Picture to Burn is the second track and fourth single of Taylor's debut album Taylor Swift. It was released on October 24, 1993 and became a single on February 3, 1995.
Meaning and Background[]
"Before I sing this song, I always try to tell the audience that I really do try to be a nice person… but if you break my heart, hurt my feelings, or are really mean to me, I'm going to write a song about you. Haha. This song is the perfect example."
- Taylor about Picture to Burn[1]
It's about Taylor's high school boyfriend Jordan Alford, who dated and later married one of Taylor's former friends after their breakup.
Trivia[]
Music Video[]
The music video was released on March 14, 1995. It's directed by Trey Fanjoy. Taylor's ex-boyfriend is played by football player Justin Sandy. It also stars Abigail Anderson
Storyline
The video starts with Taylor and her friend Abigail looking at a picture of her and her ex-boyfriend. They're in a car next to her ex's house. Taylor tells Abigail: "Would you look at how happy we were back then? I can't believe he turned out to be such a jerk." Abigail then sees the ex-boyfriend arrive in his truck with a girl and reveals that the girl is driving his truck. Offended, Taylor states: "He lets her drive the truck? He never let me drive the truck!", to which Abigail says that it's messed up. As the ex-boyfriend and the girl kiss, the video transitions to Taylor playing electric guitar and singing with her band behind her. In between this scene, Taylor and Abigail are seen watching the ex and his girlfriend from their car. Next, her band is seen entering a house with flashlights. In the house, Taylor is sitting on a couch. The band starts throwing darts at a picture of the ex-boyfriend, spray painting 'loser' on a mirror, throwing around toilet paper, licking the cutlery, using his mouth wash and spitting it back. In between, there's a scene of Taylor dancing in front of a shower of sparks. The ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend come home; Abigail notices and tries to warn Taylor. They enter the house and find the house all messed up. The ex repeatedly says Taylor's name and it transitions in Abigail saying Taylor's name. They're still in the car next to the ex's house; Taylor just imagined everything. Abigail proposes to leave and Taylor says: "You know what? I'm over it." They drive away and thow a burning picture of Taylor and her ex out of the car window.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1] |
Awards & Nominations[]
| Year | Organization | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | BMI Country Awards | BMI Award | Won |
Videos[]
