Mean

About this song

Swift wrote the song in response to music critic Bob Lefsetz, who gave her a harsh review after a February 2010 performance with Stevie Nicks. It was released as a single in March 2011, with a music video directed by Declan Whitebloom that features cameos from Joey King and Presley Cash. The song received positive reviews from outlets such as Entertainment Weekly and won two Grammy awards, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

What it's about

The song answers the critic's cruel remarks, which claimed she couldn't sing and that the performance had shortened her career. It is a response to that criticism and a statement that she proved him wrong.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 2 other songs, like “You by Witt Lowry”.
• Covered 12 times, including “Mean by Midnite String Quartet”.
• Written by Taylor Swift.
• Produced by Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift.