The Way I Loved You
Fearless (2008) | Fearless (Taylor's Version) [2021]
Taylor got the idea for the song by being in a relationship with a nice guy who was punctual and opened up the door for her and brought her flowers…but made her feel nothing. She found herself missing the passionate, albeit unstable, relationship she had with her ex. She acknowledged how perfect her then current relationship was, but her feelings for her boyfriend didn’t compare to the fireworks she used to feel with her ex.
“The whole time you’re with him, you’re thinking about the guy who was complicated and messy and frustrating.” — Taylor Swift
Taylor called John Rich out of the blue and asked him to work on “The Way I Loved You” with her. She had some of the verses completed already, so they worked on the chorus together. He said the whole process took less than two hours. Taylor told That’s Country about their collaboration:
“It was always one of my goals to write with John. I had heard so many things about him. I just wanted to see what it was like to get into a room with him because I know I’m a very opinionated writer and I knew he was a very opinionated writer. So I knew this was either going to be the best thing in the world or was just going to be a complete train wreck.” — Taylor Swift
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
He is sensible and so incredible
And all my single friends are jealous
He says everything I need to hear and it’s like
I couldn’t ask for anything better
[Pre-Chorus]
He opens up my door and I get into his car
And he says, you look beautiful tonight
And I feel perfectly fine
[Chorus]
But I miss screaming and fighting
And kissin’ in the rain
And it’s two a.m. and I’m cursing your name
You’re so in love that you act insane
And that’s the way I loved you
Breaking down and coming undone
It’s a roller-coaster kinda rush
And I never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you
[Verse 2]
He respects my space and never makes me wait
And he calls exactly when he says he will
He’s close to my mother
Talks business with my father
He’s charming and endearing, and I’m comfortable
[Chorus]
But I miss screaming and fighting
And kissin’ in the rain
And it’s two a.m. and I’m cursing your name
You’re so in love that you act insane
And that’s the way I loved you
Breaking down and coming undone
It’s a roller-coaster kinda rush
And I never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you
[Bridge]
He can’t see the smile I’m faking
And my heart’s not breaking
‘Cause I’m not feelin’ anything at all
And you were wild and crazy
Just so frustrating, intoxicating, complicated
Got away by some mistake and now
[Chorus]
I miss screaming and fighting
And kissin’ in the rain
It’s two a.m. and I’m cursing your name
I’m so in love that I acted insane
And that’s the way I loved you
Breaking down and coming undone
It’s a roller-coaster kinda rush
And I never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you
[Outro]
And that’s the way I loved you
I never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you
| Albums | Fearless Fearless (Taylor’s Version) |
|---|---|
| Released | November 11, 2008 |
| Re-Released | April 9, 2021 |
| Genre | Country |
| Length | 4:04 |
| Label | Big Machine Records Republic Records |
| Songwriters | Taylor Swift John Rich |
