Back to December

Taylor Swift

About Back to December

"Back to December" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album Speak Now (2010). The song was sent to country radio in the United States on November 15, 2010, as the second single from Speak Now. According to Swift, "Back to December" is the first time she ever apologizes to someone in a song. Critics speculate that the song is about Taylor Lautner, Swift's ex-boyfriend, which was later acknowledged by Lautner. "Back to December" is considered an orchestral country pop ballad and its lyrics are a remorseful plea for forgiveness for breaking up with a former lover. "Back to December" received acclaim reviews from critics, who regarded it as one of the highlights of Speak Now. Critics have praised the song for its lyrics, melody, and vocals. The song enjoyed commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and at number seven in Canada. It also peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song received moderate success internationally, peaking at number 24 in New Zealand, and number 26 in Australia. 


Year:
2010
4:53
2,122 
#4

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I'm so glad you made time to see me
How's life, tell me how's your family?
I haven't seen them in a while
You've been good, busier then ever
We small talk, work and the weather
Your guard is up and I know why

Because the last time you saw me
Is still burned in the back of your mind
You gave me roses and I left them there to die

So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I'd go back to December, turn around and make it all right
I go back to December all the time

These days I haven't been sleeping
Staying up playing back myself leaving
When your birthday passed and I didn't call
And I think about summer, all the beautiful times
I watched you laughing from the passenger side
And realized I'd loved you in the fall
And then the cold came, the dark days when fear crept into my mind
You gave me all your love and all I gave you was goodbye

So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I'd go back to December turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time

I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile, so good to me, so right
And how you held me in your arms that September night
The first time you ever saw me cry
Maybe this is wishful thinking
Probably mindless dreaming
But if we loved again I swear I'd love you right

I'd go back in time and change it but I can't
So if the chain is on your door, I understand

But this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I'd go back to December turn around and make it all right
I'd go back to December turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time all the time

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Taylor Swift

Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Raised in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 14 to pursue a career in country music. more »

132 fans

Written by: Taylor Alison Swift

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Release
"Back to December" was released as the second single of Taylor Swift's third studio album, "Speak Now", in November 2010.
Lyrics Inspiration
It's widely believed that the song is an apology to Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend, actor Taylor Lautner, as they broke up in December 2009.
Songwriting
"Back to December" is the first song where Taylor Swift apologizes to someone. She is usually known for writing songs about her ex-partners and encounters, but they don't typically include apologies.
Music Genre
Categorized under country pop, "Back to December" signaled Swift's shift from her country roots to more mainstream pop.
Song Performance
It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit the top spot on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
Music Video
The music video for the song was directed by Yoann Lemoine and it was the first time Swift had worked with him. The video was largely shot in Nashville and illustrates the lyrics of the song via a snowy, winter setting.
Critical Reception
"Back to December" received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised its lyrical depth and maturity compared to her previous songs.
Awards and Nominations
The song was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Song at the 54th Grammy Awards but did not win.
Cover Versions
Since its release, "Back to December" has been covered by various artists, including We The Kings and Andrea Valles during her stint on American Idol.
Live Performance
"Back to December" was included in the set-list of Swift's "Speak Now World Tour", where she usually performed it on a grand piano.

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    Back to December

    196.6M
    929.9K     26,454

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2010

    Billboard #6


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