[go: up one dir, main page]
Jump to content

You Belong with Me

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from You Belong With Me)
Not to be confused with You Belong to Me.

"You Belong with Me"
Cover artwork of "You Belong with Me", featuring Swift in a marching band outfit
Single by Taylor Swift
from the album Fearless
ReleasedApril 20, 2009 (2009-04-20)
Recorded2008
StudioBlackbird (Nashville, Tennessee)
Genre
Length3:51
LabelBig Machine
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Taylor Swift singles chronology
"White Horse"
(2008) 		"You Belong with Me"
(2009) 		"Fifteen"
(2009)
Music video
"You Belong with Me" on YouTube

"You Belong with Me" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the third single from her second studio album Fearless (2008). Big Machine Records released the song to radio on April 20, 2009. Swift was inspired to write "You Belong with Me" after overhearing a telephone call between a touring band member and his girlfriend; she and Liz Rose wrote the lyrics, which discuss an unrequited love. Swift and Nathan Chapman produced the track, which has a banjo-led country pop production and incorporates fiddle, mandolin, and rock-influenced bass and electric guitars. Although the single was promoted on country radio, some critics categorized it into 1980s pop subgenres such as pop rock and power pop.

Early reviews of the song generally praised its radio-friendly production and the emotional engagement of the lyrics, although a few deemed the songwriting formulaic. Some feminist critics took issue with the lyrics as slut-shaming but retrospective opinions have considered "You Belong with Me" one of Swift's signature songs. At the 2010 Grammy Awards, the song was nominated in three categories, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The single reached the top 10 on several charts and received certifications in Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. In the United States, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the first country song to reach number one on both the Hot Country Songs chart and the all-genre Radio Songs chart. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single seven-times platinum.

Roman White directed the song's music video, which stars Swift as both the antagonist—an unsympathetic, popular brunette cheerleader—and the protagonist—a sympathetic, blonde girl next door who yearns for the antagonist's boyfriend. The video premiered on CMT on May 4, 2009, and won Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards; Swift's acceptance speech was interrupted by Kanye West, which caused a controversy widely covered by the press. Following a 2019 dispute about the ownership of Swift's back catalog, she re-recorded the song as "You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)" for her album Fearless (Taylor's Version) (2021). As of 2024, "You Belong with Me" has been included in the set lists of five of Swift's six headlining tours.

Background and writing

[edit]

Taylor Swift wrote songs for her second studio album Fearless while touring as an opening act for other country musicians to promote her self-titled debut studio album during 2007 and 2008, when she was 17-to-18 years old.[1][2] Continuing the romantic themes of her first album, Swift wrote songs about love and personal experiences from the perspective of a teenage girl to ensure her fans could relate to Fearless.[3] The product was a collection of songs about the challenges of love with prominent high-school and fairy-tale lyrical imagery.[4] Swift and Nathan Chapman recorded over 50 songs for Fearless; "You Belong with Me" was one of the 13 tracks that made the final cut.[5] The track, which was recorded by the audio engineer Char Carlson, was produced by Swift and Chapman, and mixed by Justin Niebank at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee.[6]

Swift was inspired to write "You Belong with Me" after she overheard a telephone call between a band member and his girlfriend.[7] She recalled him becoming defensive when his girlfriend confronted him, which prompted the opening lines: "You're on the phone with your girlfriend, she's upset. She's going off about something that you said."[8] Out of sympathy for him, Swift imagined herself as a "girl-next-door-itis" character with hidden feelings for a close male friend, whom she understood but who was in a relationship with a popular-yet-"snobby, ridiculous, overrated girl".[9][10] Swift immediately wrote some lyrics and developed a complete narrative in a songwriting session with Liz Rose.[9] Swift played the pre-chorus and chorus to Rose and sang the lines, "She wears short skirts / I wear T-shirts", which were her favorite to write on the song.[9][11] Rose suggested Swift write "something about bleachers" and they conceived another lyric: "She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers."[11]

Music and lyrics

[edit]

"You Belong with Me" follows a verse–chorus form that has a pre-chorus between the verse and the chorus. The verse and chorus follow the diatonic I−V−ii−IV chord progression (F♯−C♯−g♯−B) and each chord is maintained for two measures.[12] The pre-chorus, though using the same chords, follows the ii−IV−I−V progression and each chord is maintained for one measure. The track is set to a medium-tempo 4/4 time signature and each section is divided into eight-measure phrases. Swift sings with melodic variation; each section from the verse to the pre-chorus rises in register.[13] Toward the chorus's end, Swift uses melisma on the words "see" and "me" in the lyric "Why can't you see / you belong with me?"—for each of the words, she sings with three notes that descend a short distance (B−A♯) and then a considerable drop (A♯−D♯).[14] The musicologists Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding label this three-note melodic motif the "T-Drop", which also occurs on many of Swift's later songs.[a]

"You Belong with Me" (Karaoke Version)
A sample of the pre-chorus and chorus: the banjo strums and slide guitar riffs in the pre-chorus submerge in the chorus to make room for dynamic electric guitars
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Reviews from mainstream publications generally called "You Belong with Me" a country pop song[16] but many critics and musicologists deemed it a pop song that is applicable to more than one radio format.[b] American Songwriter's Savannah Dantona said it is "openly a pop song influenced by country, not country influenced by pop".[20] Nolan Gasser said the country-music stylistic foundation is in the instruments; banjo strums that drive verses, a pedal steel guitar, occasional slide guitar riffs, and a slight twang in Swift's vocals.[21] As the song progresses into the chorus, the banjo and pedal steel submerge to make room for dynamic electric and bass guitars.[22]

Jody Rosen categorized "You Belong with Me" as power pop,[23] while Andrew Unterberger of Billboard said the dynamic shift from the verses to the chorus make the track sound "almost ... like a '90s rock song".[24] Gasser, Michael Campbell, and James E. Perone cited the song structure, rhythm, and collective use of acoustic, electric, and bass guitars to categorize the song into 1980s styles of pop rock, new wave, and pop-punk.[25] For Perone, this 1980s connection is in the "highly unusual" incorporation of guitars and country banjo, fiddle, and mandolin in the steady eighth-note texture.[26]

In "You Belong with Me", a female narrator expresses her feelings for a male friend who is in a relationship with an unappreciative girlfriend.[27][7] The lyrical motifs evoke a typical American high-school setting; the narrator sees herself as an unpopular girl and an "underdog", and the girlfriend is a popular, attractive cheerleader.[28] The narrator appreciates the male friend ("She doesn't get your humor like I do ... She'll never know your story like I do"),[29] and although they share the same sense of humor and an easy rapport, he is unaware of her affection.[30] The narrator discusses the contrasts between herself and the girlfriend in the verses: "She wears high heels, I wear sneakers / She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers."[31][32] Throughout the song, the narrator persuades the male friend to acknowledge her charm.[28][33]

Some critics found the lyrics melancholy despite the upbeat production[18][34] and said that, contrary to Swift's status as an attractive and popular figure, her narrator's position as an unpopular girl contributes to her reliability and popularity among her audience.[23][35] Ken Tucker of NPR wrote the lyrics and vocals are full of "intense ache" that effectively conveys adolescent yearning.[36] Gasser described the narrative lyrics as the most profound country influences on "You Belong with Me",[37] while Tom Breihan of Pitchfork found its narrative about unrequited love reminiscent of "the most fragile, heartbroken strains of twee indie pop".[18] In the Edmonton Journal, Amanda Ash said the lyrics are not as sentimental because Swift's character "mocks a guy for his choice in women but also sheds a tear for his blindness".[38]

Release and commercial performance

[edit]

Before Fearless was released, Big Machine Records made "You Belong with Me" available for download exclusively via the iTunes Store in November 2008 as part of the promotional campaign "Countdown to Fearless".[39] The track debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, tying Swift with the Jonas Brothers for the most top-20 debuts (five) within one calendar year.[40][41]

A shot of Faith Hill singing onto a mic from a lower angle
"You Belong with Me" was the first country song to reach number one on Billboard's Radio Songs and had the biggest crossover airplay audience since "Breathe" by Faith Hill (pictured) in 2000.

Big Machine released the song to US country radio on April 20, 2009, as the third single from Fearless.[42][43] The track was released to US contemporary hit radio on May 18, 2009, by Big Machine in partnership with Republic Records.[44] The single peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2009.[45] Driven by non-country airplay, the song gained the largest crossover radio audience since Faith Hill's "Breathe" in 2000.[46] By 2011, it held the record for the highest audience impression for a country artist's song.[47] On the US Radio Songs chart, "You Belong with Me" peaked at number one, becoming Swift's first single and the first country song to do so since Billboard began incorporating Nielsen BDS-monitored data in 1990.[48] On other US airplay charts, it spent two weeks atop Hot Country Songs[49] and 14 weeks atop Adult Contemporary,[50] and it peaked at number two on both Pop Songs[51] and Adult Pop Songs charts.[52] It was the second-most-played song on US radio of 2009 behind Fearless's lead single "Love Story".[53] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified "You Belong with Me" seven-times platinum for passing seven million units based on sales and streaming,[54] and the single had sold 4.9 million copies in the United States by July 2019.[55]

In the United Kingdom, "You Belong with Me" was released as a single on August 24, 2009, on Mercury Records;[56] it peaked at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it platinum.[57][58] The single peaked within the top 10 on charts in Canada (three),[59] Australia (five),[60] New Zealand (five),[61] and Japan (10);[62] and it peaked within the top 40 in Ireland (12),[63] Slovakia (17),[64] Hungary (31),[65] and Denmark (32).[66] In Canada, the song reached number one on the airplay charts Canada Country,[67] Canada CHR/Top 40,[68] and Canada Hot AC.[69] The single was certified platinum in Japan,[70] triple-platinum in New Zealand,[71] nine-times platinum in Australia,[72] and double platinum in Canada.[73]

Critical reception

[edit]

In reviews of Fearless, many critics considered "You Belong with Me" a standout track and recommended it for download.[c] Some lauded the production as catchy and radio-friendly, qualities to which they attributed the single's crossover success.[d] Craig S. Semon of the Telegram & Gazette described the song as an "irresistible keeper",[79] and Chris Richards of The Washington Post thought that the use of country banjos and new-wave guitars was "perfectly natural".[33] Critics also complimented the way the lyrical sentiments resonate with a broad audience, including adults and Swift's core audience of teenage girls.[e] Some reviewers observed sophistication in the songwriting;[80] Josh Love from The Village Voice chose it as one of the album's great songs that display "preternatural wisdom and inclusiveness"[81] and Jon P. McLaughlin of The Province said it captures "the nuances and minutiae" of high-school romance.[82] Ash said the "witty" song adds maturity to Swift's adolescent perspectives compared with the "sappy" single "Teardrops on My Guitar" (2006).[38]

Some critics were more reserved in their praise; Chris Williams of Billboard said the lyrics might seem immature to some listeners[19] and Johnny Davis of The Observer said the high-school imagery "may needle British ears".[83] According to the Tampa Bay Times, the song is generic and too similar to many of Swift's previous singles.[84] After "You Belong with Me" was nominated in three categories at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, Slant Magazine's Jonathan Keefe wrote although it is not Swift's best-written song, it stands out among other contenders because "it's hard to fault its construction".[85]

Accolades and retrospective reviews

[edit]

Pitchfork included "You Belong with Me" at number 69 in its list of the best songs of 2009.[18] It ranked 10th on The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop mass critics' poll for the same year.[86] In 2010, "You Belong with Me" received several industry awards and nominations; at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.[87] The track won Favorite Song at the 2010 Kids' Choice Awards[88] and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards.[89] At the BMI Country Awards organized by Broadcast Music, Inc. to honor the year's most-performed country songs on US radio and television, "You Belong with Me" made Swift the youngest person to win Songwriter of the Year and the first to win Song of the Year three consecutive times following her wins for "Teardrops on My Guitar" in 2008 and "Love Story" in 2009.[90][91]

Critics have considered "You Belong with Me" one of Swift's signature songs[92][93] and said its pop-friendly sound preceded her artistic shift from country to mainstream pop.[94][95] Nate Jones from Vulture (2023) placed "You Belong with Me" second after "All Too Well" in his ranking of Swift's discography; he lauded it as a "classic" about high-school feelings and wrote: "The line about short skirts and T-shirts will likely be mentioned in Swift's obituary one day".[96] Chris Willman from Variety (2022) ranked it first in his list and said the lyrical sentiments about adolescent feelings contribute to the song's enduring popularity and lauded the production as "monstrously hooky".[97] Hannah Mylrea of NME (2022) placed it 22nd out of Swift's 161 songs,[98] and Jane Song from Paste (2020) ranked it eighth out of 158 songs.[94] Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone and Alexis Petridis of The Guardian were less enthusiastic; Sheffield (2024) ranked it 103rd out of Swift's 274 songs[99] and Petridis said it is somewhat less impactful than "Love Story".[100]

"You Belong with Me" appeared on some all-time rankings. It was ranked among the greatest songs of the 2000s decade by CMT (number eight)[101] and VH1 (number 50).[102] Billboard ranked the chorus of "You Belong with Me" the 20th-greatest in "100 Greatest Choruses of the 21st Century" (2017), saying: "There were about a dozen moments ... you could point to as proof that Taylor Swift would one day become the biggest pop star in the world, but maybe none bigger than the immaculate chorus of ["You Belong With Me"]."[103] The magazine also ranked the track at number 42 on its list of "The 500 Best Pop Songs" (2023) and said "the memorable lyrical passages ... and nuanced vocal runs ... have allowed the song to stand the test of time".[104] "You Belong with Me" ranked first on Teen Vogue's "91 Best Songs About Unrequited Love" (2020).[105]

Some feminist authors regarded "You Belong with Me" as antifeminist or slut-shaming, citing the lyrics contrasting Swift's character in T-shirts and the antagonist girlfriend in short skirts as an act of belittling other women to win men's attention.[106][f] Sady Doyle deemed the song a "triumph of girl-on-girl sexism" that promotes "moral superiority and '50's-style coy submissiveness",[110] and Lauren Michele Jackson regarded it as a "bouncy jaunt through the valley of 'me versus those other girls' ".[111] In Vulture, Nate Jones said the song, alongside other contemporaneous releases by Swift, was made to appeal to a conservative, red-state audience.[110] In defense of the song, Emily St. James from Vox said the antifeminist interpretations ignore Swift's willingness to "play both women" in the dichotomy of "good-hearted girls next door pining away for cute boys who fell for cheerleader jezebels", and that the song "thrives on earnest vulnerability and raw emotionality".[112]

Music video

[edit]

Roman White directed the music video for "You Belong with Me", in which Swift portrays both the protagonist ("the nerd, who is pining away for this guy that she can't have") and the antagonist ("the popular girl, horrible, scary, intimidating and perfect").[113][114] The actor Lucas Till, whom Swift had met on the set of Hannah Montana: The Movie in April 2008, portrays the male lead.[114] In a behind-the-scenes video that was aired on Great American Country, Swift elaborated on the narrative, in which the protagonist wishes she could be in the antagonist's position in a relationship with the boy.[114] Filming took place for two days in Gallatin and Hendersonville, both in Tennessee; the prom and football-match scenes were filmed at Pope John Paul II High School, which supplied extras, including students, band members, cheerleaders, and football players.[113][114] Swift used a body double in scenes that feature both the protagonist and the antagonist.[114] The two dresses Swift used for the ending scene were procured from Jovani Fashion.[115]

A brunette Swift is seen sitting in a convertible while Till is blurred
Swift portrays both the protagonist and the antagonist (seen here, a brunette cheerleader), and Lucas Till portrays the love interest in the music video.

The video starts with Till's character arguing with his girlfriend during a telephone call. The protagonist, who has big glasses and curly blonde hair, notices and the two communicate by holding up signs through their adjoining bedroom windows. The boy closes his window, not seeing the blonde holding a sign saying "I love you". In her room, the blonde tries on costumes that are associated with high-school archetypes and dances without knowing the boy is watching through his window; White replaced Swift's choreographed moves with what she described as "the dumbest moves".[114] The next day, the blonde is sitting on a bench reading a book, and the boy approaches and talks with her. The antagonist, with straight brunette hair, arrives and kisses the boy in her car, and gives the blonde a hostile look.[114]

The brunette is a cheerleader at a football game and the blonde sits on the bleachers, performing in the school band, which is played by Swift's touring band.[116] After scoring a winning touchdown, the boy finds his girlfriend flirting with a teammate (played by a friend of Swift's brother Austin Swift),[116] resulting in a heated argument as the blonde watches. Back at their bedroom windows, the boy and the blonde again communicate through signs; he asks her if she is going to prom and she says no. The blonde notices the boy's disappointed look and decides to go to the prom in a white dress without her glasses. The brunette approaches the boy but he ignores her and goes to the blonde. At the end of the video, the boy and the blonde reveal folded signs saying "I love you" to each other and kiss; according to White, this is meant to portray "who she really is" and Swift thought it was a happy ending.[114]

Release and reception

[edit]
See also: 2009 MTV Video Music Awards#Kanye West–Taylor Swift incident
Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMAs holding a trophy
Swift with her trophy for Best Female Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

The video premiered on May 4, 2009, on CMT. Great American Country aired the video two days later and a 30-minute behind-the-scenes titled Taylor Swift on the Set: You Belong with Me later that month.[117] MTV also put it on rotation.[118] Writing for MTV, Tamar Anitai said the plot and fashion of "You Belong with Me" allude to six teen movies of the late 1990s and 2000s: She's All That, Mean Girls, Drumline, Bring It On, A Cinderella Story, and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist;[118] Chris Ryan said it has a similar plot to a rom-com and deemed it the most memorable video on MTV of 2009.[119] The video was nominated for Video of the Year at the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards,[120] Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year at the 2010 CMT Music Awards.[121] At the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards in Canada, it was nominated for Best International Artist Video and the People's Choice: Favourite International Video.[122]

At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, "You Belong with Me" won Best Female Video. During Swift's acceptance speech, rapper Kanye West entered the stage, grabbed Swift's microphone, and said: "Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you and I'ma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time", referencing Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", a nominee in the same category.[123] The incident, which became known as "Kanyegate", was widely covered by the press and resulted in many Internet memes.[124][125] Public reactions turned against West; US President Barack Obama called him a "jackass".[126] West later issued an apology, which Swift accepted.[127] Shaun Cullen, an academic in popular culture studies, deemed the incident an example of American "racial melodrama" that stereotyped a cultural rivalry between a violent, hostile black antagonist and an innocent, gracious white victim.[128] The controversy resonated throughout both West's and Swift's later careers, and influenced their music releases, such as West's 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and 2016 single "Famous", and Swift's 2017 album Reputation.[129][130][131]

Critics have considered the video for "You Belong with Me" iconic; Billboard included it in a 2014 list of the "20 Best High School Music Videos".[132] Mary Fogarty and Gina Arnold deemed it a representation of Swift's talent for portraying "contradictory ... performed persona" but maintain her authenticity, and an early example of her cultural status as both "villain and victim" that represents ideals of "an America that has passed into history" and "a feminist future".[133] The "Junior Jewels" T-shirt Swift's blonde character wears became a memorable look; Glenn Rowley writing for the Recording Academy said it "established the goofy side of Swift's personality" and her "willingness to embody characters in her videos".[134] Spin (2017) deemed it Swift's second-best video behind "Blank Space" (2014) and wrote: "This wasn't the last time [Swift] emerged victorious over her supposed bullies (or painted herself as a victim)".[135]

Live performances

[edit]

During promotion of Fearless in 2009, Swift performed "You Belong with Me" on television shows and events, including The Today Show[136] and the CMT Music Awards.[137] She also performed the song at a mini-concert at Bishop Ireton High School, whose students won a Verizon Wireless contest.[138] At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Swift performed "You Belong with Me"; she first sang the song in a subway station while dressed in a brown trench coat and a black beanie, and continued during a subway ride, taking off the trench coat and revealing a red cocktail dress. Once the subway docked at a stop, Swift completed the performance atop a yellow taxi cab.[139] Billboard, in 2022, ranked it as the 14th-greatest VMAs performance of all time.[140] After the VMAs, Swift performed the song on The View and Saturday Night Live.[141][142]

Swift singing onto a mic, dressed as a drum majorette
Swift striking a pose onstage as the screen behind her shows a closeup of her face
Swift performing "You Belong with Me" as the opening number on the Fearless Tour; she first dressed in a marching band outfit (left) before changing to a sparkling cocktail dress (right)

Swift included "You Belong with Me" in the set lists for the festivals she headlined in 2009, including the Florida Strawberry Festival,[143] the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,[144] and the CMA Music Festival.[145] She also performed it on the UK television franchise GMTV[146] and at the Sound Relief concert in Australia.[147] "You Belong with Me" was the opening number on the set list of Swift's first headlining concert tour, the Fearless Tour, in 2009 and 2010. Before the concerts began, a screen showed footage of celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Faith Hill, and Garth Brooks sharing their definitions of the word "fearless".[148] When the shows opened, the stage was decorated as a school hallway and background videos showed lockers; six background dancers were dressed as cheerleaders and the seven-member backing band wore marching band outfits. Swift appeared at the top of the stage wearing a drum majorette uniform to sing "You Belong with Me".[149] Midway through her performance, the dancers removed Swift's marching-band outfit to reveal a sparkling silver cocktail dress and boots.[150][151]

At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in February 2010, Swift and Stevie Nicks performed a medley of "You Belong with Me" and "Today Was a Fairytale", and Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon". Swift first sang "Today Was a Fairytale", playing an acoustic guitar and dressed in a white blouse and jeans. Swift then duetted with Nicks on "Rhiannon" and again played the acoustic guitar on "You Belong with Me", during which Nicks stood back, tapped her tambourine, nodded and occasionally sang with Swift.[152] For her parts, Swift sang off-key and poorly harmonized with Nicks, resulting in a media response that questioned Swift's vocal ability.[153][154] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times said it was refreshing to "see someone so gifted make the occasional flub" and that it was necessary for her to have "her facade ... come undone a bit" as her fame grew bigger.[155] Big Machine's CEO Scott Borchetta defended Swift, saying: "Maybe she's not the best technical singer, but she's probably the best emotional singer ... ."[156]

Swift singing on a mic dressed in a sparkling dress
Swift performing "You Belong with Me" on the Eras Tour in 2023

"You Belong with Me" was part of the set list of Swift's second and third concert tours: the Speak Now World Tour in 2011–2012[157][158] and the Red Tour in 2013–2014. During the shows of the Red Tour, Swift rearranged the song into a 1960s-girl-group-inspired version.[159][160] The song was part of Swift's performance at BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards[161] and a VH1 Storytellers episode that was recorded at Harvey Mudd College in California; both took place in October 2012.[162] On several shows of the 1989 World Tour (2015), Swift performed an acoustic version of "You Belong with Me" outside the regular set list.[163][164] She also sang the song at the Formula One United States Grand Prix on October 22, 2016,[165] and at the pre-Super Bowl event Super Saturday Night on February 4, 2017.[166] She included it in a medley with "Style" and "Love Story" in the set list of her Reputation Stadium Tour (2018).[167] On the Eras Tour (2023–2024), which Swift described as a homage to all of her album "eras", she performed "You Belong with Me" as part of the Fearless era.[168]

Covers and parodies

[edit]

The singer-songwriter and producer Butch Walker recorded a seven-minute video of himself recording instruments and covering "You Belong with Me", and published it on YouTube in November 2009. In the video, Walker plays drums and tunes a mandolin before singing the song, incorporating lyrics told from a male perspective.[169] The cover was included in a deluxe edition of Walker's 2010 album I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart. His cover is a banjo-led, folk and bluegrass composition.[170][171] Jonathan Keefe of Slant Magazine described Walker's arrangement as "fantastic" and said it "emphasized the terrific melody and structure that are the song's real selling points".[172]

"You Belong with Me" was parodied by the comedy musician "Weird Al" Yankovic, who titled it "TMZ" and included it on his studio album Alpocalypse (2011).[173] In "TMZ", Yankovic sings about the ways paparazzi and the gossip website TMZ publicize embarrassing material about celebrities.[174] Yankovic said the track does not denote his support for either the paparazzi or the celebrities, and instead makes fun of "everyone's obsession with celebrity culture and how ridiculous it is and why do we even care about any of this".[175] A music video for "TMZ", which Bill Plympton directed, was filmed in October 2010 and included on the album's DVD.[176][177]

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Fearless album liner notes[6]

  • Taylor Swift – vocals, songwriter, producer
  • Liz Rose – songwriter
  • Nathan Chapman – producer
  • Steve Blackmon – assistant recording engineer, assistant mixer
  • Chad Carslon – recording engineer
  • Justin Niebank – mixer

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "You Belong with Me"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[72] 9× Platinum 630,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[203] 3× Platinum 180,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[73] 2× Platinum 160,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[204] Platinum 90,000‡
Japan (RIAJ)[70] Platinum 250,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)[71] 3× Platinum 90,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[205] Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[58] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[54] 7× Platinum 7,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

"You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)"

[edit]
"You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)"
Song by Taylor Swift
from the album Fearless (Taylor's Version)
ReleasedApril 9, 2021 (2021-04-09)
Studio
Length3:51
LabelRepublic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Lyric video
"You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)" on YouTube

In 2018, Swift ended her 13-year contract with Big Machine and signed anew with Republic Records. In November 2020, she began re-recording her first six studio albums, which Big Machine had released.[206] The decision followed a 2019 dispute between Swift and the talent manager Scooter Braun, who acquired Big Machine, including the masters of Swift's albums.[207][208] By re-recording her albums, Swift had full ownership of the new masters, enabling her to control the licensing of her songs for commercial use and therefore substituted the Big Machine–owned masters.[209]

Release

[edit]

The re-recording of "You Belong with Me", subtitled "Taylor's Version", was released as part of the album Fearless (Taylor's Version), which Republic Records released on April 9, 2021.[210] One day before the release, the singer-songwriters Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray, whom Swift had contacted, posted clips of themselves dancing to excerpts of "You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)" on TikTok.[211]

"You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)" charted on the singles charts of Australia (37),[212] Canada (44),[59] Ireland (30),[213] Singapore (20),[214] and the United Kingdom (52).[215] It was certified double-platinum in Australia,[72] platinum in Brazil,[203] and silver in the United Kingdom.[216] In the United States, the song peaked at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100[186] and at number 16 on Hot Country Songs.[49] The track also peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Global 200.[217]

Production and reception

[edit]

Swift produced "You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)" with Christopher Rowe, who recorded her vocals at Kitty Committee Studio in London. David Payne, who was assisted by Lowell Reynolds, recorded the track; and John Hanes, who was assisted by Reynolds and David Garten, engineered it at Black Bird and Prime Recording Studios in Nashville. Musicians included Amos Heller on bass guitar; Mike Meadows on acoustic guitar, banjitar, banjo, and mandolin; Paul Sidoti on electric guitar; Matt Billingslea on drums; and Jonathan Yudkin on fiddle. Caitlin Evenson provided background vocals. Serban Ghenea mixed "You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)" at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach.[218]

The arrangement of "You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)" is identical to that of the original;[219][220] according to Alexandra Pollard of The Independent, the musical elements were "painstakingly reconstructed".[221] Kitty Empire of The Observer said the re-recording has a "smoother" and more "nuanced" production that is evident in the "interplay between the guitar and banjo",[219] and Lucy Habron of Clash said the more-defined instruments make the song "shinier".[222]

Critics commented that Swift's vocals are the most prominent change and bring forth a new listening experience. Emily St. James commented that, on this recording, Swift's voice uses more of her alto range and makes the song sound fuller. She also said the storytelling perspective changed over time, calling the new version "warmer and more empathetic".[112] Hannah Mylrea of NME said Swift successfully revisited the teenage feelings "with kindness and affection",[223] and Saloni Gajjar of The A.V. Club said Swift incorporated a subtle change in delivery that elevates the song's emotional impact.[224] Joe Coscarelli from The New York Times said the re-recorded track "can't help but sound like [a cover]" because of Swift's matured vocals and teenage lyrics.[220] Heather Taylor-Singh of Exclaim! and Jonathan Bernstein of Rolling Stone said Swift's vocals somewhat lose the adolescent sense in the original.[225][226]

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Fearless (Taylor's Version) album liner notes[218]

  • Taylor Swift – lead vocals, songwriter, producer
  • Liz Rose – songwriter
  • Christopher Rowe – producer, recording engineer
  • Max Bernstein – steel guitar
  • Matt Billingslea – drums, percussion programming
  • Dan Burns – percussion programming
  • Caitlin Evanson – background vocals
  • Derek Garten – additional engineer
  • Serban Ghenea – mixer
  • John Hanes – engineer
  • Amos Heller – bass guitar
  • Mike Meadows – acoustic guitar, banjitar, banjo, mandolin
  • David Payne – recording engineer
  • Lowell Reynolds – additional engineer
  • Paul Sidoti – electric guitar
  • Jonathan Yudkin – fiddle

Charts

[edit]
2021 chart performance for "You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[227] 53
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[59] 44
Global 200 (Billboard)[217] 51
Ireland (IRMA)[213] 30
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[228] 5
Singapore (RIAS)[214] 20
UK Singles (OCC)[215] 52
US Billboard Hot 100[186] 75
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[49] 16
2024 chart performance for "You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[212] 37

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[72] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[203] Platinum 40,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[229] Platinum 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[216] Gold 400,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Sloan and Harding said the "T-Drop" is Swift's signature melodic motif in her vocal performance and cited three more examples that showcase this: "Mean" (2010), "State of Grace" (2012), and "Welcome to New York" (2014).[15]
  2. ^ Attributed to such publications as Paste,[17] Pitchfork,[18] and Billboard[19]
  3. ^ Attributed to reviews by Rob Sheffield for Blender,[74] Rashod D. Ollison for The Baltimore Sun,[75] Folha de S. Paulo,[76] and Darryl Sterdan for the Ottawa Sun[77]
  4. ^ Attributed to reviews by The Belfast Telegraph[78] and Chris Williams for Billboard[19]
  5. ^ Attributed to reviews by Williams,[19] The Belfast Telegraph,[78] Craig Mathieson for The Age,[34] and Leah Greenblatt for Entertainment Weekly[27]
  6. ^ As discussed in The Washington Post,[107] The A.V. Club,[108] and MTV[109]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kawashima, Dale (February 16, 2007). "Special Interview (2007): Taylor Swift Discusses Her Debut Album, Early Hits, and How She Got Started". Songwriter Universe. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
  2. ^ Tucker, Ken (March 26, 2008). "The Billboard Q&A: Taylor Swift". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 5, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  3. ^ Graff, Gary (March 26, 2010). "Living Fearless Taylor Swift Talks About Her Whirlwind Rise to the Top". The Oakland Press. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2011.
  4. ^ Perone 2017, p. 20.
  5. ^ Ganz, Caryn (October 2, 2008). "Fall Music Preview: Taylor Swift's Fearless". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Fearless (CD liner notes). Taylor Swift. Big Machine Records. 2008.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ^ a b Bried, Erin (March 2009). "Taylor Swift Has 1,056,375 Friends". Self. Vol. 31, no. 3. ProQuest 199854514.
  8. ^ Spencer 2010, p. 66–67.
  9. ^ a b c Spencer 2010, p. 67.
  10. ^ Eliscu, Jenny (October 2, 2008). "Rock & Roll Diary". Rolling Stone. No. 1062. p. 18. ProQuest 220166460.
  11. ^ a b Widdicombe, Lizzie (October 3, 2011). "'You Belong with Me'". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on May 29, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  12. ^ Gasser 2019, p. 310; Sloan & Harding 2020, p. 29.
  13. ^ Gasser 2019, p. 311.
  14. ^ Sloan & Harding 2020, p. 22; 31.
  15. ^ Sloan & Harding 2020, p. 21–23.
  16. ^ Gasser 2019, p. 310.
  17. ^ Kiefer, Kate (June 4, 2009). "Six Great Taylor Swift Songs". Paste. Archived from the original on January 29, 2010. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  18. ^ a b c d "The Top 100 Tracks of 2009". Pitchfork. December 14, 2009. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  19. ^ a b c d Williams, Chris (May 2, 2009). "The Billboard Reviews: Singles". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 17. p. 30. Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2021 – via Google Books.
  20. ^ Dantona, Savannah (September 22, 2023). "From Country to Pop: 5 Taylor Swift Songs That Define Her Genre Shift". American Songwriter. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  21. ^ Gasser 2019, pp. 310–311.
  22. ^ Gasser 2019, pp. 311–312; Campbell 2018, p. 308.
  23. ^ a b Rosen, Jody (November 17, 2013). "Why Taylor Swift Is the Reigning Queen of Pop". New York. Archived from the original on November 19, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  24. ^ Unterberger, Andrew (April 26, 2017). "'You Don't Get Many Songs Like That': Liz Rose on Co-Writing Taylor Swift's 'You Belong With Me' Chorus". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  25. ^ Gasser 2019, pp. 311–312; Perone 2017, p. 22; Campbell 2018, p. 308.
  26. ^ Perone 2017, p. 22.
  27. ^ a b Greenblatt, Leah (November 5, 2008). "Fearless (2008)". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 5, 2010. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  28. ^ a b Perone 2017, pp. 21–22.
  29. ^ Lewis, Randy (October 26, 2008). "She's Writing Her Future". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 22, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  30. ^ Zaleski 2024, p. 36; Sloan & Harding 2020, p. 30.
  31. ^ Cills, Hazel (August 19, 2019). "Taylor Swift: Fearless". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  32. ^ O'Connor, Roisin (August 23, 2019). "Taylor Swift: Her 100 Album Tracks – Ranked". The Independent. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  33. ^ a b Richards, Chris (November 11, 2008). "Taylor Swift, Fearless and Full of Charm". The Washington Post. p. C01. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2011.
  34. ^ a b Mathieson, Craig (November 21, 2008). "Taylor Swift: Music". The Age. p. 14. ProQuest 364119271.
  35. ^ Farber, Jim (November 4, 2008). "Wispy Formula". New York Daily News. p. 36. ProQuest 306247988.
  36. ^ Tucker, Ken (December 4, 2008). "Taylor Swift's Fearless Follow-Up Album". NPR. Archived from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
  37. ^ Gasser 2019, p. 312.
  38. ^ a b Ash, Amanda (December 6, 2008). "Swift's More Mature, But Stays Fearless". Edmonton Journal. p. D3. ProQuest 250621343.
  39. ^ Tucker, Ken (October 25, 2008). "Taylor Swift Goes Global". Billboard. Vol. 120, no. 43. pp. 22–25. ProQuest 227230140.
  40. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (November 13, 2008). "T.I. Leads Hot 100; Kanye, Taylor Debut High". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  41. ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (November 22, 2008). "Five Times' the Charm for Swift". Billboard. Vol. 120, no. 47. p. 86. ProQuest 227227550.
  42. ^ "Country Aircheck Chart Info" (PDF). Chart. Country Aircheck. April 13, 2009. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  43. ^ Strecker, Erin (April 23, 2015). "Happy Anniversary, Taylor Swift's 'You Belong With Me': 5 Great Moments". Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  44. ^ "Available for Airplay". FMQB. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
  45. ^ Ben-Yehuda, Ayala (August 13, 2009). "Black Eyed Peas, Jason Mraz Tie Records On Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 8, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  46. ^ Ben-Yehuda, Ayala (August 6, 2009). "T.I., Jay Sean Post High Debuts On Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 30, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  47. ^ Roland, Tom (December 10, 2011). "How Sparks Fly". Billboard. Vol. 123, no. 45. pp. 23–24, 26. ProQuest 912383524.
  48. ^ Trust, Gary (September 24, 2009). "Taylor Swift Climbs Hot 100, Black Eyed Peas Still No. 1". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2009.
  49. ^ a b c d "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  50. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  51. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  52. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  53. ^ "The Top 10s of 2009". Chicago Tribune. December 20, 2009. p. 5. ProQuest 420844880.
  54. ^ a b "American single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong With Me". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  55. ^ Trust, Gary (July 14, 2019). "Ask Billboard: Taylor Swift's Career Sales & Streaming Totals, From 'Tim McGraw' to 'You Need to Calm Down'". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 15, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  56. ^ "Key Releases". Music Week. London. July 25, 2009. p. 28. ProQuest 232134068.
  57. ^ a b "Taylor Swift: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  58. ^ a b "British single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  59. ^ a b c d "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  60. ^ a b "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  61. ^ a b "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  62. ^ a b 2010/02/15 付け [Chart Date 2010/02/15]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  63. ^ a b "The Irish Charts – Search Results – You Belong with Me". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  64. ^ a b "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200941 into search. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  65. ^ a b "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  66. ^ a b "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". Tracklisten. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  67. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  68. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  69. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  70. ^ a b "Japanese digital single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong With Me" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved April 20, 2020. Select 2020年3月 on the drop-down menu
  71. ^ a b "New Zealand single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". Radioscope. Retrieved December 19, 2024. Type You Belong with Me in the "Search:" field.
  72. ^ a b c d "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  73. ^ a b "Canadian single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong With Me". Music Canada. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  74. ^ Sheffield, Rob (November 11, 2008). "Fearless". Blender. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  75. ^ Ollison, Rashod D. (November 11, 2008). "Fearless". The Baltimore Sun. p. C3. ProQuest 406214077.
  76. ^ "CDs". Folha de S. Paulo (in Brazilian Portuguese). April 6, 2009. ProQuest 336231059.
  77. ^ Sterdan, Darryl (November 23, 2008). "CD Reviews". Ottawa Sun. p. E7. ProQuest 2198675002.
  78. ^ a b "Taylor Swift: Fearless". The Belfast Telegraph. March 13, 2009. p. 5. ProQuest 337644374.
  79. ^ Semon, Craig S. (November 30, 2008). "Teen Phenom Swift Sings with Fearless Sincerity". Telegram & Gazette. p. G4. ProQuest 269016248.
  80. ^ DeLuca, Dan (November 11, 2008). "Focused On 'Great Songs', Taylor Swift Isn't Thinking About 'the Next Level' or Joe Jonas Gossip". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 1. Archived from the original on November 18, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  81. ^ Love, Josh (November 19, 2008). "Taylor Swift's Teenage Country-Star Tales, Spiked With Actual Wisdom". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  82. ^ McLaughlin, John P.; Derdeyn, Stuart; Harrison, Tom (November 11, 2008). "Ultra Sound". The Province. p. B5. ProQuest 269544111.
  83. ^ Davis, Johnny (February 15, 2009). "Pop Review: Taylor Swift, Fearless". The Observer. Archived from the original on April 25, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  84. ^ "Taylor Swift: New Song 'You Belong With Me'". Tampa Bay Times. July 27, 2009. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
  85. ^ Cinquemani, Sal; Henderson, Eric; Keefe, Jonathan (January 21, 2010). "2010 Grammy Awards: Winner Predictions". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2010.
  86. ^ "Pazz & Jop: 2009 Singles". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on January 22, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  87. ^ "Grammy 2010 Winners List". Billboard. February 1, 2010. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  88. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (March 27, 2010). "Miley Cyrus, Taylor Lautner Win Big At Kids' Choice Awards". MTV. Archived from the original on March 31, 2010. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  89. ^ Ward, Kate (April 18, 2010). "Academy of Country Music: And the Winners Are..." Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  90. ^ "Record-Breaker: Taylor Swift". Broadcast Music, Inc. November 10, 2010. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  91. ^ "Backbeat: BMI Country Awards". Billboard. Vol. 122, no. 39. November 27, 2010. p. 48. Retrieved May 16, 2024 – via Google Books.
  92. ^ Willman, Chris (August 29, 2019). "Taylor Swift's 'Miss Americana' May Be the Great Protest Song of Our Time (Column)". Variety. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  93. ^ Denis, Kyle (July 3, 2023). "From Taylor Swift to Olivia Rodrigo: 21 of the Most Anticipated Sophomore Albums by 21st Century Pop Stars". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  94. ^ a b Song, Jane (February 11, 2020). "All 158 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked". Paste. Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  95. ^ Armstrong, Jennifer Keishin (November 7, 2017). "Why Taylor Swift's Fearless Is Her Best Album". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  96. ^ Jones, Nate (January 11, 2021). "Taylor Swift Songs Ranked, from Worst to Best". Vulture. Archived from the original on September 13, 2019. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  97. ^ Willman, Chris (December 13, 2022). "Taylor Swift's 50 Best Songs, Ranked". Variety. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  98. ^ Mylrea, Hannah (September 8, 2020). "Every Taylor Swift Song Ranked In Order of Greatness". NME. Archived from the original on September 17, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  99. ^ Sheffield, Rob (April 25, 2024). "'You Belong with Me' (2008)". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  100. ^ Petridis, Alexis (April 26, 2019). "Taylor Swift's Singles – Ranked!". The Guardian. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  101. ^ "Alan Jackson Tops CMT's 40 Greatest Songs of the Decade". CMT News. November 15, 2010. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  102. ^ "The 100 Greatest Songs of '00s". VH1. September 29, 2011. Archived from the original on October 10, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
  103. ^ "The 100 Greatest Choruses of the 21st Century". Billboard. April 24, 2017. Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  104. ^ "The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List". Billboard. October 19, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  105. ^ Kellogg, Kristi (March 14, 2016). "91 Best Songs About Unrequited Love". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on May 19, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  106. ^ Jones, Davies & Shlaim 2017, p. 212.
  107. ^ Goldstein, Jessica (June 16, 2013). "Taylor Swift's Feminist Doppelganger Takes Off on Twitter". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  108. ^ Eakin, Marah (November 12, 2015). "Emily Heller On Taylor Swift's Slut-Shaming 'You Belong With Me'". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  109. ^ Anitai, Tamar (November 4, 2014). "Here's Why The Mature New 1989-Era Taylor Swift Is A Feminist Superhero". MTV. Archived from the original on December 1, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  110. ^ a b Jones, Nate (July 21, 2016). "When Did the Media Turn Against Taylor Swift?". Vulture. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  111. ^ Jackson, Lauren M. (November 11, 2018). "10 Years Later, Taylor Swift's Fearless Still Slaps". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  112. ^ a b St. James, Emily (April 21, 2021). "Taylor Swift's Songs Haven't Changed. But She Has". Vox. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  113. ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (May 5, 2009). "Taylor Swift Hooks Up With Lucas Till In 'You Belong With Me' Video". MTV. Archived from the original on January 12, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
  114. ^ a b c d e f g h "On the Set Behind the Scenes 'You Belong with Me'". Taylor Swift: On the Set. 20:45 minutes in. Great American Country.
  115. ^ Schutte, Lauren (May 25, 2009). "Taylor Swift's Video Looks". Us Weekly. No. 745. p. 67. ProQuest 501794353.
  116. ^ a b Spencer 2010, p. 83.
  117. ^ Cantrell, L. B. (May 4, 2009). "Taylor Swift's Mother's Day Two-Fer". MusicRow. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  118. ^ a b Anitai, Tamar (July 1, 2009). "Six Teen Movies Alluded To In Taylor Swift's 'You Belong With Me' Video". MTV. Archived from the original on July 6, 2009. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  119. ^ Ryan, Chris (December 31, 2009). "Chris Counts Down Buzzworthy's Top 5 Videos Of The Year – Number 1: Taylor Swift, 'You Belong With Me'". MTV. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2010.
  120. ^ "45th Academy of Country Music Awards Nominees". Academy of Country Music. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
  121. ^ "CMT Music Awards: 2010 CMT Music Awards". CMT Music Awards. Viacom. Archived from the original on March 31, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  122. ^ "2010 MuchMusic Video Awards". MuchMusic. CTVglobemedia. Archived from the original on July 23, 2010. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  123. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (September 13, 2009). "Kanye West Crashes VMA Stage During Taylor Swift's Award Speech". MTV. Archived from the original on December 13, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
  124. ^ Krepps, Daniel (September 15, 2009). "MTV's 2009 VMAs Pull Nine Million Viewers, Best Ratings Since '04". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  125. ^ Aminosharei, Nojan (September 13, 2010). "Kanye And Taylor Swift Turn The VMAs Into Their Personal Peace Summit". Elle. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  126. ^ Cullen 2016, p. 33.
  127. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (October 14, 2009). "Taylor Swift Tells Oprah Winfrey She's Accepted Kanye West's Apology". MTV. Archived from the original on March 5, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
  128. ^ Cullen 2016, p. 35.
  129. ^ Cullen 2016, p. 34.
  130. ^ Grady, Constance (July 1, 2019). "The Taylor Swift/Scooter Braun Controversy, Explained". Vox. Archived from the original on February 11, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  131. ^ Voght, Kara (December 22, 2022). "The Year Everyone Realized They Were Wrong About Taylor Swift vs. Kanye West". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  132. ^ Partridge, Kenneth (September 3, 2014). "20 Best High School Music Videos". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  133. ^ Fogarty & Arnold 2021, p. 2.
  134. ^ Rowley, Glenn (February 8, 2023). "Taylor Swift's Essential Music Videos, From 'You Belong With Me' To 'Anti-Hero'". Grammy.com. Archived from the original on December 23, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  135. ^ "30 Taylor Swift Music Videos, Ranked". Spin. November 12, 2017. Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  136. ^ "Did You See Taylor Swift on The Today Show This Morning?". Seventeen. May 29, 2009. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  137. ^ Tena, Lee (November 10, 2009). "Hendersonville High School Students to Share CMA Spotlight with Taylor Swift". The Tennessean. ProQuest 239911048.
  138. ^ du Lac, J Freedom (April 29, 2009). "OMG! As School's Prize, Swift Is Utterly Winning". The Washington Post. p. C1. ProQuest 410278419.
  139. ^ Wilkinson, Amy; Vena, Jocelyn (September 13, 2009). "Taylor Swift Puts NYC Front And Center With VMA Subway Performance". MTV. Archived from the original on March 14, 2010. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  140. ^ Pascual, Danielle (August 26, 2022). "The 22 Best VMAs Performances of All Time: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 26, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  141. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (September 15, 2009). "Taylor Swift Tells The View Kanye West Hasn't Contacted Her". MTV. Archived from the original on March 16, 2010. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  142. ^ Montgomery, James (November 8, 2009). "Taylor Swift's SNL Gig Includes Jokes About Taylor Lautner, Kanye West". MTV. Archived from the original on March 5, 2010. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  143. ^ Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (April 9, 2023). "On Her Way to the Top, Rising Teen Star Taylor Swift Made Her Mark at Local Venues Including the Old St. Pete Pier". Tampa Bay Times. p. 1. ProQuest 2798704084.
  144. ^ Guerra, Joey (March 21, 2009). "Taylor Swift Brings Sweetness and Sass". Houston Chronicle. p. B2. ProQuest 396442636.
  145. ^ "Sunday Night's LP Field Show". The Tennessean. June 14, 2009. ProQuest 239936915.
  146. ^ "Taylor Swift, The Teen Queen of Country Music, Performs Her Latest Single and US No.1, 'You Belong With Me'". GMTV. August 21, 2009. Archived from the original on August 27, 2009. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  147. ^ Sennett, Sean (March 9, 2009). "Swift Mania Has Arrived". The Australian. p. 30. ProQuest 356693717.
  148. ^ Johnson, Kevin C (April 27, 2009). "Headlining Suits Swift: Concert Review". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. A2. ProQuest 403212894.
  149. ^ McDonnell, Brandy (April 1, 2010). "Concert review: Taylor Swift Brings Fearless Show to Ford Center". The Oklahoman. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  150. ^ Malitz, David (June 13, 2009). "A Fearless Taylor Swift at Merriweather: Pop Without the Tart". The Washington Post. p. C2. ProQuest 410306732.
  151. ^ Mervis, Scott (October 2, 2009). "Taylor Swift Proves to Be the Real Thing". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. C2. ProQuest 390413688.
  152. ^ Ditzian, Eric (January 31, 2010). "Taylor Swift Shares The Stage With Stevie Nicks At The Grammys". MTV. Archived from the original on October 28, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  153. ^ Montgomery, James (February 3, 2010). "Taylor Swift Backlash: Readers Weigh In". MTV. Archived from the original on October 27, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  154. ^ Daly, Sean (March 6, 2010). "Hold On, Taylor Haters". Sun Sentinel. p. A4. ProQuest 387412812.
  155. ^ Caramanica, Jon (February 1, 2010). "For Young Superstar Taylor Swift, Big Wins Mean Innocence Lost". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 28, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  156. ^ Kreps, Daniel (February 4, 2010). "Taylor Swift's Label Lashes Out at Critics of Grammy Performance". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  157. ^ Coffey, Kevin (May 28, 2011). "Taylor Swift Shimmers in Omaha". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  158. ^ Jenkin, Lydia (March 17, 2012). "Concert Review: Taylor Swift at Vector Arena". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  159. ^ Ross, Dalton (March 28, 2013). "Taylor Swift Takes On Critics During Newark, NJ Concert". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  160. ^ Caramanica, Jon (March 28, 2013). "Losing Her Audio, but Never Her Nerve". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  161. ^ "Radio 1's Teen Awards 2012 – Taylor Swift". BBC. October 7, 2012. Archived from the original on December 21, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  162. ^ Willman, Chris (October 17, 2012). "Taylor Swift Tapes VH1 Storytellers, Lifts Curtain on New Songs from Red". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  163. ^ Leimkuehler, Matthew (October 8, 2015). "Swift: Nothin' But Love for Des Moines". The Des Moines Register. Archived from the original on January 6, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  164. ^ Allen, Paige (July 25, 2015). "Review: Taylor Swift Delivers Another Stellar Show at Gillette". The Sun Chronicle. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  165. ^ Hall, David Brendan (October 23, 2016). "Taylor Swift Delivers a Knockout Performance at Formula 1 Concert in Austin". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  166. ^ Atkinson, Katie (February 5, 2017). "Taylor Swift Performs 'Better Man' & 'I Don't Wanna Live Forever' for First Time at Stunning Pre-Super Bowl Set". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  167. ^ Sheffield, Rob (May 9, 2018). "Rob Sheffield Reviews Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' Tour Kickoff". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 14, 2018. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  168. ^ Aramesh, Waiss (March 18, 2023). "Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour Is a 3-Hour Career-Spanning Victory Lap". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  169. ^ Anderson, Kyle (November 9, 2009). "Taylor Swift's 'You Belong With Me' Gets Covered By Pink, Katy Perry Producer Butch Walker". MTV. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  170. ^ Wood, Mikael (February 26, 2010). "Butch Walker & The Black Widows, I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 9, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  171. ^ Payne, Chris (October 13, 2016). "Pop Shop Podcast: Butch Walker Tells Tales From the Studio With Taylor Swift & Fall Out Boy". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  172. ^ Keefe, Jonathan (February 12, 2010). "Butch Walker and the Black Widows: I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on February 15, 2010. Retrieved April 19, 2010.
  173. ^ Graff, Gary (June 1, 2011). "'Weird Al' Yankovic: Lady Gaga Has 'Rocked the Zeitgeist'". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  174. ^ Hensel, Amanda (June 28, 2011). "Weird Al Takes on Taylor Swift's 'You Belong With Me' With 'TMZ' Parody". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  175. ^ Sawdey, Evan (June 20, 2011). "Everything You Know Is Wrong: An Interview with 'Weird Al' Yankovic, PopMatters". PopMatters. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  176. ^ "Idiots & Angels: COED's Interview With Oscar Nominated Animator Bill Plympton". Coed Magazine. October 6, 2010. Archived from the original on October 11, 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  177. ^ Fernandez, Sofia M.; Graff, Gary (June 4, 2011). "Lady Gaga Okays Weird Al 'Poker Face' Parody (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  178. ^ "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  179. ^ "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  180. ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  181. ^ "Japan Adult Contemporary Airplay Chart". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  182. ^ "Mexico Ingles Airplay". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  183. ^ "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  184. ^ "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". Singles Top 100. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  185. ^ "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  186. ^ a b c "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  187. ^ "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  188. ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 10 (1 – 7 Mar 2024)". RIAS. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  189. ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2009". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  190. ^ a b "Best of 2009 – Canadian Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 1, 2010. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  191. ^ "Annual Top 50 Singles Chart 2009". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Archived from the original on May 6, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  192. ^ "UK Year-end Songs 2009" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 21, 2010. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  193. ^ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 11, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  194. ^ "Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 7, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  195. ^ "Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  196. ^ "Pop Songs – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  197. ^ "Best of 2010 – Canadian Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 23, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  198. ^ "Best of 2010 – Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  199. ^ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 18, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  200. ^ McCabe, Kathy (January 7, 2010). "Delta Goodrem's Talents Top the Charts". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 9, 2010. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
  201. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 60th Anniversary Interactive Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  202. ^ "Greatest of All Time Pop Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  203. ^ a b c "Brazilian single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  204. ^ "Danish single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  205. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  206. ^ Melas, Chloe (November 16, 2020). "Taylor Swift Speaks Out about Sale of Her Masters". CNN. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  207. ^ "Taylor Swift Wants to Re-Record Her Old Hits". BBC News. August 22, 2019. Archived from the original on August 22, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  208. ^ Finnis, Alex (November 17, 2020). "Taylor Swift Masters: The Controversy around Scooter Braun Selling the Rights to Her Old Music Explained". i. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  209. ^ Shah, Neil (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift Releases New Fearless Album, Reclaiming Her Back Catalog". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  210. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (February 11, 2021). "Taylor Swift Announces Re-Recorded Fearless Album: Updated 'Love Story' Out Tonight". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  211. ^ Ginsberg, Gab (April 8, 2021). "Taylor Swift Recruits Olivia Rodrigo & Conan Gray to Help Tease Re-Recorded Fearless Songs: Hear Multiple New Snippets". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  212. ^ a b "Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  213. ^ a b "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  214. ^ a b "RIAS International Top Charts Week 15". Recording Industry Association Singapore. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  215. ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  216. ^ a b "British single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  217. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  218. ^ a b Fearless (Taylor's Version) (2×CD liner notes). Taylor Swift. Republic Records. April 9, 2021. B0033578-02.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  219. ^ a b Empire, Kitty (April 10, 2021). "Taylor Swift: Fearless (Taylor's Version) Review – A Labour of Revenge, But Also of Love". The Observer. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  220. ^ a b "Taylor Swift Remade Fearless as Taylor's Version. Let's Discuss". The New York Times. April 9, 2021. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  221. ^ Pollard, Alexandra (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift Review, Fearless (Taylor's Version) – Wisely Not Trying to Rewrite History". The Independent. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  222. ^ Habron, Lucy (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift – Fearless (Taylor's Version)". Clash. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  223. ^ Mylrea, Hannah (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift – Fearless (Taylor's Version) Review: A Celebration of the Star's Breakout Album". NME. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  224. ^ Gajjar, Saloni (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift Forged Ahead with a Dreamy Throwback in Fearless (Taylor's Version)". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  225. ^ Taylor-Singh, Heather (April 12, 2021). "Taylor Swift Reclaims Her Past on Fearless (Taylor's Version)". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  226. ^ Bernstein, Jonathan (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift Carefully Reimagines Her Past on Fearless: Taylor's Version". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  227. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 19 April 2021". The ARIA Report. No. 1624. Australian Recording Industry Association. April 19, 2021. p. 4.
  228. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 19, 2021. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  229. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version)". Radioscope. Retrieved December 19, 2024. Type You Belong with Me (Taylor's Version) in the "Search:" field.

Cited literature

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=You_Belong_with_Me&oldid=1263792065"