The song Mean by Taylor Swift interests me for many reasons. In the song, Swift talks about a person who has obviously abused her, both physically and verbally, for quite some time. She sings about all the “swords and weapons” that have been used against her: the hateful words, the two-faced actions, the lies, and actions that have humiliated so deeply she finds it hard to “raise her head.” As the song goes on, the artist seems to identify the power she has wrongly let this person have over her. She seems to find hope in reminding herself that one day when she is “big enough” she will no longer be a victim. She will grow up and the roles will reverse. She will be free to live her dreams in the “big old city” while he will remain captive, a victim to his own anger. The artist informs her abuser that in years to come he will find himself talking with the “same loud opinions…ranting about the same old bitter things,” but no one will listen, no one will be scared anymore because he will be seen for who he really is-an aging man who is a bully, who is powerless, and who is mean.
All students have been hurt by others in many ways by the time they are in high school. Some have been hurt by words, others by actions, most by both. Yet, we need to respond to those who hurt us in two ways-both of which are discussed in Swift’s song. First, we must have pity on those who hurt others remembering that abusers hurt people because they have been hurt. Secondly, we must never remain victims. Through Christ we were made to be free, free to be all He created us to be. As we grow older, hopefully we will live in this freedom more and forgive those who hurt us in the past.
this was very inspiring Josh. Ata boy!
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