Taylor Swift is once again at the center of social media discourse, driven by the resurgence of interest in her aptly titled song, “ME!” from the Lover album, released in 2019. Markedly different from her darker Reputation album, Lover features popular tracks such as “Cruel Summer,””Cornelia Street,”and “False God.”
However, not all songs from Lover resonated positively with listeners. Some tracks were critiqued for their overly pop-centric and repetitive nature. Now, six years post-release, “ME!” —one of the least appreciated songs from the album—has unexpectedly gone viral. Despite Swift’s enthusiasm for this upbeat track, fans are revisiting their critiques, voicing their discontent once more.
Taylor Swift’s 2019 Wango Tango Performance Revisited
The Performance Sparks Mixed Reactions
Watch Performance Here
The performance of “ME!”at the 2019 Wango Tango concert has recently resurfaced online, drawing a spectrum of reactions. Swift was joined by Panic! At The Disco’s frontman Brendan Urie, who lent his voice to the track. While some fans celebrated the collaboration, many others found the performance cringeworthy, voicing their concerns across social platforms.
This era marked Taylor’s return following a period of relative seclusion during her Reputation phase, where she limited public appearances and interviews. The Lover era saw her embracing vibrant outfits and increased interactions with fans, channeling her “Daylight”lyrics into her visuals. However, detractors seemed to favor the edginess of Reputation, describing the Lover aesthetic as juvenile.
This clip is new to me 😳 pic.twitter.com/CEnChzEmAG — Scara (@SolidXnnake) April 13, 2025
Initial backlash against the Wango Tango performance was significant; however, a wave of support from dedicated Swifties soon emerged. Many defended Swift, celebrating her joy and expressing frustration over the trend of societal negativity surrounding happiness.
The Controversy Surrounding “ME!”
Swifties’ Reluctance to Embrace Her Optimism
In contrast to its predecessors, Reputation embraced trap and R&B influences, dominating the charts of the late 2010s. When “ME!”debuted, it failed to reach the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100, becoming the first lead single since Swift’s Speak Now to miss that milestone, ultimately placing second to Lil Nas X’s blockbuster hit, “Old Town Road.”
One of the most discussed elements of “ME!”was its bridge, where Swift and Urie exclaim, “Hey kids, spelling is fun!”This line was controversially omitted from streaming versions and the physical albums, leading some fans to speculate if its removal was a reaction to the backlash. Curiously, some Swifties perceived it as an Easter egg, linking the “spelling” phrase to the album’s release date of 8/23.
Regardless of polarizing opinions, several fans recognized and valued Swift’s shift toward celebrating happiness and self-love in “ME!”They shared in her message, understanding its potential to inspire.
Time to Show More Love for “ME!”
“ME!”Delivers a Joyful and Motivational Message
Watch the Uplifting "ME!"Video Here
The Lover era signified a pivotal shift for Swift as she emerged from darkness into a brighter phase of her career. Despite criticism, “ME!” offered a fresh start and vibrant themes, evident in its music video, which begins with a pastel pink snake—an emblematic reference to her Reputation era—transforming into butterflies. This imagery represents Swift’s liberation from past struggles and her evolution into a more positive entity in the music industry.
“One of these things is not like the other
Like a rainbow with all of the colors
Babydoll, when it comes to a lover
I promise that you’ll never find another like me.”
Above all, “ME!”resonates with the empowerment narrative, particularly among young women who’ve followed Swift since her inception. In the lyrics, she candidly expresses insecurities, revealing common feelings of not measuring up. Through the song, she offers the reminder of one’s worth, celebrating individuality and encouraging self-acceptance.
This message of self-love is crucial in today’s social media-saturated environment, addressing the ongoing pressures and beauty standards young listeners face. As mental health considerations become paramount, Swift’s “ME!”stands as a beacon of positivity and relevance, capable of uplifting an entire generation.