Song meaning of Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift

The song "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift explores themes of self-awareness, self-deprecation, and the internal struggle with one's own flaws and insecurities. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's complex emotions and internal battles.

In the first verse, Swift admits to not becoming wiser as she grows older, hinting at a recurring pattern of making mistakes. The lyrics suggest a struggle with depression, indicated by the metaphor of her depression working the graveyard shift and the presence of ghosted people in the room. This illustrates the haunting effects of her past actions and decisions.

The pre-chorus delves into self-reflection and the consequences of her actions. Swift acknowledges that she should not be left alone with her own thoughts and tendencies, as they often lead her into crisis. The chorus highlights a sense of self-awareness, with Swift confessing to being the problem. She expresses a feeling of alienation by referencing staring at the sun but never in the mirror, implying a reluctance to face her own flaws directly.

The second verse touches on feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Swift describes herself as a monster, feeling out of place among others who seem effortlessly attractive and desirable. She hints at her covert narcissism disguised as altruism, pointing to a conflict between her desire for recognition and her genuine intentions.

The bridge introduces a dark and dramatic scenario, where Swift dreams of her daughter-in-law killing her for money. This could be seen as a metaphorical representation of her fear of manipulation and betrayal by those she cares about.

The song's title, "Anti-Hero," suggests that Swift recognizes herself as someone flawed and imperfect, contrary to the traditional notion of a hero. The song reflects on the tiring nature of always rooting for and identifying with flawed characters. Through introspective and introspective lyrics, Swift offers a raw and honest portrayal of her own self-perceived shortcomings, ultimately conveying a message of self-acceptance and the importance of acknowledging and learning from one's mistakes.