Who is “Back to December” about?
When analyzing the lyrics of "Back to December" by Taylor Swift, it's impossible not to engage in a certain amount of speculation about whom the song might be about. Swift, known for her autobiographical songwriting style, has infused this song with such emotional authenticity that it's natural to wonder about the real-life influences behind it.
Taylor Swift is often forthright about the real-life influences on her music, but with "Back to December," she has been somewhat coy. However, Swift fans and pop culture observers widely believe that the song refers to her relationship with actor Taylor Lautner. This speculation isn't unfounded – the two dated in 2009, the year before the release of the album "Speak Now," which includes "Back to December."
The song's lyrics weave a story of regret and apology – Swift singing about a good man she did wrong and her wish to turn back the clock to make things right. These sentiments align with Swift's public remarks about Lautner, which were generally positive, even after their breakup. Lautner himself hinted at a link between the song and their relationship during an interview on Scream Queens in 2016, almost confirming this widespread speculation.
Yet, as we delve deeper into the lyrics, it's not just about a person; it's also about a broader human experience of regret and the longing to rewrite the past. While it's interesting to identify Swift's songs with real-life counterparts, we can miss out on the song's deeper significance if we focus solely on the biographical details. Swift's work often invites a broader interpretation, allowing us to see ourselves and our experiences mirrored in her lyrics.
Drawing from a rich tradition of storytelling, Swift's song could be seen as a modern reworking of famous historical or literary figures and their stories of regret and longing for redemption. One could draw parallels between Swift's narrative and Darcy's regret over his initial treatment of Elizabeth in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Similarly, one might find echoes of Swift's wish to "go back to December" in Jay Gatsby's desire to recreate his past with Daisy in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby."
In conclusion, whether or not "Back to December" refers specifically to Taylor Lautner, Swift has created a song with a universal resonance. She combines deeply personal emotion with broader, almost archetypal themes of regret, redemption, and longing for a lost past. In doing so, she places herself within a long tradition of poets and storytellers who explore the complexities of human emotion. Ultimately, "Back to December" serves as a reminder of the power of music and storytelling to reflect, evoke, and explore our shared human experience.
