Anti-Hero Lyrics | Midnights | Taylor Swift
About the Song: "I'm the problem, it's me"
"Anti-Hero" was released as the lead single from Taylor Swift's tenth studio album, Midnights (2022), and it instantly became a global phenomenon. Co-written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, the song is a candid and surprisingly upbeat exploration of self-loathing, anxiety, and the pressures of fame. With its synth-pop beat and brutally honest lyrics, "Anti-Hero" finds Swift confronting her own insecurities head-on, declaring herself the "problem" and the titular anti-hero. The track was praised by critics for its vulnerability and clever songwriting, and it broke numerous streaming records upon its release, topping charts worldwide.
The Creative Team
Taylor Swift & Jack Antonoff
The collaboration between Taylor Swift and producer/musician Jack Antonoff has defined a significant era of her career. Starting with the album 1989, they have co-created some of Swift's most acclaimed work, including the albums reputation, Lover, folklore, evermore, and Midnights. Antonoff is known for his signature production style that blends vintage synths with modern pop sensibilities, which is on full display in "Anti-Hero." For more on the artists, see their IMDb pages: Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff.
The Music Video
Written and directed by Taylor Swift herself, the music video for "Anti-Hero" is a surreal and comedic visualization of the song's themes. It portrays Swift being haunted by her own doppelgängers, attending her own funeral where her future children squabble over her will, and being depicted as a giant, misunderstood monster. The video was lauded for its creativity and humor in tackling such personal subject matter.
Release Date: October 21, 2022
Written & Directed By: Taylor Swift
Starring: Taylor Swift, Mike Birbiglia, John Early, and Mary Elizabeth Ellis.
Where to Watch: The official music video is available on YouTube.
About the Album: Midnights (2022)
Midnights is a concept album described by Swift as "the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life." It marked a return to a more direct pop sound after the folk-inspired records folklore and evermore. The album explores themes of self-reflection, insecurity, fantasy, and falling in love. Midnights was a massive commercial success, breaking numerous records and receiving widespread critical acclaim, ultimately winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making Swift the first artist to win the award four times.
