You're On Your Own, Kid
Written By Taylor Swift & Jack Antonoff
Produced By Taylor Swift & Jack Antonoff
About
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Track 5 on "Midnights".
"You're On Your Own, Kid" recounts a young person who longs for love but eventually understands that they are on their own as the song progresses toward its conclusion. The verses take you through her younger life and the music builds as she matures through the song.
As the song builds into a frenzy, the audience receive a glimpse into Taylor's past life: she writes a song, burns the lyrics or letters into ashes. Suddenly, she's on her own, figuring out how to be herself.
The song utilizes a soft-pulsing percussive beat that slowly blossoms into an alt-pop soundscape. Lyrically and vocally, it sounds like something from Red, but with a darker sheen.
The song parallels Lover's "It's Nice To Have a Friend", also about school kids falling in love. Musically, both have similar, short rhyming couplets.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Summer went away, still, the yearning stays
I play it cool with the best of them
I wait patiently, he's gonna notice me
It's okay, we're the best of friends
Anyway
I hear it in your voice, you're smoking with your boys
I touch my phone as if it's your face
I didn't choose this town, I dream of getting out
There's just one who could make me stay
All my days
[Pre-Chorus]
From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes
I waited ages to see you there
I search the party of better bodies
Just to learn that you never cared
[Chorus]
You're on your own, kid
You always have been
[Verse 2]
I see the great escape, so long, Daisy May
I picked the petals, he loves me not
Something different bloomed, writing in my room
I play my songs in the parking lot
I'll run away
[Pre-Chorus]
From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes
I called a taxi to take me there
I search the party of better bodies
Just to learn that my dreams aren't rare
[Chorus]
You're on your own, kid
You always have been
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes
I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this
I hosted parties and starved my body
Like I'd be saved by a perfect kiss
The jokes weren't funny, I took the money
My friends from home don't know what to say
I looked around in a blood-soaked gown
And I saw something they can't take away
'Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned
Everything you lose is a step you take
So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it
You've got no reason to be afraid
[Chorus]
You're on your own, kid
Yeah, you can face this
You're on your own, kid
You always have been