Look What You Made Me Do

The song begins with Taylor Swift expressing disdain for the manipulative games played by another, painting a picture of deception and control that she's no longer willing to endure. The mention of a 'tilted stage' suggests a skewed perception of reality, one where Swift was made to play a particular role, possibly in the public eye. Displeased by these machinations, Swift signals a departure from her past tolerance, and instead, a conscious movement towards empowerment.

In the pre-chorus, Swift's lyrical transformation becomes evident. She sings of becoming 'smarter' and 'harder,' hinting at growth and a newfound resilience forged through adversity. The imagery of rising from the dead is particularly poignant, symbolizing a rebirth of sorts, where Swift is no longer playing by the rules set by others but is crafting her own path with a list of wrongdoers she intends to hold accountable.

The chorus is catchy and repetitive, drumming in the notion of accountability. The phrase 'Look what you made me do' suggests that the actions Swift is about to take, or the person she's become, are direct consequences of the manipulation she's faced. There's a sense of inevitability here, as if there's no going back, and her transformation is now complete. The repetition also serves to place emphasis on the 'you,' the antagonistic force responsible for her change.

In the second verse, there's a portrayal of betrayal, with Swift asserting the loss of something once hers – 'your kingdom keys' that 'once belonged to me.' This lyric reflects on a stolen sense of ownership, whether in her personal life or career. The sentiment of being locked out, coupled with the notion of karma, indicates that Swift is very much focused on the idea of cosmic justice, tying her personal story of betrayal to a larger narrative of moral retribution.