Meaning and Lyrics of Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
Song Lyrics meaning of Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
About Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift burst onto the music scene in 2006 as a country prodigy, but has since evolved into a global pop phenomenon. Born in 1989 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Swift’s journey from country sweetheart to pop icon has been nothing short of meteoric.
Swift’s early albums, including her self-titled debut and “Fearless,” established her as a country music darling with a knack for relatable, diaristic songwriting. However, it was her gradual transition to pop, culminating in the release of “1989” in 2014, that catapulted her to superstardom.
Known for her confessional lyrics and savvy business acumen, Swift has become a master of reinvention. Her album “Reputation” saw her embracing a darker aesthetic, while “Lover” marked a return to technicolor pop. The track “Cruel Summer” from “Lover” showcases Swift’s penchant for earworm melodies and vivid storytelling, with its pulsating synths and yearning vocals capturing the essence of a tumultuous romance.
Swift’s later works, including the surprise releases “folklore” and “evermore,” revealed a more introspective side, proving her versatility as an artist. With numerous Grammys, record-breaking tours, and a dedicated fanbase known as “Swifties,” Taylor Swift has cemented her place as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.
Swift’s early albums, including her self-titled debut and “Fearless,” established her as a country music darling with a knack for relatable, diaristic songwriting. However, it was her gradual transition to pop, culminating in the release of “1989” in 2014, that catapulted her to superstardom.
Known for her confessional lyrics and savvy business acumen, Swift has become a master of reinvention. Her album “Reputation” saw her embracing a darker aesthetic, while “Lover” marked a return to technicolor pop. The track “Cruel Summer” from “Lover” showcases Swift’s penchant for earworm melodies and vivid storytelling, with its pulsating synths and yearning vocals capturing the essence of a tumultuous romance.
Swift’s later works, including the surprise releases “folklore” and “evermore,” revealed a more introspective side, proving her versatility as an artist. With numerous Grammys, record-breaking tours, and a dedicated fanbase known as “Swifties,” Taylor Swift has cemented her place as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.
Meaning of Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
“Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift is a haunting and emotive song that delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship. Through vivid imagery and evocative lyrics, Swift paints a picture of intense emotions and longing.
The song’s intro sets the tone with a repetitive chorus of “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,” creating a sense of urgency and intensity.
In the verse 1, Swift talks about a mysterious and alluring figure that she is captivated by, referring to him as a “bad, bad boy” and a “shiny toy with a price.” Despite recognizing the potential dangers, she confesses that she desires him.
The pre-chorus introduces the idea of being drawn slowly towards something destructive, symbolized by the metaphor of “devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes.” The lines “What doesn’t kill me makes me want you more” suggest a sense of addiction and susceptibility to the allure of this person.
The chorus emphasizes the conflicting emotions of the relationship. The “cruel summer” is depicted as a time of mixed feelings, where the shape of the person’s body and the sensations experienced are described with colors like blue, invoking a sense of melancholy and unease. The lack of rules in this heaven-like scenario further complicates the narrative.
In verse 2, the lyrics explore the idea of self-awareness and accepting one’s flaws within the relationship. The imagery of “trying times” and “the glow of the vending machine” conveys a sense of futility and resignation.
The bridge reveals a vulnerable and raw side of Swift, as she admits to her emotional turmoil and the struggle to be honest with her feelings. The narrative of sneaking through the garden gate and confessing love despite the pain conveys a sense of desperation and longing.
The outro repeats the sentiments expressed earlier in the song, emphasizing the internal conflict and turmoil experienced by the protagonist as she grapples with her emotions.
Overall, “Cruel Summer” is a powerful and evocative exploration of the complexities of love, desire, and vulnerability. Swift’s poignant lyrics and emotive delivery capture the raw emotions of a turbulent relationship, creating a deeply resonant and introspective narrative.
The song’s intro sets the tone with a repetitive chorus of “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,” creating a sense of urgency and intensity.
In the verse 1, Swift talks about a mysterious and alluring figure that she is captivated by, referring to him as a “bad, bad boy” and a “shiny toy with a price.” Despite recognizing the potential dangers, she confesses that she desires him.
The pre-chorus introduces the idea of being drawn slowly towards something destructive, symbolized by the metaphor of “devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes.” The lines “What doesn’t kill me makes me want you more” suggest a sense of addiction and susceptibility to the allure of this person.
The chorus emphasizes the conflicting emotions of the relationship. The “cruel summer” is depicted as a time of mixed feelings, where the shape of the person’s body and the sensations experienced are described with colors like blue, invoking a sense of melancholy and unease. The lack of rules in this heaven-like scenario further complicates the narrative.
In verse 2, the lyrics explore the idea of self-awareness and accepting one’s flaws within the relationship. The imagery of “trying times” and “the glow of the vending machine” conveys a sense of futility and resignation.
The bridge reveals a vulnerable and raw side of Swift, as she admits to her emotional turmoil and the struggle to be honest with her feelings. The narrative of sneaking through the garden gate and confessing love despite the pain conveys a sense of desperation and longing.
The outro repeats the sentiments expressed earlier in the song, emphasizing the internal conflict and turmoil experienced by the protagonist as she grapples with her emotions.
Overall, “Cruel Summer” is a powerful and evocative exploration of the complexities of love, desire, and vulnerability. Swift’s poignant lyrics and emotive delivery capture the raw emotions of a turbulent relationship, creating a deeply resonant and introspective narrative.
Lyrics of Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
Intro
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Verse 1
Fever dream high in the quiet of the night
You know that I caught it (Oh yeah, you're right, I want it)
Bad, bad boy, shiny toy with a price
You know that I bought it (Oh yeah, you're right, I want it)
Pre-Chorus
Killing me slow, out the window
I'm always waiting for you to be waiting below
Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes
What doesn't kill me makes me want you more
Chorus
And it's new, the shape of your body
It's blue, the feeling I've got
And it's ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer
It's cool, that's what I tell 'em
No rules in breakable heaven
But ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer with you
Verse 2
Hang your head low in the glow of the vending machine
I'm not dying (Oh yeah, you're right, I want it)
We say that we'll just screw it up in these trying times
We're not trying (Oh yeah, you're right, I want it)
Pre-Chorus
So cut the headlights, summer's a knife
I'm always waiting for you just to cut to the bone
Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes
And if I bleed, you'll be the last to know, oh
Chorus
It's new, the shape of your body
It's blue, the feeling I've got
And it's ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer
It's cool, that's what I tell 'em
No rules in breakable heaven
But ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer with you
Bridge
I'm drunk in the back of the car
And I cried like a baby comin' home from the bar (Oh)
Said, "I'm fine," but it wasn't true
I don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you
And I snuck in through the garden gate
Every night that summer just to seal my fate (Oh)
And I scream, "For whatever it's worth
I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?"
He looks up, grinnin' like a devil
Chorus
It's new, the shape of your body
It's blue, the feeling I've got
And it's ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer
It's cool, that's what I tell 'em
No rules in breakable heaven
But ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer with you
Outro
I'm drunk in the back of the car
And I cried like a baby comin' home from the bar (Oh)
Said, "I'm fine," but it wasn't true
I don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you
And I snuck in through the garden gate
Every night that summer just to seal my fate (Oh)
And I scream, "For whatever it's worth
I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?"
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Verse 1
Fever dream high in the quiet of the night
You know that I caught it (Oh yeah, you're right, I want it)
Bad, bad boy, shiny toy with a price
You know that I bought it (Oh yeah, you're right, I want it)
Pre-Chorus
Killing me slow, out the window
I'm always waiting for you to be waiting below
Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes
What doesn't kill me makes me want you more
Chorus
And it's new, the shape of your body
It's blue, the feeling I've got
And it's ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer
It's cool, that's what I tell 'em
No rules in breakable heaven
But ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer with you
Verse 2
Hang your head low in the glow of the vending machine
I'm not dying (Oh yeah, you're right, I want it)
We say that we'll just screw it up in these trying times
We're not trying (Oh yeah, you're right, I want it)
Pre-Chorus
So cut the headlights, summer's a knife
I'm always waiting for you just to cut to the bone
Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes
And if I bleed, you'll be the last to know, oh
Chorus
It's new, the shape of your body
It's blue, the feeling I've got
And it's ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer
It's cool, that's what I tell 'em
No rules in breakable heaven
But ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer with you
Bridge
I'm drunk in the back of the car
And I cried like a baby comin' home from the bar (Oh)
Said, "I'm fine," but it wasn't true
I don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you
And I snuck in through the garden gate
Every night that summer just to seal my fate (Oh)
And I scream, "For whatever it's worth
I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?"
He looks up, grinnin' like a devil
Chorus
It's new, the shape of your body
It's blue, the feeling I've got
And it's ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer
It's cool, that's what I tell 'em
No rules in breakable heaven
But ooh, woah-oh
It's a cruel summer with you
Outro
I'm drunk in the back of the car
And I cried like a baby comin' home from the bar (Oh)
Said, "I'm fine," but it wasn't true
I don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you
And I snuck in through the garden gate
Every night that summer just to seal my fate (Oh)
And I scream, "For whatever it's worth
I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?"
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Discography Taylor Swift
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY
Release: 2024-04-19
Label: Taylor Swift
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏👏
1. Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
2. The Tortured Poets Department
3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
4. Down Bad
5. So Long, London
6. But Daddy I Love Him
7. Fresh Out The Slammer
8. Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)
9. Guilty as Sin?
10. Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
11. I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
12. loml
13. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
14. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
15. The Alchemy
16. Clara Bow
17. The Black Dog
18. imgonnagetyouback
19. The Albatross
20. Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus
21. How Did It End?
22. So High School
23. I Hate It Here
24. thanK you aIMee
25. I Look in People’s Windows
26. The Prophecy
27. Cassandra
28. Peter
29. The Bolter
30. Robin
31. The Manuscript</a
Tracklist
Collapse
2. The Tortured Poets Department
3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
4. Down Bad
5. So Long, London
6. But Daddy I Love Him
7. Fresh Out The Slammer
8. Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)
9. Guilty as Sin?
10. Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
11. I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
12. loml
13. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
14. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
15. The Alchemy
16. Clara Bow
17. The Black Dog
18. imgonnagetyouback
19. The Albatross
20. Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus
21. How Did It End?
22. So High School
23. I Hate It Here
24. thanK you aIMee
25. I Look in People’s Windows
26. The Prophecy
27. Cassandra
28. Peter
29. The Bolter
30. Robin
31. The Manuscript</a
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT
Release: 2024-04-18
Label: Taylor Swift
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏👏
1. Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
2. The Tortured Poets Department
3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
4. Down Bad
5. So Long, London
6. But Daddy I Love Him
7. Fresh Out The Slammer
8. Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)
9. Guilty as Sin?
10. Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
11. I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
12. loml
13. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
14. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
15. The Alchemy
16. Clara Bow
Tracklist
Collapse
2. The Tortured Poets Department
3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
4. Down Bad
5. So Long, London
6. But Daddy I Love Him
7. Fresh Out The Slammer
8. Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)
9. Guilty as Sin?
10. Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
11. I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
12. loml
13. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
14. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
15. The Alchemy
16. Clara Bow
1989 (Taylor's Version) [Deluxe]
Release: 2023-10-27
Label: Taylor Swift
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏👏
1. Welcome To New York (Taylor’s Version)
2. Blank Space (Taylor’s Version)
3. Style (Taylor’s Version)
4. Out Of The Woods (Taylor’s Version)
5. All You Had To Do Was Stay (Taylor’s Version)
6. Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)
7. I Wish You Would (Taylor’s Version)
8. Bad Blood (Taylor’s Version)
9. Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)
10. How You Get The Girl (Taylor’s Version)
11. This Love (Taylor’s Version)
12. I Know Places (Taylor’s Version)
13. Clean (Taylor’s Version)
14. Wonderland (Taylor’s Version)
15. You Are In Love (Taylor’s Version)
16. New Romantics (Taylor’s Version)
17. “Slut!” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
18. Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
19. Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
20. Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
21. Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
22. Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar) (Taylor’s Version)
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Blank Space (Taylor’s Version)
3. Style (Taylor’s Version)
4. Out Of The Woods (Taylor’s Version)
5. All You Had To Do Was Stay (Taylor’s Version)
6. Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)
7. I Wish You Would (Taylor’s Version)
8. Bad Blood (Taylor’s Version)
9. Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)
10. How You Get The Girl (Taylor’s Version)
11. This Love (Taylor’s Version)
12. I Know Places (Taylor’s Version)
13. Clean (Taylor’s Version)
14. Wonderland (Taylor’s Version)
15. You Are In Love (Taylor’s Version)
16. New Romantics (Taylor’s Version)
17. “Slut!” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
18. Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
19. Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
20. Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
21. Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
22. Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar) (Taylor’s Version)
Upcoming Events for Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour
Price Range: $N/A
Date: 2024-08-15
Location: Wembley Stadium
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour
Price Range: $N/A
Date: 2024-08-16
Location: Wembley Stadium
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour
Price Range: $N/A
Date: 2024-08-17
Location: Wembley Stadium
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