Picture to Burn

Released: January 29, 2008
Format: CD single, digital download
Recorded: 2006; The Castles Studios-A, Sound Cottage, Sound Emporium
(Nashville, Tennessee)
Genre: Country rock
Length: 2:55
Label: Big Machine
Writer(s): Taylor Swift, Liz Rose
Producer: Nathan Chapman


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Lyrics to Picture To Burn:
State the obvious,
I didn't get my perfect fantasy
I realized you love yourself
More that you could ever love me
So go and tell your friends
That I'm obsessive and crazy,
That's fine
I'll tell mine
You're gay,
And by the way,
I hate that stupid old pickup truck,
You never let me drive
You're a redneck, heartbreak
Who's really been a lie
So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
As far as I'm concerned,
You're just another picture to burn.
There's no time for tears
I'm just sitting here planning my revenge
There's nothing stopping me
From going out with all of your best friends
And if you come around saying' sorry to me
My daddy's going to show you how sorry you'll be
‘Cause I hate that stupid old pickup truck,
You never let me drive
You're a redneck, heartbreak
Who's really been a lie, yeah
So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
As far as I'm concerned,
You're just another picture to burn.
And if you're missing me
You better keep it to yourself
‘Cause coming back around here
Would be bad for your health
‘Cause I hate that stupid old pickup truck,
You never let me drive
You're a redneck, heartbreak
Who's really been a lie, yeah
So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
In case you haven't heard,
I really, really hate that stupid old pickup truck,
You never let me drive
You're a redneck, heartbreak
Who's really been a lie, yeah
So watch me strike a match
On all my wasted time
As far as I'm concerned,
You're just another picture to burn.
Burn, burn, burn, baby burn.
Just another picture to burn
Baby burn

Description:

"Picture to Burn" is a country music song recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was co-written by Swift and Liz Rose, and produced by Nathan Chapman. It was released on January 29, 2008 by Big Machine Records as the fourth single from Swift's eponymous studio album, Taylor Swift (2006). It was inspired by the narcissistic and cocky nature of a male who Swift never established a formal relationship with. In retrospect, Swift has stated she has evolved on a personal level and as a songwriter, claiming she processed emotions differently since "Picture to Burn". The song was chosen as a single based on the audience's reaction to it in concert. Musically, the track is of the country rock genre with prominent usage of guitar, banjo, and drums. The lyrics concern igniting flames on photographs of a former boyfriend.

"Picture to Burn" was praised by music critics, some who supported the feminist message. The single was commercially successful, peaking at number twenty-eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number three on the country-genre chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over one million downloads. In Canada, it charted within the top fifty and was certified gold. The music video for "Picture to Burn" was directed by Trey Fanjoy and features Swift fantasizing about seeking revenge on her ex-boyfriend, after she discovers him with another woman. The video also has Swift and her band performing with pyrotechnics as a backdrop. Swift promoted "Picture to Burn" via live performances, including numerous while supporting as opening act for various country artists' concert tours. It was also performed on her first headlining tour, the Fearless Tour (2009–10).