"imgonnagetyouback" from TTPD

At Swift Steps, we use lyrics and songs to reflect on our own experiences with addiction, mental health, and recovery—both mine and our members.

This week's song struck a chord with many of us, leading to some amazing discussions and insights. I want to assure you that I will never share what our members discuss because of our confidentiality promises.

However, I do gather my own thoughts before the meetings, and I’m excited to share them with you each week!

“I want to assure you that I will never share what our members discuss because of our confidentiality promises.“

Taylor Swift’s "imgonnagetyouback" from TTPD dives into the messy mix of seeking validation, dealing with guilt, and struggling with self-worth. This song hit me hard, especially when I think about my most recent relationship. This relationship was with right after the relationship post divorce blew up. I loved the attention he gave me, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t serious about him. This post is about breaking down the song and how it ties into those feelings and experiences.

If you wanna take a listen:

Verse 1

“Lilac short skirt

The one that fits me like skin

Did your research

You knew the price goin' in”

This verse takes me back to when things started with my most recent ex. I knew from the start I wasn’t ready for anything serious, but I still went for it because I craved that validation. I knew what I was getting into, and so did he, but that didn’t stop me. It’s a reminder of the risks we take, even when we know better.

Chorus

“Whether I'm gonna be your wife

Or gonna smash up your bike

I haven't decided yet

But I'm gonna get you back”

This chorus nails the internal struggle I felt. On one hand, I knew I should be responsible and say no, but on the other, I wanted that validation so badly. The guilt was there, but in the moment, I couldn’t decide if I was going to do the right thing or just take what I wanted. It’s so back-and-forth.

Verse 2

“And I'll tell you one thing, honey

I can tell when somebody still wants me, come clean

Standing at the bar like something's funny, bubbly

Once you fix your face, I'm goin' in”

This verse reminds me of how obvious it was that he was into me, and I loved that feeling, even though it wasn’t fair to him. "Come clean" hits me because I should have been honest from the start, but I was too caught up in how good it felt to be wanted. It’s easy to get lost in the moment and forget about the consequences.

“It’s easy to get lost in the moment and forget about the consequences.”

Verse 3

“Small talk, big love

Act like I don't care what you did

I'm an Aston Martin

That you steered straight into the ditch

Then ran and hid”

This verse is a reminder of what happens when you let yourself get swept up in something you know isn’t right. I felt like I was worth more, like that "Aston Martin," but I let myself get steered into a ditch. The aftermath wasn’t pretty, and it’s something I didnt want to face. I ran and hid.

Bridge

“I can feel it comin', hummin' in the way you move

Push the reset button, we're becoming something new

Say you got somebody, I'll say, "I got someone too"

Even if it's handcuffed, I'm leaving here with you”

The bridge captures that moment when you know things need to change. I knew I needed to reset and move on, but there was still that pull to hold on to the validation, even if it meant staying in a situation that wasn’t good for either of us. It’s about that struggle to break free from old patterns, even when they’re hard to let go of.

“It’s about that struggle to break free from old patterns, even when they’re hard to let go of.”

Chorus

“Bygones will be bygone eras fadin' into gray (fadin' into gray)

We broke all the pieces but still want to play the game (oh)

Told my friends, "I hate you but I love you just the same"

Pick your poison, babe

I'm poison either way”

The final chorus is about facing reality. I knew that relationship with him, that I was never going to be healthy or lasting. The line "Pick your poison, babe, I'm poison either way" sums up the guilt and the awareness that I wasn’t being fair to him. It’s a reminder that when you chase validation without considering the other person’s feelings, everyone ends up hurt. E-v-e-r-y-o-n-e.

Conclusion

"imgonnagetyouback" is a song that hits home when it comes to dealing with validation and guilt. It’s a reflection of how easy it is to get caught up in wanting to feel loved, even when you know it’s not right. The song is a mirror to those moments in my life, especially with the last relationship, where I struggled to do the right thing. It’s a reminder that while it’s natural to want validation, it’s important to seek it in healthy ways that don’t leave others—or yourself—feeling empty.

Feeling connected to this reflection? Join us for our next Swift Steps meeting where we explore the emotional challenges of growth, love, and recovery. Our community is here to support you.

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