Song of the Day 1/26: Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”

In honor of the senators who quoted Taylor Swift lyrics at the Senate Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Competition Policy, here’s her current single. “Anti-Hero” just spent eight weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, giving it the longest run at the top of her nine No. 1 hits.* Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) actually quoted it during the hearing.

I have to admit I can’t get into Taylor Swift’s music no matter how often I try, mainly because it sounds to my ancient ears indistinguishable from most modern pop. I liked Ryan Adams’ album of Swift covers, so it’s not the songs themselves so much as the production that turns me off.

From what I can tell, the lyrics, mostly about broken relationships, are the draw for most of her gazillion fans. Lots of people claim she sings what they are feeling, which is understandable given the youth of many of those fans. It also heightens the absurdity of a bunged-up sack of shit like Republican Mike Lee quoting them.

Here’s a video that’s audio only, because the official video interrupts the song for some hammy acting which, to be fair, doesn’t include her.

This is the official video. The song takes a long break for a scene at her imaginary funeral, featuring the kids she doesn’t actually have, making explicit the self-pity that seems to be at the core of much of her work.

*To illustrate the dire condition of the music industry, “Anti-Hero” reached the top mainly through plays on streaming services. One of those eight weeks only 7,000 people actually purchased it. Granted, all the Swifties already owned it, but it’s sobering to realize a single can stay at No. 1 with sales that low.