The Archer — Taylor Swift
As a promotion for her upcoming seventh album, Taylor Swift has released a new track during the midst of an Instagram live session with fans. Produced by pop-music guru Jack Antonoff, “The Archer” is the third and least jarring single yet from Swift’s forthcoming Lover.
To date, we’ve been treated to theatrical and almost childish (think “spelling is fun”) pop songs that wasted Swift’s expressive songwriting abilities found on earlier records. Even the most devout Swiftie would be inclined to admit that “ME!” didn’t live up to a multitude of expectations, and “You Need to Calm Down” sparked enough discourse online for listeners to accuse Swift of queer-baiting.
This time around however things aren’t quite the same. Fans have often noted that the fifth track on each of Swift’s albums carries a certain vulnerability in tone, and “The Archer” is no different here. Swift opts for a softer delivery but her lyrics are sharp knives pointed at no one but herself. She sings “Who could ever leave me, darling/ But who could stay”, looking inward to seemingly only find faults and blame. It’s a blue outlook for her, but it’s proof that perhaps there is some real progression and growth to be displayed on Lover.
The track speaks to a certain kind of anxiety and frustration as Taylor Swift laments on her own insecurities. The self-awareness she displays is in stark contrast to that presented on Reputation’s “Look What You Made Me Do”; Swift acknowledges her past behavior and appeals to public opinion that perhaps there is some truth to her combative nature. In admittance, Swift shines gracefully without distraction. “The Archer” is a welcome addition to her fifth track fanfare and gives listeners a substantial ray of hope for what is to come next month.
Stream Here: Spotify | Apple Music
