31 Best Taylor Swift Songs About Exes

One of the recurring themes in Taylor Swift’s music is relationships, particularly those that have ended. Whether it's through heartbreak, betrayal, or just growing apart, Swift has a knack for turning her romantic misadventures into chart-topping hits.

From titles like “Dear John” to options like “Our Story,” here are some of the best Taylor Swift songs about exes.

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”

Song Year: 2012

Have you ever felt attached to a relationship, always moving back and forth? That's what it was like for Taylor Swift until she refused to forgive her then-boyfriend, Jake Gyllenhaal, and give their relationship another chance. The song earned her a Billboard Music Award for Top Country song in 2013.

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” became a breakup anthem, especially for couples in on-and-off relationships. It was among the most-loved songs in 2012 and topped the charts that year.

Swift doesn't mention Gyllenhaal in the song. But her fans have suggested that he's the inspiration behind the song, given the hints in the lines. For instance, the mention of indie records matches some of her songs, referencing Gyllenhaal's appreciation of indie music.

Also, the scarf in the music video resembles one Swift was spotted wearing on a date with Gyllenhaal.

“Style”

Song Year: 2014

Released in 2014, “Style” appeared at the top of the preference list for most swifties (Swift's fans) during the year. Apart from including Harry Style's name on the song's title, fans have noted a few similarities that make it feel like he's the inspiration behind the music.

For instance, the reference to extreme secrecy, privacy, and more was evident during their relationship. Also, the paper airplane pendant necklace's appearance made it seem like the song referenced Harry.

Harry and Swift had a romantic relationship between 2012 and 2013, after which the two young musicians called it quits. The extreme scrutiny from the media and Harry's cheating are the two issues often blamed for their breakup.

“I Knew You Were Trouble”

Song Year: 2012

“I Knew You Were Trouble” is among the best Taylor Swift songs about exes, although it’s unclear who inspired the lyrics. Music from the Red album seemingly talks about Harry Styles, while others suggest Jake Gyllenhaal.

“I Knew You Were Trouble” is a regretful heartbreak song, especially after starting a relationship you knew won't work. In this track, Swift blames herself for falling in love with her ex even after seeing red flags.

“Dear John”

Song Year: 2010

Under the album, Speak Now, Taylor Swift released a sensational song, “Dear John,” which became a big hit in 2010. “Dear John” targets her ex-lover and fellow artist, John Mayer. Their first public appearance was a collaboration in the song “Half of My Heart” in 2009.

Afterward, the two dated for some months between 2009 and 2010. Swift then wore “Dear John,” pointing out a few factors in their relationship, including their significant age difference (she was 19, and he was 32 when they were dating).

The song didn't sit well with John Mayer, who dissed Swift for her songwriting prowess.

“Forever & Always”

Song Year: 2008

“Forever & Always” comes a few months after separating from her celebrity ex-lover, Joe Jonas. It's among the songs that make you ponder love, especially after an unexpected breakup.

While Swift doesn't mention Joe Jonas in the song, a few pointers suggest him as the inspiration behind the track. For instance, Swift sings about gazing at her phone, a line that the celeb (Jonas) admits by saying he ended their three-month relationship over the phone.

The song may be scathing, but the two former lovebirds seem to have moved on from the drama. Swift regretted bashing Jonas in public, accusing teenage drama of her actions. The celeb's wife, Sophie Turner, has also admitted to being an ardent Swiftie.

“Back to December”

Song Year: 2010

“Back to December” is another great hit among Taylor Swift's songs about exes, but with a twisted story. If you're keen, you'll notice that most of Taylor Swift's songs about exes are scathing and bashing. However, “Back to December” was different.

Swift seems to be apologizing for her treatment of her then-lover, Taylor Lautner. They dated for a few months in 2009 after meeting on the Valentine's Day movie set.

The artist admittedly wrote on her website that the song was an apology to a lover she mistreated.

“Last Kiss”

Song Year: 2010

“Last Kiss” is among Swift's songs that carried the pop music world by storm in her 2010 album, Speak Now. The song quickly became a fan favorite due to its raw and vulnerable lyrics that strike a chord with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

In the song, Swift reminisces about the final moments of a doomed relationship, describing the bittersweet feelings that come with the realization that it's over.

While she doesn't hint who inspired his song, many “Last Kiss” listeners believe the track was about Joe Jonas, linking the release time and when the two dated.

Also, Swift confirmed that her album, Speak Now had a song about Joe Jonas. She also revealed that the celebrity ex-lover broke up with her over a phone call lasting less than 30 seconds.

“Closure”

Song Year: 2020

Many people look for closure after breakups. You want to know why your partner behaved in a certain way and the reason behind their decisions. To some, the only way to move on from a breakup is to find closure from the person who hurt you.

But Swift has a different message for you in the “Closure” track, which she released on the album, Evermore. It talks about forgiveness and moving on after a breakup, urging the man behind the inspiration not to explain anything.

Are you ready to take that step and close that chapter of love? “Closure” by Taylor Swift has your back.

“Picture to Burn”

Song Year: 2008

“Picture to Burn” is among Taylor Swift's single titles in her debut album. It was released in 2008 and has created a great sensation among her fans and haters.

While she didn't mention the name of the ex-lover behind the inspiration, Swift includes some killer lines that hint the song is about her high-school boyfriend, Jordan Alford. Alford left Swift for her friend, who later became his wife.

In an interview, her friend (Alford's wife) laughed at the accusations against her husband in the song.

“I Forgot That You Existed”

Song Year: 2008

Moving on after a breakup can be challenging, especially if you have major emotional investments in the partner. It may take time, making you doubt whether life will ever return to normal.

But if you listen to “I Forgot that You Existed,” you'll realize that it's not only easy to move on and start living again, and it's also possible to forget about the person and let go of the bothersome emotions.

You don't wait for them to call anymore. Their social media posts no longer have the same effects on you, and stalking them doesn't make sense anymore. It's the moment when you carry no hate or love for those who hurt you.

This song is an upbeat tune that glamorizes the morning when you finally wake up and realize you feel indifferent toward an ex.

“Getaway Car”

Song Year: 2017

No list of the best Taylor Swift songs about exes is complete without “Getaway Car.” In this track, Swift uses the picture of two criminals, Bonnie and Clyde, trying to flee from the police using a getaway car.

“Getaway Car” is a song targeted to Tom Hiddleston, with whom she had a summer fling doomed to end from the start (according to the music). To her, the brief moment she dated Hiddleson in 2016 was part of her rebound from her breakup with Calvin Harris, which she compares to a getaway car that she used to escape her realities (the loneliness and heartbreak).