Taylor Swift Leaves Controversial “Mattress” Lyric Behind in Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)
When Taylor Swift announced the re-recording of her album Speak Now as Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), fans and journalists speculated about possible changes to the lyrics, particularly on the controversial song “Better Than Revenge.” Now that the re-recorded version has been released, the question arises: has Swift altered the infamous lyrics?
In a decisive move, she has completely transformed the incendiary line.
The original song, believed to be inspired by Swift’s ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas and his subsequent relationship with Camilla Belle, featured the lyrics: “She’s not a saint and she’s not what you think, she’s an actress, whoa/ She’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress, whoa.”
However, in the new version released on Friday (July 6), Swift maintains the first line but modifies the latter: “He was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches, whoa.”
Since the initial release of Speak Now in October 2010, critics have accused Swift of engaging in “slut-shaming” with these lyrics. Responding to the controversy in a 2014 interview with The Guardian, Swift defended herself by stating, “I was 18 when I wrote that. That’s the age you are when you think someone can actually take your boyfriend. Then you grow up and realize no one takes someone from you if they don’t want to leave.”
According to setlist.fm, Swift last performed “Better Than Revenge” in March 2012 during the conclusion of her Speak Now World Tour in New Zealand. With the updated lyrics, fans eagerly anticipate whether she will surprise audiences by including the song in her ongoing Eras Tour.