In this short YouTube video, two performers (Speaker A and Speaker B) introduce a live rendition of Taylor Swift’s song “Mean.” They explain that they chose the first song they heard when turning on the radio and decided to sing it for an audience member who raised their hand and mentioned liking “swag.” After the brief, informal introduction, they launch into the lyrics of “Mean,” which discuss being criticized, feeling hurt by a mean person, and asserting resilience and future confidence. The performance blends casual banter with the emotive content of the original song, creating a personal, impromptu tribute.
Or do whatever you want to do.
Talk, sing.
I was just going to give an introduction to the song. So he asked us to sing a song, and so we went to the radio. We were like, okay, the first song we hear on the radio when we turn on the radio is what we're going to sing. And so this is the song, and it's for you because you raised your hand. You said you like swag, so we're singing to you and everybody.
But it's not necessarily about her. Just want to put that out there. You, with your switching sides and your wild fire lies and your humiliations. You pointed out my flaws again, as if I don't already see them. I walk with my head down, trying to block you out, 'cause I'll never impress you. I just wanna feel okay again. Pushed around, somebody made you cold. But the cycle ends right now because you don't know what you don't know. Someday I'll be living in a big old city and all you're ever gonna be is me. Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me and all you're ever gonna be is me. Why you gotta be so mean? 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 see. But all you are is mean.
Not you.
All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic and alone in life and mean. Not you. And a mean. Not you. And a mean. And a mean. But someday I'll be living in a big old city and all you'll ever come to be is mean. Yes, someday. Someday I'll be big enough so you can hit me, and all you're ever going to be is me. Why you got to be so mean? I'll be big enough so you can hit me, and all you're ever going to be is me. Why you got to be so mean? I'll be big enough so you can hit me, And all you're ever gonna be is mean. Why you gotta be so mean?
