Meaning of She's not a saint and she's not what you think (No)

In Taylor Swift's song "Better Than Revenge," the artist unravels a story of betrayal, revenge, and the complexities of relationships. The overall themes of the song revolve around deception, the consequences of actions, and the idea that revenge can be a powerful motivator for change.Within the lyrics of the song, we come across a poignant line that further deepens the exploration of these themes: "She's not a saint and she's not what you think (No)." This line unveils an unexpected and imaginative theme: the idea of misconceptions and the complexity of understanding others.It is often said that people cannot be easily judged based on appearances alone. We tend to create an image of someone in our minds, but reality can be far from what we perceive. The line challenges our preconceived notions and urges us to see beyond the surface.In the context of the song, this line refers to the person who stole the narrator's love interest. It suggests that the antagonist is not as innocent or virtuous as they may appear. They possess qualities and intentions that may have been hidden initially, causing the narrator to reevaluate their perception.This theme of misconceptions is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "She's not what you think." It reminds us that judgments should not be made based solely on what we see or hear. People are multifaceted beings with complex lives, experiences, and motivations. Swift encourages us to look deeper, to question our assumptions, and to understand that reality may be more intricate than we initially believe.Furthermore, this line touches upon the concept of identity and self-presentation. In the lyrics, the antagonist is portrayed as an "actress," suggesting a facade or performance. This theme suggests that people often wear masks or put on a show to hide their true selves. They may present themselves differently in different situations or manipulate their image to achieve their goals.The line also reinforces the idea that appearances can be deceiving. Just as the antagonist in the song is not what they initially seem, the line invites listeners to reflect on how people in their own lives may not be who they perceive them to be. It serves as a reminder that we should approach others with empathy and understanding, as everyone has their own stories and complexities.Moreover, this theme of misconceptions ties back to the overarching theme of the song: revenge. The narrator realizes that they were wrong in assuming the antagonist was innocent or harmless. This revelation fuels their desire for revenge, as they feel deceived and hurt by this person's actions. The line serves as a catalyst for the narrator's determination to prove that they are "better than revenge."In conclusion, the line "She's not a saint and she's not what you think (No)" from Taylor Swift's song "Better Than Revenge" contributes to the overall themes of the song through its exploration of misconceptions and the complexity of understanding others. It prompts listeners to question their preconceived notions, reminding us that people are not always who they first appear to be. These imaginative themes ultimately tie back to the overarching theme of the song, which centers around betrayal, revenge, and the consequences of actions.