Copy Edited by Samia Orva
Overall Rating: 9/10
What better way to get into the depressing season than to listen to Taylor Swift’s new heart wrenching song? “You’re Losing Me” describes the end of a long-term romantic relationship between two people. It first appeared as a bonus track on her tenth album, Midnights, in 2022. Since then, Swift’s fans have been requesting her to officially release the song, which she did a year later on November 29, 2023. “You’re Losing Me” has peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Global 200, which is unsurprising considering her record. Taylor Swift is an American singer who has won a total of 638 awards and has 1,234 nominations. She has won awards such as “Artist of the Year (Female)” in 2009, “Woman of the Decade” in 2019, and “Songwriter-Artist of the Decade” in 2022.
Ever since “You’re Losing Me” was released, many fans claimed that it may be one of Swift’s best works, lyrically-wise.
Does it live up to its expectations though?
Well, the song first starts with a sigh. Personally, this simple addition is a perfect way to start off a break-up song. It expresses her sadness over the relationship and how it’s affecting her as a person without a need for words.
Without a doubt, the lyrics live up to Taylor’s reputation as a songwriter, as you can actually picture yourself as the person in the song — a person who is confronting their partner.
Something important that should definitely be mentioned is the incorporation of Swift’s heartbeat in the track. The pulse was an amazing yet bitter addition, as it adds more emotion to the song.
What I found to be the most powerful part of the song, and I’m sure most people would agree with me, was the bridge. This is where “You’re Losing Me” gets more fast-paced and devastating. The bridge starts with a question but then all the cards are put on the table. I personally love the progression of the story through the track. At first, Swift is criticizing how her partner is not able to reciprocate the same effort she is putting into the relationship. She gave her blood, sweat, and tears into saving the love between them. Swift later reverses the roles. She now turns to criticizing herself and trying to see why her partner doesn’t love her anymore. This development in perspective is something that got me to take off my headphones to truly process what I just listened to.
“You’re Losing Me” is a masterpiece. However, the only issue I have about it is the pace. The song has a slow pace to it which some may argue is fitting for a breakup song. But personally, it felt too dull for half the song. Regardless, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth a listen, as it showcases Swift’s piercing storytelling and emotional depth. The raw emotions are conveyed beautifully through the lyrics and melody, allowing the audience to form a connection with the message.