Taylor Swift’s Revised ‘Actress’ Lyric on the Speak Now Re-recording: A Transformative Change

By Maggie Last updated Jul 7, 2023

Taylor Swift has been at the forefront of the music industry for over a decade, known not only for her incredible songwriting skills but also for her willingness to grow and evolve as an artist. In her journey towards re-recording her earlier albums, she has taken the opportunity to make important revisions and updates to her lyrics. One such instance occurred in her re-recording of Speak Now, where she made a significant change to a controversial lyric that originally referred to an ‘actress.’ Let’s explore how Taylor Swift transformed this line, and the empowering message it now conveys.

Table of Contents

The Original Lyric and its Controversy:

In the original version of Taylor Swift’s song “Speak Now,” which was released in 2010, there was a line that said, “She should keep in mind there is nothing I do better than revenge. She looks at me like I’m a trend and she’s the queen of the town, but I’m not gonna take it.” The controversy arose from the line “She looks at me like I’m just another actress,” implying that being an actress was somehow lesser or inferior.

Taylor Swift’s Empowering Update:

In her re-recording of Speak Now, released in 2022, Taylor Swift seized the opportunity to revise the lyrics and address the controversy surrounding the line in question. With her characteristic thoughtfulness, she transformed the original lyric into, “She looks at me like I’m just another actress, like it’s just a matter of fact, like I’m disposable.”

The Empowering Message:

By changing the lyric from “She looks at me like I’m just another actress” to “She looks at me like I’m just another actress, like it’s just a matter of fact, like I’m disposable,” Taylor Swift has elevated the conversation and shed light on the societal pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry. The updated lyric speaks to the objectification and devaluation of women, particularly in an industry that often prioritizes surface-level judgments and dismisses their talents.

Taylor Swift’s revised lyric emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent value and worth of every individual, regardless of their profession or gender. By replacing the original line, she prompts listeners to reflect on the damaging impact of treating someone as disposable or insignificant, challenging the notion that being an actress should be equated with inferiority.

Through this revision, Taylor Swift amplifies her commitment to promoting equality, empathy, and empowerment. Her decision to modify the lyrics not only rectifies the controversy but also demonstrates her growth as an artist and her dedication to using her platform for positive change.

Conclusion:

Taylor Swift’s decision to change the controversial ‘actress’ lyric in the re-recording of Speak Now showcases her ongoing evolution as an artist and her commitment to addressing important societal issues. By revising the line to convey a deeper message about the devaluation of women, she empowers her listeners and invites them to consider the harmful effects of objectification. This instance is just one example of how Taylor Swift’s re-recordings allow her to reflect on her past work, refine her artistry, and spread a more inclusive and empowering message to her vast audience.