullies in high school. She’s a young girl who sings about her age group, and that just happens to be high school students. Not only that, this song reaches out to those who have to tolerate jerks in school. If you’re so worried about this song talking about you, maybe you should ask yourself, “Am I mean?”
Third, Taylor Swift’s music is not pop. Those who have actually listened to pop would not call her music this. If it is not country, it is more rock than anything else.
I’d seriously reconsider to whole idea behind this article and hope that you’re the kind who can “absorb criticism”.
~A 13-year-old’s perspective
June 13, 2011 @ 2:20 pm
There actually IS proof that “Mean” is about a critic, straight from the horses mouth! (HA! Couldn’t help it, I still think she looks like a horse). There is a video out there somewhere where Taylor herself says that not only is it about a critic, but a specific individual. And if you consider Taylor Swift rock, I suggest you go listen to some Rolling Stones circa 1971. THAT’S rock.
June 5, 2011 @ 9:19 pm
I thought this catchy song was about being bullied in high school or something, but she’s singing about so-called mean things music critics say? What a sensitive bitch. Music critics are subhuman compared to film critics, and she’s crying over them?
God I hate this positivity movement. You can’t say anything about anyone without it turning into an argument over whether or not you should have said it.
That being said, her fans are likely into the modern Up With People movement, so it’ll resonate with those cretins.
June 10, 2011 @ 6:00 pm
Wonder what she’d have written for lyrics if she had auditioned for American Idol while Simon was still there.
Better yet, would have liked to hear what Simon would have told her.
🙂
Most of the criticism, in the long run, isn’t really about Taylor Swift; it’s really about trying to educate empty-headed fans of hers that made her think she was special.
Futile. But have to try.
June 12, 2011 @ 11:46 am
LOL no, I have a STRONG feeling this song wasn’t about you. Considering you aren’t even remotely influential in Taylor Swift’s life.
As far as arguing her talent goes…
I really do understand people who don’t like her. I get, it’s very difficult to watch someone beautiful and kind and almost perfect get the kind of popularity she did. However, that doesn’t make her any less talented.
Even if you were to argue that she can’t sing…No, her voice is not the most amazing thing in the world. I agree with that, sure. It’s sweet, it’s simple, it’s nice to listen to.
Even if you were to argue that her music is poppy. Sure, it is.
However, she is talented in a way that most of us are not. She can relate to people in a way that is unmatched by anyone else. She’s an emotional prodigy.
July 3, 2011 @ 7:15 pm
“Considering you aren”™t even remotely influential in Taylor Swift”™s life.”
She wrote a song about music critics who were “mean” to her. The song is about him and anyone else who criticized her. So yes, this issue does seem to be a big deal in her “almost perfect” life.
June 13, 2011 @ 10:55 am
Jeez, your ego is fantastical.
What part of this holds up?: You, with your switching sides,
And your walk by lies and your humiliation.. When did you ever “walk by” her
What part of this is you? 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.
Wake up dude. This is obviously someone her age, and the Big-City part is in reference to her rural life in Vermont. Evidently someone in Vermont has hell to pay. But it ain’t you.
June 14, 2011 @ 1:27 pm
good…. wordy
June 19, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
As I write this, I am listening to Roy and Dale on my Ipod, along with Cash, Marty Robbins, and Alabama. I am almost 64 yrs. old, and I like Taylor Swift. She’s a gutsy kid who is a talented song-writer. The whole point of poetry/songs is to move the listener in some way. Taylor’s Mean did that for me; let me tell you why.
My father was abusive all throughout my growing up. He physically hit me, told me I would never amount to anything, and stopped me whenever I sang in the car. He was much more abusive than I care to put into words, but Taylor’s song is one I can identify with. She may not have been talking about her father, but the lyrics still touch me.
Those of you who are being so critical are missing the whole point. Taylor Swift is a talented song-writer and singer who touches people in unknown ways. I did prove my father wrong. I did grow up and move to a big ol’ city and I sang in musical theater in front of thousands of people. I hope other abused girls and women out there get some hope out of these lyrics.
June 20, 2011 @ 4:46 pm
I admire your strength in overcoming abuse, although I doubt it truley came from this song. Mean is not penned about abuse, it was written as a response to criticism about Taylor Swift, and criticism is not the same as mental and physical abuse. I’m not sure how this particular song moved you to feel connected to a POP country singer who manufactures songs for money, but I am glad you are in a better place now than you were before.
June 20, 2011 @ 6:21 pm
I personally don’t get all the hate for her. She’s still a kid who WRITES her own songs. That is a factor I hide very high in todays mainstream country. I personally don’t like most of her songs, but she does have a few that I can tolerate. You can also tell that she really does loves her, albeit teen girls, fans. She can also play multiple instruments (there’s another important factor). I like III, Allcorn, HG, and Hancock as much as the next guy, but she is tolerable IMHO. How do you know she manufactures songs for money, BTW. It’s clear that she adores every single one of her fans and she seems to really be into music. I actually believe when she matures, her songwriting will too. I can almost guarantee that before her career is over, she will have written some very good songs. She’s easy to hate on though, so I’m not surprised by a lot of these comments.
June 21, 2011 @ 1:53 am
I don’t hate HER Logan. I don’t like her music or what pop country is all about. She does fine songs for teenagers, and yet she is tauted as the best country performer in the world. I disagree. I’m a grown woman and have been through a thing or two in my life, I also write and feel I know the difference between a road musician and a manufactured one. I feel her songs are manufactured for money for many reasons which is my opinion. We all have em!
June 23, 2011 @ 6:46 am
“Mean is not penned about abuse” I beg to differ with you. The old saying that sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me is totally wrong. In many ways, verbal abuse is worse than physical abuse. Bones heal and bruises fade, but damage to the soul lasts forever. And, no, this song didn’t draw me to Taylor Swift, but it did pronounce what I’ve been feeling for years. This all happened over 50 yrs. ago, but my soul still feels it. I have had to push myself to believe in myself because I was convinced by years of verbal abuse that I was worthless. What I was trying to point out to those who are so quick to be critical of an artist because THEY don’t like her music, or her hair, or whatever is that if that song touches one person who is in a situation of verbal or physical abuse and helps them feel hope, it is worthwhile. I do like Taylor because she speaks from the heart. Yes, I don’t relate to all her songs, but the lyrics of this one did speak to me. The fact that she may have been directing it at a producer is moot. Evidently this person did make her feel worthless, and that is abuse.
July 3, 2011 @ 7:19 pm
What some guy writes in a blog about a pop singer doesn’t compare to the verbal abuse suffered by a child at the hands of a parent. If anything Saving County Music has published can be described as abuse, then all journalists, critics and bloggers better close up shop. Maybe Roger Ebert better not say those mean things about the Transformers movies because he might make Michael Bay feel worthless and that’s really, really mean and abusive!
June 20, 2011 @ 10:33 pm
#1, country music no longer exist, thanks to the complete douche bags in Nashville. There is no longer any talent that even closely resembles the greats of country music. So, your blog has no reason to even be read. You are a douche bag and I look forward to your eventual, catastrophic, end.
June 26, 2011 @ 9:01 am
Taylor Swift has her fans which is great, and she can write great songs. However, don’t get all worked up because someone says she can’t sing. Clearly her bank account disagrees. I personally don’t think that she can sing nor is she attractive. But really, does that matter with the state of music? Not in the least. Taylor may never be country like Alan Jackson, George Strait, Tanya Tucker etc, but it really doesn’t matter. I wish they would move her off the country stations because it’s not where she belongs.Put her on pop stations and she’ll do even better than she is now.
June 27, 2011 @ 3:50 pm
This has got to be the most stupid and pointless thing I have ever read. Just because you don’t like her song doesn’t mean you should go around saying she doesn’t deserve to be a country singer. After reading this, I’m not going to make a website and say you are a terrible critic and that no one should read your stuff. But I guess some people have no heart.
And you also rant on a lot about how her song mean is very accusing. First of all, every paragraph in this is accusing Taylor Swift. Second, it is just a song, it’s not like this is all serious. You say in your second paragraph that this song is pointed at Bob Lefsetz. Your only substantial proof is that her lyrics say I thought you got me. So then you go on to criticize her saying that she can’t accept negative criticism. She takes a lot of criticism daily, and she saw an opportunity to turn criticism into a great song. That takes talent. You disagree? Please give me a link to your song that has that. Back to Bob now, he said that she couldn’t sing. That doesn’t make him a nice guy. And just like you, Taylor Swift has the right to make accusations and call him a mean person.
Making a song called mean isn’t in any way taking revenge on a person. In the song, I’m positive she doesn’t say “Bob Lefsetz is a mean person.” Most people have no idea that her songs are sometimes based off of real life things. But according to you, making a song called mean means she’s a cold hearted person seeking revenge.
Oh and thanks for your opinion on how terrible mean was. No one cares. So you don’t think that mean was very catchy or good in any way. Good for you. I know a LOT of people who would disagree with you. But if that’s your opinions, I suppose your entitled to keep it. But, according to you, Taylor Swift isn’t entitled to her own opinions. Since she thinks someone is mean, she is a horrible person who can’t sing. Oh, and where do you get the idea that her songs are a joke. I agree that her music videos are a joke, but that doesn’t mean that her songs are a joke. But like I said, you are entitled to your own opinion.
You also mentioned how living in a small city is something to be ashamed of. First of all, that is a very mean thing of you to even suggest. I have never, not even once got that message. All she was doing was dreaming about living in a big city, living the life. If you are asked if you would rather live in a big city with casinos, amusement parks, and the works, or a small town with a gas station and a small grocery store, which would you choose? (Be honest). All she stating is her dreams. I’m pretty sure that stating your dreams isn’t offensive in any way. Someday I want to fly. Oh sorry, did I offend you?
Your last paragraph is probably the most contradicting thing you have said this whole time. You claim that critics are always right. You even have to include that what they say isn’t “mean”, it’s just right. I pretty sure you tried to get the message down at the beginning that what you were saying was vain. But also according to you, it is also right, and shouldn’t be called mean.
I don’t care what you say, this response is anything but “right”. Once again, you are entitled to your own opinion, but that doesn’t mean you have to attack Taylor Swift over and over again.
June 29, 2011 @ 10:35 pm
?? Don’t you understand that it doesn’t matter who Taylor Swift thinks her song is about? It really isn’t about one particular music biz clown or that one or you, bozo, you don’t count for anything, sorry. It’s who her audience identifies as their own personal bullies that matters. Did you fail to notice the stories of those other downtrodden and rejected souls spinning in the background, what Garrison Keillor would call the “shy persons” of this world? Swift is singing for–and to–victims of bullying and abuse everywhere. It is a masterly evocation done in simple bland and cliched strokes, But the picture, the whole ensemble, is electrifying. Frankly, I would expect bad fathers probably top the list in the collective minds of the audience, especially coarse, inarticulate and willfully ignorant men possessed by drinking or drugging problems and blessed with just enough impulse control to stay out of the slammer and in the lives of their unfortunate victims. Note that hilarious drinking scene, mocking those stupid bums. What I believe elevates “Mean” above the ordinary is its adamant refusal to be about the prepetrators of meanness and bullying. The idea of delving more deeply into the psyche of narcissistic predators not only affords them that much greater role in our lives than they deserve (which is none) but peering into their inner voids is, on a whole deeper level, simply repellant and nauseating. Who cares what the predators think, or why they think it, or how they got that way? Swift’s song is ferociously NOT about the perpetrators, it celebrates the victims overcoming the perpetrators with determination and grit and, this being America, pluck and spunk, dance moves and great hair. Well, you can’t have everything. “Someday I’ll be too big for you to hit me [daddy].” Wow. You call that shallow?
Man, if YOU identify in any way with the target of this raw wound of a song you need some serious help and you need it soon.
July 3, 2011 @ 7:31 pm
“it celebrates the victims overcoming the perpetrators”
Victims of what? Music criticism? Just as there is demand for Taylor Swift’s music, there is a demand for critical anylsis of all kinds of media, including books, television shows, films and video games. Are the people who seek out these analyses also mean?
You use the same words to describe a music reviewer that someone would also use to describe a child molester.
“Swift is singing for”“and to”“victims of bullying and abuse everywhere.”
No, she isn’t. The song is a “wahhhh” ballad about her inability to take criticism as a professional singer/songwriter. If it were about the real problem of bullying in schools, for example, the song would have made much more sense. But it would be insulting to the victims of real abuse to be lumped into Taylor Swift’s “abuse” at the hands of country music critics.
June 30, 2011 @ 9:55 am
you think Taylor Swift reads this??!! LMFAO
July 13, 2011 @ 9:56 am
I don’t see how any of this is a matter of debate or, “hating on Taylor” or whatever you want to call it.
1) She gave a clearly bad, highly visible vocal performance at a major event.
2) It wasn’t the first time.
3) Critics did nothing more than describe exactly what happened and give their opinions about how it would affect her career. That’s their job. It’s not like they made her sing badly – she did that entirely on her own.
4) Taylor shows her age by writing and releasing a song that basically says, “you’re so mean to me! Wahhhhh!”
I don’t really care if the song went #1. It’s not a bad song on its own. In fact, it’s really catchy. However, it shows us a lot about her immaturity and lack of professionalism that she chose to react that way. She’s obviously taken some vocal lessons since the event and that’s great; but behaving this way just might do more damage than a couple bad performances could have ever done.
July 28, 2011 @ 2:15 pm
I understand both sides of the line that has been drawn. Here are some truths:
Taylor Swift is not a traditional country singer. Taylor Swift does not have the best voice in country music, or any other genre for that matter. Taylor Swift’s songs are not ground-breaking. Taylor Swift is not the best guitar player to ever grace the stage.
If you disagree with anything above, you are deluded and should stop reading. Those reasons, however, are not what make a successful career or define someone as an artist. She is not the best at anything, but the way she blends what she does have works well. And there is an honesty to her lyrics – of course they are juvenile, but then again they were written by a juvenile. With each album, a little more maturity is added. You can’t expect lyrics written by a 15-year-old to share your world-view, even if the songwriter is now 21.
I think the greater issue at stake, and what this website is supposed to be about, is where the genre is heading. “Saving Country Music.” Country music is evolving, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Once upon a time, people who listened to music now labelled as “bluegrass” were up in arms about the changing of the music. That new music became Hank Williams and his generation. And then everyone was all up in arms again when Merle Haggard came on the airwaves. And then there was “outlaw” country. My point is this – we don’t live in bubbles any more.
Globalization, the internet, all that stuff – has changed everything, not just music. Borders were once easily defined. You lived in one town, listened to similar music, talked to the same folks. Probably listened to country music because it was the only thing playing on the radio. Now you can listen to 150 channels on Sirius, watch CMT on your cell phone, download old Pink Floyd concerts, all without blinking an eye. So people are more aware of other music, and it is starting to influence each genre. I mean really – would you ever think the lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish could put out a country album?
A lot of people are drawing their line in the sand and defining “country” as the music they grew up with. All I’m saying is that the “country” they grew up with isn’t the “country” their parents grew up with. So you might not like some of the newer music on country stations, including Taylor Swift. But that doesn’t mean that she isn’t “country,” it just means that she’s not the type of “country” that you particularly care for.
One of my favorite artists is Brad Paisley. His guitar skills are insane and he’s entertaining as hell. Watch some of his first videos when he was a newcomer. Dressed with the old school country wardrobe, playing traditional country songs. Now he’s usually in jeans and a t-shirt, singing catchy, up-beat fun songs. Still country music, just different. Personally, I like it all.
And I particularly agree with the sentiments about this new music being a great way for people who would never consider listening to ANY country before to start listening. And I sure as hell would prefer my daughter listening to Taylor Swift over Amy Winehouse (rest in peace) as she truly is a role model, even if you don’t care for her music.
To those of you complaining about her, or other artists, being in it for the money…
Ms. Swift donated $100,000 to the people of Cedar Rapids, Iowa (where I am from) after the devastating floods in 2008. She gave another $100,000 to Nashville after their flood. That is the sign of a class act and a wonderful American citizen. And that IS country.
July 28, 2011 @ 2:27 pm
Proving the point: on this website at this exact moment, I am viewing an advertisement that is encouraging me to purchase the new album by Ashton Shepard. Yes, Ashton Shepard. I rest my case.
July 28, 2011 @ 6:19 pm
Big T that’s a well written and fair assessment of what’s going on. I just have to say that most millionares/billionares donate 10% of their earnings to charitable corporations. It’s usually required by most accountants for the tax deduction. It is a very nice gesture though and I’m sure the receiving ends are very grateful to Taylor Swift for her generosity.
Speaking of old Pink Floyd concerts, Live at Pompeii is a good one.
August 22, 2011 @ 9:12 am
To Big T – Thanks for your post. I agree with the whole thing. Not to mention it saved me trying to tangle with the written english language to articulate what you’ve already said (talker not a typer). Just wanted to add a few comments:
– Denise, just because she didn’t send 10% of her income to those two charities, doesn’t mean she didn’t give 10% to charity. I sent money to victims of tornadoes in my area, it wasn’t 10% of my income, but I still gave almost 10% to charity as a whole.
– Who cares who or what shes writting about? I think its quite a gift to be able to take happenings from your life and put them to paper. Sometimes I wish I had that gift. Alot of healing there.
– The Judds song “Why Not Me?” was my wifes song to me (until I asked her to marry me). I guarentee you that neither one of us knew what the true meaning behind the song was. Quite frankly, It didn’t matter. What matters was what the song meant to us. That’s what make a song personal. What makes it touch YOU. Just like it was being written about you. I can think of a slew of songs that have touched me throughout my life because of what, or how, they made me feel about something in my life at the time.
– Was I not aware of the ballot box stuffing that TS did to win all those awards? How do you vote for yourself that many times? Oh…..you don’t.
– As far as whether or not her dad got her foot in the door in Nashville……SO? Why does no one complain about the way Carrie Underwood got her foot in the door. From a reality show? Hey, whatever works. Wouldn’t we all take that foot, for our own careers, if we had the chance?
– I think she handles her critics just fine. She doesn’t go out there running her mouth to whatever micophone is put in her face. She just writes a song. Pretty clever I think.
– Finally to all of us (myself included) If your going to hate, hate the game. Don’t hate the players.
September 5, 2011 @ 8:37 pm
go to hell dude. she is awesome and an inspiration to girls every where. she is the reason i started listening to country music
September 29, 2011 @ 1:28 pm
Are you seriously worried about the lyrics being hurtful? Taylor could teach you a lesson or two about respecting other people’s feelings.
November 23, 2011 @ 5:45 pm
I think her tour makes over $125,000,000 and the negative mongers better stick their heads back in the hole they crawled out of, she has a very large following and she’s a wonderful lady for our youth to follow !
November 23, 2011 @ 8:57 pm
I really admire how Taylor framed the song around kids and bullies and shifted it away from her own anger towards the person.
November 24, 2011 @ 4:34 pm
You don’t have to like her music or her. It’s your opinion. However, she has sold out ever single stadium/arena in under 7 minutes top. MSG sold out in under 1 minute. She writes her own songs. Would I consider her country? Eh, not really. Would I consider her pop? Definitely not. She’s under an unamed category..unique. Why? She doesn’t have vocals like Carrie Underwood or that country twang like Miranda Lambert, but she is one hell of a performer and is extremely loyal to her fans. She stood for 13 hours to meet her fans, every single one. She takes the time to hug/high five/say hi to the fans during her concert. Give the girl a break, she’s 22 for Christ’s sake! She still has a lot to learn. A LOT of different artists are fans of her and respect her. Like I said, you don’t have to like her, but she is a true artist. She isn’t auto-tuned. She works for her money and daddy? Daddy did nothing. Taylor worked her ass off. She earned her awards and everything else. No, not all fans are 10-15 or whatever. There are a lot of fans that are different ages. Don’t believe me? Take a look at her live concert footage and you will see people of ALL ages singing along. Personally, I’m a huge fan of her. But, I’m not going to get angry over those who have something mean to say about her. What I’m trying to say is sometimes people forget to take a look at the bigger picture. Taylor Swift will forever be remembered whether you like it or not. Oh, and sorry for any spelling/grammar errors. The iPhone does no justice with its auto-correct…sigh.
February 18, 2012 @ 9:33 pm
hear hear!
As to Bob – Two Grammies for Mean. Yeah. Two. Read it again – Two. Taylor seems to have a lot of respect from her peers – witness the countless awards that she’s won and the kind reactions from her peers. If she was as bad as you say she is, you wouldn’t see that happening.
Yes, Taylor isn’t a Joni Mitchell or Linda Ronstadt in the singing department, but she’s not as bad as you make out either. The girl can sing, perhaps not perfectly on tune 100% of the time, but that only makes her more human in mine, and many others eyes. She plays multiple instruments, writes her own lyrics and music (whether you like them or not is irrelevant, her fans love her songs to bits), and seems to be a genuinely nice, down to Earth “girl next door” type of girl by all accounts.
If Taylor is that bad, how on Earth is she selling out concerts so quickly, selling so many albums, in a time when the music industry, is well, full of Dinosaurs like yourself? Is she a wunderkind at mass hypnosis perhaps? Or, are we all stupid and blind?
There’s criticism, and then there’s outright rudeness. Your blog, at least in regards to Taylor, borders on the latter. Grow up.
Dave
December 5, 2011 @ 11:45 am
Yes, well, a lot of people don’t like Dolly Parton’s voice. Taylor and Dolly have a lot in common. They keep going in spite of the detractors. Taylor seems to be a good business woman and a kind soul, just like Dolly. I hope Ms Swift has the same long run as Dolly and nuts to the critics. It’s always easier to stand on the sidelines and boo than get out and try something yourself.
January 16, 2012 @ 6:30 pm
If all you critics out there say Taylor can’t sing, then somebody please notify Tom Hooper. I mean why would they hire her if she can’t sing? Personally, I’ve been her fan since I heard her live on theawards show singing Tim McGraw. I
Can relate to her music and I am 40 years old. I grew up on 80s rock Michael Jackson Barry manilow and Neil Diamond. I didn’t become a full fledged county fan until 1998. And what is pop short for? Popular . Many artists have and will continue to crossover from their respective genre. Here is an example, what do you classify U2 in? Their music has evolved since they’ve been together. They have a unique style which fans like. Taylor swift has her own unique style which will propel her to be around for decades. Look back and see how young female artists made albums in pop rock with backgrounds in folk or rhytmn and blues or hiphop. Over their active years they’ve changed and evolved. IMO how does gangsta rap become popular? I don’t understand that at all. If all you critics say she can’t sing, take a look at every popular singer-song writer from history. Do they even have
The rAnge of singing. I think not. Style personal views singing and instruments all play a factor. Which made them and Taylor successful . You haters are upset because she’s just a popular if not more than lady gaga. And anyway who is lady gaga? electronic manipulation of music and vocals can make anyone sound better than someone like Taylor. However, she sings within her capabilites and her voice will evolve. I recently purchased her live speak now album, my first album of hers I own and I am thoroughly impressed that she can make any kind of music and s
January 21, 2012 @ 9:27 pm
When the group ALABAMA started, most in the country music buisness hated them. Look how they are perceived now. Talyor Swift is nowadays what Alabama was then. You have a choice, get on board or be left behind.
January 29, 2012 @ 7:52 pm
“…Taylor the person is onset with personal demons, hiring people to blow cocaine up her ass because her nose is blown out.”
A year later:
“But if she wants to go farther, she must understanding that some of her critics are not simply being “Mean”, they are simply “right”, and understanding and admitting to her limitations and shortcomings is the only way she will ever get past them.”
I’m sorry, but since when is calling someone a future crack addict part of being a music critic? There’s nothing ‘simply right’ about that. That’s just, in a word, mean.
Watch your words… if you don’t, you’ll never get ‘the last laugh’. Nobody likes a hypocrite.
January 29, 2012 @ 10:08 pm
And another year later (or so):
“We were wrong about Taylor Swift. I was wrong about Taylor Swift. We were blinded by our prejudices.”
https://savingcountrymusic.com/cma-2011-preview-we-were-wrong-about-taylor-swift
February 13, 2012 @ 8:23 am
I know who Taylor Swift is, but never heard of you.
February 13, 2012 @ 8:44 am
You have now! 🙂
February 13, 2012 @ 9:02 am
Now that “Mean” and Taylor Swift kicked butt at the Grammys, perhaps it’s time to say that you’re not “right,” but just one more person with an opinion. Not that this will happen, I’m sure. Loved her lyric update onstage. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with giving tormentors a little comeuppance, it seems to me. Enjoy.
February 13, 2012 @ 9:34 am
I did. This article was from over 1 1/2 years ago. Here’s a more recent one.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/cma-2011-preview-we-were-wrong-about-taylor-swift
February 13, 2012 @ 12:19 pm
Well, other than saying that you hated this song IN THIS BLOG POST less than a year ago, you’ve got a point. I guess.
February 13, 2012 @ 9:31 am
Apparently my comment wasn’t appreciated. Go Taylor Swift!
February 13, 2012 @ 11:26 am
Taylor Swift is making millions touring and recording, so she must be doing something right, regardless of your inane criticism. I’m not a fan, but I have much more respect for someone who is talented enough to captivate such a large audience vs. someone who writes a blog.
February 13, 2012 @ 11:54 am
Yeah, whatever. She rocked and you are a fool.
February 13, 2012 @ 12:00 pm
OK, just saw your more recent article- well done.
February 13, 2012 @ 3:41 pm
jerk. taylor swift is amazing but obviously you don’t have any ears to hear that! and taylor was right. you were drunk when you wrote that article about her because you have no life so all you do is trash people with such amazing voices! get a life.
February 16, 2012 @ 11:33 am
Well, I don’t really drink, so….. But I’m sure the rest of your assumptions are right!
February 13, 2012 @ 7:43 pm
The funny thing is, obsess over Taylor Swift. You take the time to listen to all her songs and then interpret and write about them, but you don’t affect her career negatively at all. All you do is keep Swift relevant with your rants. The irony is that the point of this blog is suppose defame Swift, but the effect it has on your readers appears to be the opposite. Keep hating her, it just makes her even more famous.
February 16, 2012 @ 11:36 am
I don’t “hate” Taylor Swift. In fact I really don’t hate anybody. I am honest about her though, which in my opinion, is a sign of respect.
Here is an updated article I wrote about Taylor Swift you might be interested in reading.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/cma-2011-preview-we-were-wrong-about-taylor-swift
February 16, 2012 @ 10:04 am
i think a total egomaniacal a&&hole wrote this critique in an attempt to draw attention – thats its only worth. That you would spend time writing yet more TS bashing, and take credit for inspiring Swifts hit song, is beyond even TMZ classless dribble. Get a life – or better, pick up a guitar and write your own damn song – oh wait, most music critics have no musical talent, or are failed musicians – I forgot.
February 16, 2012 @ 11:40 am
I do not think it is fair to assume that I am not a musician. Without question, Taylor is more “successful” than me as one, that goes without saying.
This article was written almost a year ago. Here are some new ones that more accurately depict my current feelings on Taylor.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/cma-2011-preview-we-were-wrong-about-taylor-swift
https://savingcountrymusic.com/keys-to-taylor-swifts-success-every-artist-can-learn-from
February 17, 2012 @ 4:58 am
Big fan of Swift because she isn’t the best singer yet has found success over the traditional barriers of country and pop music HER way. Taylor writes a lot of her own music and plays various instruments. Two arts that seem to be lost in both country and pop music. If the best vocals were the key to success then a lot more idol winners other than Cary would find success. Taylor keep doing your thing.
February 17, 2012 @ 9:19 am
First of all, I’ll say I’m not even a Taylor Swift fan, but at least she is putting herself out there, and obviously enough people like it or she wouldn’t be winning Grammy’s and selling albums. It’s pretty funny that you have to put “successful” in quotations as if maybe there is some other interpretation to being a relevant musician. You’re writing some shitty music blog and she’s on stage, do you really need to qualify it??
Also, it’s a little hilarious that this whole article is a giant ramble of butt-hurt and hypocrisy. You call her immature and shallow, but at the same time you feel compelled to send out a cry-baby appeal about how you aren’t alone or mean or pathetic. How about you actually contribute something to music if you feel so strongly about it as an art form, instead of sitting in front of a computer screen bashing those that are?
February 26, 2012 @ 9:06 am
How do you know I haven’t contributed something to music?
February 26, 2012 @ 8:28 am
“Or is the last laugh hers? What is more valuable, wealth that will be gone the moment her heart stops ticking, or a life full of learning and humility and giving that is nurtured by attempting to build understanding through conflict with other humans?”
From what I know, Taylor has a much better life than you. Taylor doesn’t do conflicts, because she always takes the high road. She never responds to personal attacks or derides other singers or people, except through her song “Mean.” So many people in the industry love and respect her, she is constantly receiving acclaim, and she is surrounded by good people and has managed to stay grounded all this while. Maybe it is time for you to accept that Taylor is not being mean, but is RIGHT. She is living in a big old city and singing at the Grammys, while you have nothing more than a same big loud opinion attempting to scorn her (and quite miserably I must say) on this blog. Taylor simply takes the high road.
At the end of the day, Taylor does have the last laugh, because the best revenge is living well.
Keep it up, Taylor!
February 26, 2012 @ 9:14 am
“From what I know, Taylor has a much better life than you.”
Is it really any of our places to judge another person’s life and say it is any better or worse?
“Taylor doesn”™t do conflicts…”
I would say that “Mean” is very combative. Calling someone “alone in life” is pretty mean.
This article was written nearly a year ago. Here’s my updated take on Taylor Swift that you might find interesting:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/cma-2011-preview-we-were-wrong-about-taylor-swift
February 26, 2012 @ 9:12 am
And by the way, her lyrics are what you make them out to be. Taylor is a class act – she never did name a specific critic for this song, neither has she ever said that she is a rich and wealthy celebrity.
Your perceptions of her lyrics implying ideas of wealth by living in a “big ol’ city” are your own insecurities speaking. Taylor could very well be metaphorically implying that she is living a good life, which is exactly what she is doing and is the best revenge.
“Mean” has a great message for kids everywhere. Take the high road, because the critics are nothing more than mean; plain mean.
February 26, 2012 @ 9:16 am
Revenge is a sport for young souls. But you’re right, “Mean” does have a good message.
February 29, 2012 @ 9:47 am
Taylor is not out for revenge. She has always taken the high road, especially since she never calls a specific critic or blogger out. I have no idea why people perceive her to be out for revenge. She’s pretty content with the darn good life that she has, and always shows how grateful she is for that. Calling her spoilt is just absurd.
February 29, 2012 @ 6:42 am
To be honest Triggerman, I’m disappointed. As someone who used to be a Taylor Swift fan I think you were right the first time.
Sure she hasn’t had her demise yet, but she’s still a shit singer. And “Mean” is an embarrassing song. She tried to make it an anti bullying anthem but the lyrics don’t lie: It’s a song about a pampered diva who can’t handle criticsim. In fact many songs of “Speak Now” are embarrassing and that’s the main reason why I’m no longer a fan of hers.
I don’t think she realized just how much of herself she revealed on that album, but when I hear songs like “Better Than Revenge”, “Innocent”, “Speak Now,” and “Dear John,” as well as “Mean,” she sounds like a spoiled brat who will lash out on anyone who dares to ruin her perfect world with reality. In other words, she’s like every coddled megastar in Hollywood who have handlers who constantly kiss her ass and who shelter her as much as she can from the rest of the world.
And yeah she’s rich and has a better lifestyle than you or me. So what? Money can’t buy everything, especially not talent or self awareness, two things she desperately need.
And T-Swift fans don’t bother telling me about her Grammy wins. Milli Vanilli won Grammies. So did the Baha Men and woman beater Chris Brown. The Grammys don’t mean shit anymore.
March 12, 2012 @ 2:37 pm
Haters suck!! you all suck! – Shut your talent-less pie-hole!
this blog smells like crap!
Selfish bastards always want to take the credit for others success!
Oah I forgot you guys were the highest grossing artist!
Read a real Bolg!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/arts-post/post/taylor-swift-is-billboards-top-earning-artist/2012/03/12/gIQAYzoU7R_blog.html
March 19, 2012 @ 12:03 am
I’m 19 & I’m not american. But Taylor swift made me heard country music like rascal flat, lady A, shania twain, etc. Even she’s not really country but I think some of her song is country (especially on hers first album self titled) & MEAN’ is country and it is top on my most played list. 🙂 thanks taylor you teach me so much. Hope you add Indonesia on your next world tour concert! We waiting on you!
P.S: taylors ”mean” make me found your blog & it is so pathetic. Why american peoples don’t like his asset. Sorry for my bad grammar or whatever.
April 1, 2012 @ 11:40 pm
Oh, good Lord, you ARE mean. “Pathetic’ is the word Taylor used and I couldnt agree more. Not a country fan, but I know who Taylor Swift is, and I can respect talent. No one knows who you are, so maybe take a listen to her song and figure out why. She won’t “flame out” as you put it–she’s sweet, she can sing, and her songs reach people on the most basic level. That’s a lot to say for a very young girl. Maybe, when you grow up a little, you’ll understand.
Sorry if you feel I’m being mean.
April 2, 2012 @ 12:13 pm
I’m not irritated at Swift that she really can’t sing – I’m ticked off at Taylor that she would gush and gush receiving an award from the most horrible First Lady America has ever had to endure. I thought Taylor had more class and wouldn’t be stupid enough to alienate some of her fans. I’m done.
April 2, 2012 @ 2:56 pm
So you liked a singer despite thinking she’s not a good singer, but now you do not like that singer because she was happy to meet the President’s wife? That’s rich. Bravo!
April 2, 2012 @ 7:52 pm
She got to meet Mrs First Lady. That’s an honor for her. I would gush and gush if I were to meet her as well. Am I her biggest fan? No, but she and her husband are part of history. Don’t hate a girl for being excited to meet someone of Mrs. Obamas stature. How has she alienated her fans by meeting her BTW? Try to get past whatever it is that makes you hate Mrs. Obama and appreciate the fact that other people actually respect those who are to be respected.
September 29, 2012 @ 6:33 pm
Geez! It is what it is. You can either like her music or not. She will be a billionaire in a few more years so there are a lot of fans out there, obviously. I think the big reason she is so popular is that charisma or it factor that so few entertainers have. That personality that just draws people in–Dolly, Elvis, Oprah–maybe I am an idealist, but I think they are pretty sincere in their love of the fans. I think they are people lovers and the fans know this. I don’t care for most of her music, but I think she is sincere in her love for her fans. Her beauty doesn’t hurt either, but people have always been drawn to beauty. You can’t have just beauty–you got to have that charisma.