Taylor Swift’s “Call It What You Want” from her album Reputation is a captivating exploration of love and resilience amidst personal and public turmoil. Released in 2017, the song quickly resonated with fans for its raw honesty and heartfelt lyrics. This analysis delves into the meaning behind “Call It What You Want Lyrics,” dissecting each verse, chorus, bridge, and outro to uncover the deeper narrative of finding solace and strength in love when the world outside is chaotic.
Verse 1
My castle crumbled overnight
I brought a knife to a gunfight
They took the crown, but it’s alright
All the liars are calling me one
Nobody’s heard from me for months
I’m doin’ better than I ever was, ’cause
The opening verse of “Call It What You Want lyrics” paints a picture of vulnerability and public downfall. Swift uses strong metaphors to describe her past struggles. “My castle crumbled overnight” signifies a sudden and dramatic collapse of her public image and personal life, likely referencing the media scrutiny and negativity she faced prior to the Reputation era. The line “I brought a knife to a gunfight” suggests feeling ill-equipped and unprepared to handle the intensity of the attacks and criticisms directed at her.
Despite the feeling of losing control (“They took the crown”), there’s a shift in tone towards resilience. She acknowledges the accusations (“All the liars are calling me one”) and her period of silence (“Nobody’s heard from me for months”), which was likely a deliberate retreat from the public eye. However, the verse culminates in a declaration of newfound strength: “I’m doin’ better than I ever was, ’cause.” This sets the stage for the chorus, hinting that the reason for her improved state is about to be revealed.
Chorus
My baby’s fit like a daydream
Walking with his head down
I’m the one he’s walking to
So call it what you want, yeah, call it what you want to
My baby’s fly like a jet stream
High above the whole scene
Loves me like I’m brand new
So call it what you want, yeah, call it what you want to
The chorus of “Call It What You Want lyrics” introduces the central figure of the song – her lover, widely believed to be actor Joe Alwyn. The descriptions are idealized and romantic. “My baby’s fit like a daydream” and “fly like a jet stream” use similes to convey his attractiveness and almost ethereal quality. The line “Walking with his head down / I’m the one he’s walking to” suggests humility and a focused devotion, implying he is unfazed by external noise and solely interested in her.
The repeated phrase “Call it what you want, yeah, call it what you want to” is the core message of the chorus and the song itself. It’s a defiant statement directed at critics and naysayers. Swift is essentially saying that she is unbothered by their opinions or labels regarding her relationship. She is secure and happy in her love, regardless of how others choose to perceive it. The line “Loves me like I’m brand new” emphasizes the fresh start and acceptance she feels in this relationship, free from the baggage of her past.
Verse 2
All my flowers grew back as thorns
Windows boarded up after the storm
He built a fire just to keep me warm
All the drama queens taking swings
All the jokers dressing up as kings
They fade to nothing when I look at him
And I know I make the same mistakes every time
Bridges burn, I never learn, at least I did one thing right
I did one thing right
I’m laughin’ with my lover, makin’ forts under covers
Trust him like a brother, yeah, you know I did one thing right
Starry eyes sparkin’ up my darkest night
Verse 2 of “Call It What You Want lyrics” continues to employ vivid imagery to contrast past hardships with present comfort. “All my flowers grew back as thorns” is a powerful metaphor for how something beautiful and positive (her public persona, perhaps) was twisted into something painful and defensive (“thorns”). “Windows boarded up after the storm” illustrates a period of isolation and protection after weathering intense criticism.
In contrast, “He built a fire just to keep me warm” represents her lover’s role as a source of comfort and safety amidst the ongoing negativity. The lines “All the drama queens taking swings / All the jokers dressing up as kings” dismiss those who thrive on conflict and seek attention, diminishing their importance in her life. “They fade to nothing when I look at him” highlights how her focus on her relationship overshadows and neutralizes the negativity around her.
Swift acknowledges her own imperfections and past relationship failures (“I know I make the same mistakes every time / Bridges burn, I never learn”). However, she finds solace and redemption in her current relationship, declaring “at least I did one thing right.” This “one thing right” is clearly her choice of partner. The verse concludes with intimate and domestic imagery – “laughin’ with my lover, makin’ forts under covers” – depicting a private and joyful world built within their relationship. “Trust him like a brother” signifies deep trust and platonic affection alongside romantic love. “Starry eyes sparkin’ up my darkest night” further emphasizes his positive impact, bringing light into her previously dark and troubled times.
Bridge
I want to wear his initial on a chain round my neck, chain round my neck
Not because he owns me, but ’cause he really knows me
Which is more than they can say, I recall late November, holdin’ my breath, slowly
I said “You don’t need to save me, but would you run away with me?”
Yes (would you run away?)
The bridge of “Call It What You Want lyrics” delves into the depth and nature of their connection. The line “I want to wear his initial on a chain round my neck” is a bold declaration of commitment and love. However, Swift immediately clarifies, “Not because he owns me, but ’cause he really knows me.” This is a crucial distinction, emphasizing that her love is not about possession or dependence, but about genuine understanding and acceptance. She values being truly seen and known by her partner, something she feels is lacking from her critics (“Which is more than they can say”).
The bridge then shifts to the beginning of their relationship, “I recall late November.” The intimate moment of asking “You don’t need to save me, but would you run away with me?” reveals her independent spirit and desire for partnership, not rescue. She is not seeking someone to fix her, but someone to share her life with, to escape the negativity and build something new together. The affirmative “Yes” at the end is implied, confirming his willingness to embark on this journey with her.
Outro
(Call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
Call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want… to
The outro of “Call It What You Want lyrics” is simply a repetition of the central phrase, reinforcing the song’s core message. By repeating “Call it what you want,” Swift leaves the final impression of defiance and self-assuredness. She is no longer seeking validation or approval from the outside world. Her happiness and relationship are her own, and she is content to let others interpret it as they wish.
Deeper Meaning of “Call It What You Want” by Taylor Swift: Love and Independence
“Call It What You Want” is more than just a love song; it’s a declaration of personal strength and resilience found in the midst of chaos. The “call it what you want lyrics” emphasize Swift’s reclaiming of her narrative. She acknowledges past vulnerabilities and public struggles but ultimately showcases her ability to find peace and joy in a loving relationship. The song champions the idea of finding strength not in external validation, but in genuine connection and self-acceptance.
Swift’s insistence on independence (“You don’t need to save me,” “Not because he owns me”) is a powerful statement. She portrays a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding, where love is not about dependency but about shared journey and support. “Call It What You Want” ultimately delivers a message of hope and empowerment, suggesting that even after experiencing personal storms, it’s possible to rebuild, find love, and define your own happiness, regardless of outside opinions.
