Whether you like Taylor Swift or not, she writes songs that appeal to a wide audience. Her song "Mean" appeals to those who have been in abusive relationships. For those who have never taken time to analyze the lyrics to this song, clearly she is talking about an emotionally abusive relationship. There are many songs out there that address abusive relationships but there are not that many that have blown up the radio like this one has. When I was walking away from an emotionally abusive relationship, I heard this song and it inspired me to stay strong throughout the whole separation process. Here are some of the lyrics word-for-word that I found most inspiring.
"And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody's listening
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean"
When
contemplating or even getting out of that abusive relationship--or any
relationship--it is incredibly difficult to imagine life without your
significant other. Being with someone who is bitter and manipulative is
exhausting. You might think that you can "fix" him or her. Odds are that
if he or she has not changed their ways after a long period of time,
they will never change. This is what T-Swift is getting at in the
first set of lyrics above, "washed up and ranting about the same old
bitter things."
"Someday I'll be living in a big ole city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean"
The best thing for you to do if you are in a relationship with a controlling, manipulative, or dehumanizing person is to get out of it as soon as possible. There is no reason for you to feel belittled or second best when dating someone. There are other people out in the world who would be thrilled to have you. Once you get past the initial shock and denial of getting out of the relationship you will realize that you will move on to bigger and better things and that your old significant other will never change. Taylor Swift's main point throughout the entire song is that she will move on and continue to do really amazing things in life without her significant other.
If you are someone who finds themselves locked in an abusive relationship-know that it is okay to let go. If you stay strong through the entire breakup, you will come out of it a changed person and you will find happiness. If you need courage to move forward in a breakup--bring out the old T-Swift album and crank it up.
