Foolish One by Taylor Swift: Lyrics, Meaning, and Analysis

Taylor Swift’s song “Foolish One” is a powerful ballad about unrequited love. The song tells the story of a woman who is in love with a man who doesn’t love her back. Despite knowing that she is wasting her time, she continues to hope that he will eventually come around.


Foolish One Lyrics

Verse 1

My cards are on the table, yours are in your hand
Chances are, tonight, you’ve already got plans
And chances are I will talk myself to sleep again
You give me just enough attention to keep my hopes too high
Wishful thoughts forget to mention when something’s really not right
And I will block out these voices of reason in my head

Chorus

Foolish one
Stop checkin’ your mailbox for confessions of love
That ain’t never gonna come
You will take the long way, you will take the long way down

Verse 2

You know how to keep me waitin’
I know how to act like I’m fine
Don’t know what to call this situation
But I know I can’t call you mine
And it’s delicate, but I will do my best to seem bulletproof
‘Cause when my head is on your shoulder
It starts thinkin’ you’ll come around
And maybe, someday, when we’re older
This is something we’ll laugh about
Over coffee every mornin’ while you’re watching the news

Chorus

Foolish one
Stop checkin’ your mailbox for confessions of love
That ain’t never gonna come
You will take the long way, you will take the long way down

Bridge

Now I’m slidin’ down the wall with my head in my hands
Sayin’, “How could I not see the signs?”
Oh, you haven’t written me or called
But goodbye screamin’ in the silence
And the voices in my head are tellin’ me why
‘Cause you got her on your arm and me in the wings
I’ll get your longing glances, but she’ll get your ring
And you will say you had the best of intentions
And maybe I will finally learn my lesson

Chorus

Foolish one
Stop checkin’ your mailbox for confessions of love
That ain’t never gonna come
You will take the long way, you will take the long way down


Meaning and Analysis:

The song “Foolish One” is a powerful ballad about the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics are full of raw emotion, and the song’s message is clear: it is better to learn your lesson and move on than to continue to waste your time on someone who doesn’t love you back.

The song’s chorus is particularly powerful. The repeated line “You will take the long way, you will take the long way down” is a reminder that the road to heartbreak is a long and painful one. The song’s bridge also provides some insight into the psychology of unrequited love. The singer describes how she is “slidin’ down the wall with my head in my hands” and “sayin’, ‘How could I not see the signs?'” This suggests that she is aware of her own foolishness, but she is unable to stop herself from hoping that the man she loves will eventually come around.

The song “Foolish One” is a relatable song for anyone who has ever experienced unrequited love. The lyrics are honest and raw, and the song’s message is one that many people can relate to. The song is a reminder that it is important to learn from our mistakes and to move on from relationships that are not meant to be.


Music Video


Credits

Songwriter: Taylor Swift

Producer: Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner

Album: Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

Release Date: July 7, 2023


Conclusion:

“Foolish One” is a powerful and moving song about the pain of unrequited love. The song’s lyrics are full of raw emotion, and the song’s message is clear: it is better to learn your lesson and move on than to continue to waste your time on someone who doesn’t love you back.

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