SLS – Heaven

Taylor Swift gave us two amazing albums in 2020 and I have listened to her new tracks over and over and picked out my firm favourites. My choice for today’s Song Lyric Sunday is one of them.

Sometimes TayTay is teased for the host of break-up songs she has produced over the years. This one is one of my favourite though. It is sad yet at the same time, it is an acknowledgement of all the happiness that has been enjoyed within the relationship. Yes the relationship has now ended, but it’s not a viscous vengeful ending. It is almost a mark of gratitude that there was happiness and now although the relationship has ended, the protagonist can move on without scars and be sure there will be happiness again.

I love this song because it captures so many delicate and very real emotions. There is maturity and honesty and empathy and humility in this break up song that makes it hugely appealing to me.

Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner wrote this very touching track.

Honey, when I’m above the trees
I see this for what it is
But now I’m right down in it, all the years I’ve given
Is just stuff we’re dividin’ up
Showed you all of my hiding spots
I was dancing when the music stopped
And in the disbelief, I can’t face reinvention
I haven’t met the new me yet

There’ll be happiness after you
But there was happiness because of you
Both of these things can be true
There is happiness

Past the blood and bruise
Past the curses and cries
Beyond the terror in the nightfall
Haunted by the look in my eyes
That would’ve loved you for a lifetime
Leave it all behind
And there is happiness

Tell me, when did your winning smile
Begin to look like a smirk?
When did all our lessons start to look like weapons
Pointed at my deepest hurt?
I hope she’ll be your beautiful fool
Who takes my spot next to you
No, I didn’t mean that
Sorry, I can’t see facts through all of my fury
You haven’t met the new me yet

There’ll be happiness after me
But there was happiness because of me
Both of these things, I believe
There is happiness

In our history, across our great divide
There is a glorious sunrise
Dappled with the flickers of light
From the dress I wore at midnight, leave it all behind
And there is happiness

I can’t make it go away by making you a villain
I guess it’s the price I paid for seven years in Heaven
And I pulled your body into mine
Every goddamn night, now I get fake niceties
No one teaches you what to do
When a good man hurts you
And you know you hurt him, too

Honey, when I’m above the trees
I see it for what it is
But now my eyes leak acid rain on the pillow where you used to lay your head
After giving you the best I had
Tell me what to give after that
All you want from me now is the green light of forgiveness
You haven’t met the new me yet
And I think she’ll give you that

There’ll be happiness after you
But there was happiness because of you, too
Both of these things can be true
There is happiness

In our history, across our great divide
There is a glorious sunrise
Dappled with the flickers of light
From the dress I wore at midnight, leave it all behind
Oh, leave it all behind
Leave it all behind
And there is happiness