The Real Meaning Behind Taylor Swift's 'We Were Happy'

Publish date: 2024-06-29

Taylor Swift didn't speak on the subject matter of the song, but she did tweet that it was a pleasure to make. "I'm really honored that @KeithUrban is a part of this project... singing harmonies on We Were Happy," she wrote before explaining their special relationship. "I was his opening act during the Fearless album era and his music has inspired me endlessly." It's really a classic love — or "un-love" — song, which is something both Swift and Urban specialize in.

"We Were Happy" is sort of a sad song by Swift, about feeling guilty for falling out of love with a man she's been dating. The chorus, with Keith Urban accompanying on the harmonies, pretty much sums it up. "When it was good, baby, it was good, baby/We showed 'em all up/ No one could touch the way we laughed in the dark/Talking 'bout your daddy's farm we were going to buy someday/And we were happy," she croons, via Genius. In the first verse, she remembers when he was affectionate on dates "back when she deserved it" and it didn't feel like a lie due to her changing feelings. 

She's singing about the kind of breakup that isn't contentious at all, but just a result of another person simply knowing deep down in their gut that it won't work out. Although the song has a pretty straightforward meaning, it's one that most everyone can relate to — for better or worse. 

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