Swift’s New Song May Damage Her “Reputation”

Jaclyn Barnes, Staff Writer

I went into hearing “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift with an open mind. I thought the artwork looked clean, mature and cool. That along with the album name, “Reputation,” made me think that her new song would be powerful and inspiring. However, I think this is one of the worst songs she’s released. It’s uncreative, below average, and immature.

The sound of the entire song is uncreative and below average. From a musical aspect, it has the same pattern as almost every pop song. There is nothing that suggests the people involved in creating it went above and beyond; there is nothing that suggests they wanted to make music because that’s what they love. Surprisingly, when an artist releases a song that sounds as if he or she wanted to make it for enjoyment, it sounds a thousand times better than a song released by an artist wanting to put out another single (which is what Swift’s song sounds like).

I — along with many others — dislike is the overall sound of the song. As many people pointed out on Twitter, it sounds much like another song: “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred. Many people and fans think that Swift’s song sounds way too similar. Though it is common for artists to base songs off of other popular pieces, it would be an unwise decision to base it on one that conveys a completely different meaning, has laughable lyrics about being too sexy for a piece of clothing, and reminds everyone of “Shrek.”

Speaking of song meanings, “Look What You Made Me Do” obtains a negative tone. It has been called a “blame song.” The chorus is a repetitive line that says, “Look what you made me do / Look what you made me do / Look what you just made me do / Look what you just made me do” (Swift). In other words, it is basically someone saying, “Hey! You made me do this! It’s all your fault, not mine!” Nothing is worse than an adult forwarding his or her actions on another person and constantly victimizing his/herself. Your actions are yours. No one is in charge of how you act and respond. No one is in charge of what you say or what you do. Sure, people may provoke something, but we all have a choice as to whether we do something or not. Instead of placing the blame on someone, take responsibility for your own actions. Are we adults or five-year-olds? Blaming your actions on others seems like something the latter would do.

Revenge is also a major topic discussed in the song. While many believe revenge to be sweet, does it reflect one’s maturity in a positive way? Nevertheless, all of us are guilty of placing the blame on someone else and wanting revenge. However, should you really make a song solely dedicated to that?

The music video is also raising some questions. I’ll admit, it is extremely creative. The way all of Taylor’s old personas came in and tried to tear down the “new” Taylor Swift was a positive for the video. The directors and masterminds behind it should be applauded. Nevertheless, there are some flaws. Many people on the internet are forming conspiracies, but they most likely lack truth. However, some of the theories make the video seem like Swift is being pretty insensitive about some things (i.e. Kim Kardashian’s traumatic Paris robbery). However, since those are just theories, I won’t go too into that topic, but Taylor is known for call people out like that and directing songs and music videos toward a person.

At the end of the video, though, all of the different forms of Taylor are lined up and saying hate comments from their era. Sure, some may find it funny and “savage,” but many others view it as another act of immaturity. It’s obvious Taylor gets hate – every artist does nowadays – but should she point it out? She should not use this to draw more attention to herself. Instead of thinking, “Yes! Call out the haters, Tay!” what comes to my mind is more of, “Please grow up.” How many other popular artists do you see calling out hate comments and drawing attention to themselves like they are the only person receiving them? That being said, such hateful words should not be said to anyone. That – believe it or not – is worse. So in a way, maybe Taylor does have a point with calling them out.

In my opinion, “Look What You Made Me Do” shouldn’t be getting as much attention as it is. It should not be hyped up just because it’s Taylor Swift. The song is nothing new; in fact, it’s below average. And if you haven’t before, try not to think of “I’m Too Sexy” and Shrek while listening to the song. I dare you.

Let’s just hope this song doesn’t represent the rest of Swift’s “Reputation” album well.