The Meaning Behind The Song: Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
| Title | Cruel Summer |
|---|---|
| Artist | Taylor Swift |
| Writer/Composer | St. Vincent, Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift |
| Album | Lover |
| Release Date | August 23, 2019 |
| Genre | Pop, Adult Contemporary |
| Producer | Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff |
“Cruel Summer” is a track from Taylor Swift’s album Lover released in 2019. This song narrates the fragility and uncertainty at the beginning of Taylor’s relationship with Joe Alwyn. The lyrics depict a fever dream high in the quiet of the night, capturing the intense emotions she experienced during this time.
The song starts with Taylor expressing her desire for someone she characterizes as a “bad, bad boy” with a shiny toy she couldn’t resist buying. This person, who Taylor refers to as “you,” seems to intoxicating her, leading her to make choices she wouldn’t normally make.
The pre-chorus highlights the internal struggle Taylor faces. She describes the waiting, the temptations, and the thrill of the uncertainty. The line “What doesn’t kill me makes me want you more” indicates that despite the challenges, Taylor is drawn to this person and can’t seem to resist their pull.
The chorus emphasizes the conflicting emotions Taylor experiences during this cruel summer. The shape of the person’s body and the feeling she has are both described as blue, possibly signifying sadness or emotional turmoil. The phrase “no rules in breakable heaven” suggests that their relationship is intense and unpredictable, like a summer romance that can be both thrilling and devastating.
In the second verse, Taylor continues to describe the push and pull of their relationship. She mentions hanging her head low in the glow of a vending machine, possibly feeling the weight of her actions and choices. The line “We say that we’ll just screw it up in these trying times, we’re not trying” implies a lack of effort to create a stable relationship, possibly due to fear or past experiences.
The pre-chorus repeats, emphasizing the rollercoaster-like nature of their connection. The line “summer’s a knife” suggests that their relationship can cut deep, causing pain and vulnerability.
The bridge of the song reveals Taylor’s vulnerability and the impact this relationship has had on her. She talks about being drunk in the back of a car and crying, unable to keep her emotions hidden. The line “I don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you” shows her struggle to maintain her own identity and not lose herself in this relationship.
The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus and the line “I love you, ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?” This final statement reflects Taylor’s fear of vulnerability and the fear of being hurt by love.
Listening to “Cruel Summer” evokes a sense of nostalgia and brings back memories of my own past relationships. The lyrics resonate with the rollercoaster of emotions that often come with the early stages of love. It captures the excitement, uncertainty, and sometimes pain that can accompany a summer romance.
The song also serves as a reminder that love can be both beautiful and cruel. It explores the complexities of relationships and the willingness to embrace the intensity, even if it means risking getting hurt.
Through “Cruel Summer,” Taylor Swift portrays her own personal experiences and emotions, allowing listeners to connect with their own experiences and emotions. The song captures the essence of young love, with all its joy, heartbreak, and vulnerability.
Overall, “Cruel Summer” is a powerful track that delves into the bittersweet nature of love and relationships. Taylor Swift’s heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery make it a standout song on the Lover album.
