Meaning of And now, you're asking me to listen 'cause it's worked each time before

In Taylor Swift's song "You're Not Sorry," the lyrics explore themes of betrayal, disappointment, and the loss of trust in a relationship. The specific line, "And now, you're asking me to listen 'cause it's worked each time before," further develops these themes in unexpected and imaginative ways.The line paints a picture of a recurrent cycle in the relationship where the other person consistently seeks forgiveness and understanding. It suggests a manipulative pattern where they have made promises and apologies in the past and managed to convince the protagonist to give them another chance. It hints at a persuasive prowess that has been effective in the past, with the repetition of "worked each time before" capturing the familiarity and predictability of this behavior.However, while the line acknowledges the success of this strategy in the past, it also implies that the protagonist has reached a breaking point. It suggests that the narrator has finally recognized the repeated pattern of letdowns and broken promises. The line hints at a dawning realization and a newfound determination not to be deceived again.This particular line also touches on themes of power dynamics and control within relationships. It suggests that the person asking for forgiveness holds some influence over the protagonist, manipulating them into listening despite their history of disappointment. The line implies a power imbalance, with one party consistently asking for forgiveness and the other being subjected to this cycle of deceit.On a deeper level, the line speaks to the universal experience of emotional vulnerability and the fear of being hurt repeatedly. It explores the inner conflict one may face when deciding whether to continue giving chances or to break free from a toxic relationship. It highlights the difficulty of trusting someone who has proven themselves unworthy, yet also recognizes the emotional sway they may hold over the protagonist.Ultimately, the theme that emerges from this line and the song as a whole is the journey towards self-empowerment and the reclamation of one's personal boundaries. The protagonist realizes that they deserve better than being repeatedly let down and manipulated, and they find the strength to stand up for themselves and break free from the cycle of hurt.In conclusion, "You're Not Sorry" delves into the themes of betrayal, disappointment, trust, power dynamics, and the struggle to free oneself from toxic relationships. The line, "And now, you're asking me to listen 'cause it's worked each time before," adds depth to these themes by highlighting the manipulative pattern and the protagonist's newfound resolve to no longer be deceived. It encapsulates the emotional journey towards self-empowerment and the refusal to accept apologies that lack sincerity.