Taylor Swift, “Mean” (Lyrics)

This is already not a critical favorite for at least one writer, thanks to its “If you hate me, you’re just mean and I’ll live” message, and it’s definitely not Taylor’s best sentiment or best writing. But it’s instructive, I think, to hear that message as a more anthemic “I don’t need your opinion to validate me,” directed at bullies (but, maybe, bullying in its own haughtiness) and I think that could have some metaphorical heft for gay teens, the besieged minority of the moment.

Also: Yeah, like I’m going to post an MP3. Big Machine is more than mean when it comes to that.

Also also: That art, via this Swift photo gallery, is hysterical.

Find Swift’s next single (?) from the upcoming Speak Now on iTunes. Lyrics after the jump.