Taylor Swift

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
We were both young when I first saw you
I close my eyes and the flashback starts
I'm standing there
On a balcony in summer air
See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns
See you make your way through the crowd
And say, "Hello"
Little did I know

[Pre-Chorus]
That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles
And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet"
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you, "Please don't go," and I said

[Chorus]
Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes"

[Verse 2]
So I sneak out to the garden to see you
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes
Escape this town for a little while, oh, oh
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter
And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet"
But you were everything to me
I was begging you, "Please don't go," and I said

[Chorus]
Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes"
Romeo, save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it's real
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes"

[Post-Chorus]
Oh, oh

[Bridge]
But I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around
My faith in you was fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town and I said

[Chorus]
"Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for you, but you never come
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think"
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring, and said
"Marry me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all I really know
I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress
It's a love story, baby, just say 'Yes'"
[Outro]
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
'Cause we were both young when I first saw you

Taylor Swift's "Love Story" is not just a song, it is a modern-day version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." This iconic country-pop ballad, which was released in 2008, remains popular amongst music lovers all over the world. The song’s theme of forbidden young love resonates with listeners and has made it a timeless classic. The song was so popular that it was one of the top songs of 2009 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

About Love Story

Taylor Swift has been known for writing songs based on her own experiences. "Love Story" is no different. The song was inspired by Taylor’s own real-life experience of falling in love with a boy she liked and wished to be with officially. The song is rumored to be about two different boys. The first is Joe Jonas, whom Taylor was dating around the time she recorded “Love Story.” The other is Boys Like Girls frontman Martin Johnson, whom she had a brief fling within 2008. Taylor dated Joe Jonas for a few months before their relationship ended. The breakup resulted in other songs such as “Forever & Always” and “Last Kiss,” which were more explicitly about him.

“Love Story,” however, is different in that it tells the story of a girl who falls in love with a boy that her parents disapprove of. She dreams of running away with him to a faraway land, free from the constraints of others’ opinions. She chose to retell the story of Romeo and Juliet because she could relate to their story's adversity. The song’s lyrics talk about forbidden love and how it brings people together despite the risks.

“Love Story” peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, and at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, just weeks after its release. It became one of Swift's most recognizable songs and continued to be a staple in her setlists. The song also helped Swift cross over to the pop charts while still retaining her country roots.

The Music Video and Awards

The music video for "Love Story" is iconic and beautifully captures the song’s essence and spirit. Taylor Swift initially intended the video to be set in medieval times, as that was the period’s song’s theme was based on. However, due to budget constraints, the video was set in a forest-like area with a castle-like structure as the backdrop.

The video features scenes depicting Taylor Swift as the lead in a fanciful story of forbidden love. She emotes countless emotions throughout the video and completely captures the essence of her character’s feelings. The video was insightful and unique, making it unforgettable for viewers. It went on to win the CMT Music Awards for "Video of the Year" and "Female Video of the Year," solidifying Swift's position as a music icon.

Taylor Swift’s Re-Recording

In February 2021, Taylor Swift announced that she would be re-recording all of her early albums. This announcement followed a well-publicized dispute with music producer Scooter Braun over the rights to her original music. The first album to receive a re-release was her second studio album, “Fearless,” which featured six new tracks. “Love Story” was the first track released from the album, and it quickly made its way back onto various charts around the world.

The re-recorded version of "Love Story" features a more mature-sounding Taylor Swift, but the lyrics and melody remain unchanged. Swift also released an updated version of the song's video. Despite being over ten years since the original video’s release, her re-created video is almost identical to the original, with just minor upgrades and enhancements.

Conclusion

“Love Story” is an unrivaled song that tells a beautiful story of forbidden love. Taylor Swift’s emotionally charged lyrics and melody create a poignant track that resonates with listeners of every age group. The song’s continued popularity, even after over ten years of its release, is a testament to its iconic and timeless status. Swift’s re-recorded version of the song allowed fans to revisit and relive the song's magic, once again proving that “Love Story” remains a classic that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

• Release Date: September 12, 2008
• Artist: Taylor Swift