:Karma (Taylor Swift song)
{{Short description|2023 single by Taylor Swift}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Karma
| cover = Taylor Swift feat Ice Spice - Karma.png
| border = yes
| alt = Cover art of "Karma" remix showing Taylor Swift and Ice Spice on a boat
| caption = Ice Spice remix cover
| type = single
| artist = Taylor Swift
| album = Midnights
| written =
| released = {{Start date|2023|5|1}}
| recorded =
| studio = * Rough Customer (Brooklyn)
- Electric Lady (New York City)
- Henson (Los Angeles)
| genre = * Disco
| length = 3:24
3:22 (Ice Spice remix)
| label = Republic
| writer = * Taylor Swift
- Jack Antonoff
- Sounwave
- Jahaan Sweet
- Keanu Beats{{efn|Isis Gaston (Ice Spice) and Ephrem Lopez Jr. (RiotUSA) are credited as songwriters on the remix version.}}
| producer = * Taylor Swift
- Jack Antonoff
- Sounwave
- Keanu Beats
| chronology = Taylor Swift
| prev_title = The Alcott
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title = Cruel Summer
| next_year = 2023
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = Ice Spice
| type = singles
| prev_title = Princess Diana
| prev_year = 2023
| title = Karma
| version = remix
| year = 2023
| next_title = Barbie World
| next_year = 2023
}}
{{External music video|1={{YouTube|XzOvgu3GPwY|"Karma" (feat. Ice Spice)}}|header=Music video|type=single}}
}}
"Karma" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her tenth studio album, Midnights (2022). The song was written by Swift, Jack Antonoff, Sounwave, Keanu Beats, and Jahaan Sweet, and produced by the first four. Republic Records released "Karma" as the third and final single from Midnights on May 1, 2023. A remix featuring the rapper Ice Spice was released on May 26, 2023, as part of an extended edition of the album.
In the lyrics of "Karma", Swift proclaims how her "good karma" brought her good things in life, as opposed to her detractors. Musically, the song combines chillwave, disco, electroclash, and synth-pop with elements of techno, alternative pop, and new wave. Its production is characterized by glossy beats and quivering synthesizers. Contemporary critics regarded "Karma" as a highlight on Midnights, praising its bright production, melody, and zany lyricism. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024, the remix received a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
"Karma" peaked at number six on the Billboard Global 200 and charted in the top 10 in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the Philippines. In the United States, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Swift's record-tying 10th and 11th number-one singles on the Adult Pop Airplay and Pop Airplay charts. Directed by Swift, the music video for "Karma" premiered on May 26, 2023; it has a high fantasy concept and features Swift and Ice Spice as cosmic entities. "Karma" was included on the set list of the Eras Tour (2023–2024) as the closing song.
Background and release
File:Ice Spice Next Wav by Keinoflo uploaded by James Tamim V9 (cropped) 2022.png (pictured in 2022) is the first female rapper to collaborate with Swift on a song.]]
The singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014), to critical and commercial success. During promotion of 1989, Swift's public image suffered from increasing tabloid scrutiny, in part brought by a highly publicized dispute with the American rapper Kanye West and the media personality Kim Kardashian over West's 2016 single "Famous." Swift went on a hiatus and secluded herself from public appearances. To a question in an April 2016 interview with Vogue, Swift replied, "Karma is real." In November 2017, Swift released her sixth studio album, Reputation, accompanied by its lead single "Look What You Made Me Do", which contained lyrics referencing karma. She released her seventh studio album, Lover, in August 2019, amidst another controversy—a dispute with her former record label, Big Machine Records, and its new owner Scooter Braun over the masters of her first six albums. The music video of the fourth single, "The Man" (2020), contained graffiti spelling out karma.{{Cite web |last=Princiotti |first=Nora |date=October 10, 2022 |title=13 Questions About Taylor Swift's Upcoming Album, 'Midnights' |url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2022/10/10/23396011/taylor-swift-midnights-13-questions |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=The Ringer |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012090804/https://www.theringer.com/music/2022/10/10/23396011/taylor-swift-midnights-13-questions |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |date=September 26, 2022 |title=Is 'Karma' Real? Inside The Mystery of Taylor Swift's 'Lost' Album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/taylor-swift-karma-lost-album-real-1234598609/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012092438/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/taylor-swift-karma-lost-album-real-1234598609/ |url-status=live }}
On August 28, 2022, Swift announced her tenth studio album, Midnights, set for release on October 21, 2022. The tracklist was not immediately revealed.{{Cite magazine |last=Martoccio |first=Angie |date=August 29, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift Announces New Album 'Midnights': 'A Journey Through Terrors and Sweet Dreams' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-announces-new-album-1234583475/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829064007/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-announces-new-album-1234583475/ |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |access-date=August 29, 2022 |url-access=limited}} Jack Antonoff, a longtime collaborator of Swift who had worked with her since 1989, was confirmed as a producer on Midnights by a video posted to Swift's Instagram account on September 16, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Shanfeld |first=Ethan |date=September 16, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift Confirms Jack Antonoff as Producer on 'Midnights' in New Behind-the-Scenes Look |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/taylor-swift-jack-antonoff-producer-midnights-album-1235375271/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916200440/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/taylor-swift-jack-antonoff-producer-midnights-album-1235375271/ |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=Variety}} Beginning on September 21, 2022, Swift began unveiling the track-list in a randomized order through her short video series on TikTok, called Midnights Mayhem with Me. It consisted of 13 episodes,{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Damian |date=October 7, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift reveals all song titles on new album 'Midnights' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-midnights-album-tracklist-3314098 |access-date=October 7, 2022 |website=NME |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923075749/https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-midnights-album-tracklist-3314098 |url-status=live }} with one song revealed every episode.{{Cite web |last=McArdle |first=Tommy |date=September 21, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift Begins Revealing 'Midnights' Song Titles — Starting with 'Track 13, Because of Course' |url=https://people.com/music/taylor-swift-begins-revealing-midnights-song-titles-starting-with-track-13-because-of-course/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925063940/https://people.com/music/taylor-swift-begins-revealing-midnights-song-titles-starting-with-track-13-because-of-course/ |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |access-date=September 25, 2022 |website=People}} Swift rolls a lottery cage containing 13 ping pong balls numbered from one to thirteen,{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=September 23, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift Announces Next 'Midnights' Song Title & It's Spicy |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-midnights-track-8-song-title-vigilante-shit-1235143475/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923075749/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-midnights-track-8-song-title-vigilante-shit-1235143475/ |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |access-date=2022-09-23}} each representing a track of Midnights, and when a ball drops out, she disclosed the title of the corresponding track on the album.{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Alex |date=September 23, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift shares song title 'Vigilante Shit' in 'Midnights' tracklist reveal series |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-midnights-album-tracklist-3314098 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923075749/https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-midnights-album-tracklist-3314098 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=NME}} In the eighth episode on October 6, 2022, Swift announced the title of the eleventh track as "Karma".{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift Reveals 'Karma' As Eighth Song From Midnights |url=https://www.spin.com/2022/10/taylor-swift-reveals-karma-as-eighth-song-from-midnights/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Spin |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021023901/https://www.spin.com/2022/10/taylor-swift-reveals-karma-as-eighth-song-from-midnights/ |url-status=live }}
Midnights was released on October 21, 2022, via Republic Records.{{cite web|last=Swift|first=Taylor|date=October 21, 2022|title=Midnights|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/midnights/1649434004|website=Apple Music (US)|access-date=October 12, 2022|archive-date=October 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021195215/https://music.apple.com/us/album/midnights/1649434004|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Gularte |first=Alejandra |date=October 21, 2022 |title=Everything We Know About Taylor Swift's Midnights |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/taylor-swift-midnights-theories-clues-tiktok.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206104837/https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/taylor-swift-midnights-theories-clues-tiktok.html |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=December 6, 2022 |website=Vulture}} In April 2023, American trade publication Hits reported that "Karma" is set to be serviced to US radio as the album's third single, following "Anti-Hero" and "Lavender Haze".{{Cite web |title=A Recap of Radio Add Recaps |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D335602%26title%3DA-RECAP-OF-RADIO-ADD-RECAPS |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Hits Daily Double |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422114933/https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D335602%26title%3DA-RECAP-OF-RADIO-ADD-RECAPS |url-status=dead }} Mediabase affiliate AllAccess confirmed the single's release date to US hot adult contemporary radio as May 1, 2023,{{Cite web |title=Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502095659/https://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=April 26, 2023 |website=All Access}} followed by its release to contemporary hit radio on May 2.{{Cite web |title=Top 40/M Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503131200/https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |website=All Access}}
= Remix =
On April 27, 2023, per American Songwriter, Atlantic and Capitol Records former music executive Shawn Barron suggested that the American rapper Ice Spice could collaborate with Swift on a single after they had met at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards.{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Thomas |date=2023-05-01 |title=Ice Spice Rumored to be Featured on Upcoming Taylor Swift Song |url=https://americansongwriter.com/ice-spice-rumored-to-be-featured-on-upcoming-taylor-swift-song/ |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=American Songwriter |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526083822/https://americansongwriter.com/ice-spice-rumored-to-be-featured-on-upcoming-taylor-swift-song/ |url-status=live }} On May 24, Swift and Ice Spice announced via social media a remixed version of "Karma" featuring the latter and posted the cover artwork. The remix is a bonus track on the special editions of Midnights, released on May 26.{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=2023-05-24 |title=Taylor Swift Reveals Ice Spice 'Karma' Remix, Different Version of Lana Del Rey Collab Coming Soon |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-karma-remix-ice-spice-midnights-1235335748/ |access-date=2023-05-25 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525113025/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-karma-remix-ice-spice-midnights-1235335748/ |url-status=live }} The same night of the release, May 26, Swift brought out Ice Spice during her Eras Tour at her stop in East Rutherford, New Jersey for their first live performance of the Karma remix.{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2023 |title=Watch Now: 'Karma' by Taylor Swift and Ice Spice |url=https://xmpl.ca/music/watch-now-karma-by-taylor-swift-and-ice-spice/ |access-date=November 5, 2023 |website=XMPL |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929000235/https://xmpl.ca/music/watch-now-karma-by-taylor-swift-and-ice-spice/ |url-status=live }}
Its original announcement was met with backlash from some social media users, who interpreted the remix as "damage control" after Swift was criticized online for reportedly dating the English singer-songwriter Matty Healy, who had laughed at "racist" jokes made by the American comedians Adam Friedland and Nick Mullen about Ice Spice during their podcast.{{Cite web |last=Rosenblatt |first=Kalhan |date=2023-05-25 |title=Taylor Swift's collaboration with Ice Spice raises eyebrows amid Matty Healy backlash |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/taylor-swift-ice-spice-collaboration-matty-healy-backlash-rcna86231 |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=NBC News |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527033806/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/taylor-swift-ice-spice-collaboration-matty-healy-backlash-rcna86231 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Chery |first=Samantha |date=2023-05-26 |title=The Matty Healy, Ice Spice (and Taylor Swift) drama, explained |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/05/25/taylor-swift-ice-spice-matty-healy-karma/ |access-date=2023-05-27 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526021330/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/05/25/taylor-swift-ice-spice-matty-healy-karma/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Monroe |first=Jazz |date=2023-04-21 |title=The 1975's Matthew Healy Addresses Derogatory Podcast Comments, Apologizes to Ice Spice |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-1975-matthew-healy-addresses-derogatory-podcast-comments-apologizes-to-ice-spice/ |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=Pitchfork |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527041229/https://pitchfork.com/news/the-1975-matthew-healy-addresses-derogatory-podcast-comments-apologizes-to-ice-spice/ |url-status=live }} Following the release of the remix, however, Swift revealed in a Spotify interview that Ice Spice's team reached out first to suggest a collaboration as Ice Spice had been a fan of Swift, who had been listening to Ice Spice's music while rehearsing for the Eras Tour (2023–2024). Swift also dubbed Ice Spice "[her] new favorite artist".{{Cite web |date=2023-05-26 |title=Taylor Swift Reveals How Her Brand New "Karma" Collab. with Ice Spice Happened |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a44013602/how-taylor-swift-karma-ice-spice-happened/ |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Cosmopolitan |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526145843/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a44013602/how-taylor-swift-karma-ice-spice-happened/ |url-status=live }}
= Alternate lyrics =
During the Eras Tour, beginning with the concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 11, 2023, Swift frequently changed the lyrics of "Karma" to reference her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. Replacing the original lyrics "Karma is the guy on the screen coming straight home to me", Swift instead sang "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me."{{Cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=2023-11-11 |title=Taylor Swift Changes Lyric, Kisses Travis Kelce in Buenos Aires: 'Karma Is the Guy on the Chiefs Coming Straight Home to Me' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-kiss-karma-is-the-guy-on-the-chiefs-1235469366/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=January 10, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250110100553/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-kiss-karma-is-the-guy-on-the-chiefs-1235469366/ |url-status=live }}
Composition
{{listen
| filename = Karma by Taylor Swift.ogg
| pos = right
| title = "Karma"
| description = A sample of the chorus in "Karma", depicting the bright synthesizers, steady beats, and rhythmic vocal cadence.}}
"Karma" is 3 minutes and 24 seconds long. It is an upbeat, synth-heavy,{{Cite web |last=Dewald |first=Mike |date=2022-10-20 |title=ALBUM REVIEW: Taylor Swift strikes 'Midnights' on her return to pop |url=https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/taylor-swift-midnights/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=RIFF Magazine |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115101204/https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/taylor-swift-midnights/ |url-status=live }} disco,{{Cite web |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=2022-10-21 |title=The Beautiful Banality of Taylor Swift's Midnights |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/10/taylor-swift-midnights-album-review/671811/ |url-access=limited |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=The Atlantic |archive-date=May 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517145657/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/10/taylor-swift-midnights-album-review/671811/ |url-status=live }} electroclash,{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=October 21, 2022 |title=Every Song Ranked on Taylor Swift's 'Midnights' |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-midnights-album-songs-ranked/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 23, 2022 |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021040336/https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-midnights-album-songs-ranked/ |url-status=live }} synth-pop,{{Cite web |last=Nguyen |first=Giselle Au-Nhien |date=2022-10-21 |title=Clever, addictive: Taylor Swift's new album bridges pop and folk |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/clever-addictive-taylor-swift-s-new-album-bridges-pop-and-folk-20221020-p5brkw.html |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325192051/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/clever-addictive-taylor-swift-s-new-album-bridges-pop-and-folk-20221020-p5brkw.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=2024-04-17 |title=5 Taylor Swift Songs I Ranked Too Low Upon Release (Critic's Take) |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-song-rankings-revisited/miss-americana-the-heartbreak-prince/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |magazine=Billboard}} and chillwave{{Cite web |last=Wohlmacher |first=John |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Album Review: Taylor Swift – Midnights {{!}} Beats Per Minute |url=https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-taylor-swift-midnights/ |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=Beats Per Minute |archive-date=November 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104144526/https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-taylor-swift-midnights/ |url-status=live }} song. Lyrically, it is a "diss track"{{Cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Craig |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Midnights' Moonlit Lessons |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/midnights-album-review-taylor-swift.html |access-date=October 31, 2022 |website=Vulture |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031180303/https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/midnights-album-review-taylor-swift.html |url-status=live }} with comical tones.{{Cite magazine |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=October 21, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift's Midnights Marks a Return to Electronic, Confessional Pop That's Worth Losing Sleep Over: Album Review |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/album-reviews/taylor-swift-midnights-album-review-1235410102/ |magazine=Variety |access-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021040515/https://variety.com/2022/music/album-reviews/taylor-swift-midnights-album-review-1235410102/ |url-status=live }} The playful track incorporates warm beats, warbled synths, and elements of new wave, alternative pop, and techno.{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=October 21, 2022 |title=Every Song Ranked on Taylor Swift's 'Midnights' |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-midnights-album-songs-ranked/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021040336/https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-midnights-album-songs-ranked/ |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |access-date=October 23, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Dewald |first=Mike |date=2022-10-20 |title=ALBUM REVIEW: Taylor Swift strikes 'Midnights' on her return to pop |url=https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/taylor-swift-midnights/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115101204/https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/taylor-swift-midnights/ |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=RIFF Magazine}}{{Cite web |last=Wohlmacher |first=John |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Album Review: Taylor Swift – Midnights {{!}} Beats Per Minute |url=https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-taylor-swift-midnights/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104144526/https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-taylor-swift-midnights/ |archive-date=November 4, 2022 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=Beats Per Minute}} In the lyrics, a narrator talks about her "good karma" that brought her good things in life.{{Cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Matthew |date=November 4, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift's 'Midnights' Is the Solution and the Problem |url=https://www.popmatters.com/taylor-swift-midnights-review-2 |access-date=November 4, 2022 |website=PopMatters |archive-date=November 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104140735/https://www.popmatters.com/taylor-swift-midnights-review-2 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=2022-10-27 |title=Grading Taylor Swift's 'Karma' With a Buddhist-Studies Professor |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/taylor-swift-karma-explained-professor.html |url-access=limited |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=Vulture |archive-date=May 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517145323/https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/taylor-swift-karma-explained-professor.html |url-status=live }} She does not seek revenge on her enemies and instead lets the universe takes its course; while karma makes her detractors suffer for their wrongdoings, it bolsters her for her good deeds.{{Cite web |last=Hopper |first=Alex |date=2023-04-19 |title=6 of the Best Taylor Swift Lyrics from Midnights |url=https://americansongwriter.com/6-of-the-best-taylor-swift-lyrics-from-midnights/ |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=American Songwriter |archive-date=May 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517150535/https://americansongwriter.com/6-of-the-best-taylor-swift-lyrics-from-midnights/ |url-status=live }} In an interview with Apple Music, Swift said she wrote "Karma" from "a perspective of feeling really happy, really proud of the way your life is, feeling like this must be a reward for doing stuff right".{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Anahy |date=2022-10-21 |title=Why Taylor Swift's 'Karma' was the most buzzed about song on Midnights |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/music/taylor-swift-karma-midnights-lyrics-theories-rcna53495 |access-date=2023-05-17 |publisher=Today.com |archive-date=May 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517145323/https://www.today.com/popculture/music/taylor-swift-karma-midnights-lyrics-theories-rcna53495 |url-status=live }} The remix features Ice Spice in a new second verse and interjections throughout the song.{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2023-05-26 |title=Taylor Swift and Ice Spice Double Up on 'Karma' — and, Hallelujah, We Can Hear Lana Del Rey on 'Snow on the Beach' Now |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-remix-lana-del-rey-snow-beach-1235626043/ |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Variety |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526084447/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-remix-lana-del-rey-snow-beach-1235626043/ |url-status=live }} In the new verse, Ice Spice raps about the destructive but also rewarding potential of karma.
"Karma" was written by Swift, Jack Antonoff, Mark Anthony Spears, Keanu Torres and Jahaan Akil Sweet. The song is set in common time with a tempo of 90 beats per minute, and is set in the key of E-flat major.{{cite web|title=Karma by Taylor Swift Digital Sheet Music|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0263893|access-date=June 23, 2023|website=Musicnotes| date=October 7, 2022 |archive-date=June 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623200408/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0263893|url-status=live}}
Critical reception
Rolling Stone named it the fourth best song of 2022; they called it an "album-defining hit" that combines Swift's "mastermind" lyrics and the "sleekest, most flexible" production.{{Cite magazine |date=December 5, 2022 |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-2022-list-1234632381/ |access-date=2022-12-07 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205153654/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-2022-list-1234632381/ |url-status=live }} John Wohlmacher of Beats Per Minute hailed "Karma" as an "immediate masterpiece" and lauded the "bright and colorful" music. American Songwriter listed it as one of the 24 best songs of 2022, and called it the "sleeper hit" of Midnights; praise was directed towards Swift's lyrical approach, the "effervescent" chorus, and Antonoff's production.{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2022 |title=American Songwriter's Top 24 Songs of 2022 |url=https://americansongwriter.com/american-songwriters-top-24-songs-of-2022/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=American Songwriter |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115010404/https://americansongwriter.com/american-songwriters-top-24-songs-of-2022/ |url-status=live }} Rania Aniftos of Billboard praised the song's "carefree and anthemic" chorus.{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=May 26, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift Calls on Ice Spice for Sleek 'Karma' Remix: Stream It Now |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-remix-1235340921/ |access-date=May 26, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526044333/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-remix-1235340921/ |url-status=live }} In a mixed review of the remix, Shaad D'Souza of Pitchfork opined that the collaboration was a "clash of sensibilities" that diminished the appeal of the original version. He found that Ice Spice's delivery lacked the "velocity" of her previous remixes.{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/taylor-swift-karma-ft-ice-spice/ |title="Karma" [ft. Ice Spice] |last=D'Souza |first=Shaad |date=May 26, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527024217/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/taylor-swift-karma-ft-ice-spice/ |url-status=live }} In contrast, Billboard{{Cite magazine |last=Unterberger |first=Andrew |date=December 7, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift feat. Ice Spice, 'Karma' |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-songs-2023/taylor-swift-feat-ice-spice-karma/ |access-date=December 10, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210132039/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-songs-2023/taylor-swift-feat-ice-spice-karma/ |url-status=live }} and USA Today named the remix one of the best songs of 2023.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/12/07/top-10-best-songs-2023/71817757007/ |title=It was a great year for music. Here are our top songs including Olivia Rodrigo and the Beatles |last=Ruggieri |first=Melissa |website=USA Today |date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212022401/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/12/07/top-10-best-songs-2023/71817757007/ |url-status=live }}
Commercial performance
File:Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Midnights Era Set (53110031390) (cropped).jpg in August 2023|alt=Taylor Swift onstage wearing boots, a faux-fur coat and a sparkling purple dress]]
Upon the release of Midnights, all of the album's tracks entered the Billboard Global 200, with nine of those within the top 10; "Karma" debuted at number 10. The tracks set the record for the most simultaneous top-10 entries and made Swift the first artist to occupy the entire top five of the Global 200.{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2022-10-31 |title=Taylor Swift's 'Anti-Hero' Debuts Atop Both Billboard Global Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-anti-hero-debut-billboard-global-charts-1235163784/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031184411/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-anti-hero-debut-billboard-global-charts-1235163784/ |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=2023-05-01 |magazine=Billboard}}
In the United States, "Karma" debuted at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. All of the album's 20 tracks debuted in the top 45 of the Hot 100, giving Swift a total of 188 Hot 100 entries.{{Cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |date=October 31, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift Charts All 20 Songs From 'Midnights' on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-charts-20-midnights-tracks-billboard-hot-100-1235163740/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031203756/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-charts-20-midnights-tracks-billboard-hot-100-1235163740/ |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=November 1, 2022}} Swift became the first act to occupy the entire top 10 of the Hot 100 concurrently and the woman with the most top-10 entries (40), surpassing Madonna (38).{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=October 31, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift Makes History as First Artist With Entire Top 10 on Billboard Hot 100, Led by 'Anti-Hero' at No. 1 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-all-hot-100-top-10-anti-hero-1235163664/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031172231/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-all-hot-100-top-10-anti-hero-1235163664/ |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=October 31, 2022}}
After it was sent to US radio, "Karma" marked the third consecutive top-10 entry on Adult Top 40 from Midnights, and Swift's 28th career entry, surpassing Maroon 5 for the all-time record.{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2023-06-09 |title=Taylor Swift Breaks Record for Most Adult Pop Airplay Chart Top 10s With 'Karma' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-breaks-record-most-adult-pop-airplay-chart-top-10s-karma-1235350225/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611170635/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-breaks-record-most-adult-pop-airplay-chart-top-10s-karma-1235350225/ |url-status=live }} It has since peaked atop the chart, marking Swift's record-tying 10th number one on Adult Top 40.{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2023-07-21 |title=Taylor Swift Ties for Most No. 1s Among Soloists on Adult Pop Airplay Chart, Thanks to 'Karma' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-ties-most-number-ones-soloists-adult-pop-airplay-chart-karma-1235375996/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=July 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721190716/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-ties-most-number-ones-soloists-adult-pop-airplay-chart-karma-1235375996/ |url-status=live }} On other Billboard airplay charts, the song reached number one on Pop Airplay, marking Swift's record-tying 11th number-one on the chart,{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2023-07-14 |title=Taylor Swift Ties for Most No. 1s on Pop Airplay Chart Thanks to 'Karma' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-ties-most-number-ones-pop-airplay-chart-karma-1235371757/ |access-date=2023-07-14 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714152743/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-ties-most-number-ones-pop-airplay-chart-karma-1235371757/ |url-status=live }} and number nine on Adult Contemporary. Following the release of the Ice Spice remix, "Karma" rose to new peaks on the Billboard Hot 100, Streaming Songs, Digital Song Sales, and Radio Songs charts at number two, four, two, and 12, respectively; it would go on to peak at number five on the latter. The remix also marked Ice Spice's third career top-10 entry and highest-charting song, and made Midnights the first album since the Weeknd's After Hours (2020) to produce three top-two singles.{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2023-06-05 |title=Morgan Wallen's 'Last Night' No. 1 on Hot 100 for Ninth Week, Taylor Swift & Ice Spice's 'Karma' Blasts to No. 2 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/morgan-wallen-last-night-taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-hot-100-top-10-1235345987/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026233157/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/morgan-wallen-last-night-taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-hot-100-top-10-1235345987/ |url-status=live }} Ice Spice also became the artist with the most top-five Hot 100 entries in 2023, later surpassed by Swift herself.{{Cite web |last=Badewa |first=Collins |date=2023-06-08 |title=Rave News Digest: Ice Spice Hits Milestone On Billboard Hot 100, Rema, Davido Make Spotify's 2023 'Songs of Summer' Predictions, Messi + More |url=https://www.stylerave.com/ice-spice-top-5-hits/ |access-date=2023-06-09 |website=Style Rave |language=en-US |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609103750/https://www.stylerave.com/ice-spice-top-5-hits/ |url-status=live }}
Elsewhere, "Karma" peaked at number four in Canada, number seven in the Philippines, number eight in Ireland, number nine in New Zealand, number 12 in Singapore, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom, number 18 in Malaysia, number 20 in Portugal and number 26 in The Netherlands.{{Cite web |last=Top 40 |first=Stichting Nederlandse |title=Taylor Swift / Taylor Swift Feat. Ice Spice - Karma {{!}} Top 40 |url=https://www.top40.nl/taylor-swift-taylor-swift-feat-ice-spice/karma-2-41495 |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=Top40.nl |language=nl |archive-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917092733/https://www.top40.nl/taylor-swift-taylor-swift-feat-ice-spice/karma-2-41495 |url-status=live }} The song peaked at number two in Australia and received a four-times platinum certification. It was also certified gold in Portugal; and certified platinum in Canada, Mexico and the UK; and double platinum in New Zealand.
Music video
File:Karma - Taylor Swift ft. Ice Spice (music video screenshot).png and Saturn using a mystical lasso, with the constellations Sagittarius and Capricornus behind them, respectively.|250x250px]]
Swift directed the music video for "Karma".{{Cite web |first=Nina |last=Corcoran |date=May 27, 2023 |title=Watch Taylor Swift and Ice Spice in New "Karma" Video |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-taylor-swift-and-ice-spice-in-new-karma-video/ |access-date=May 27, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527162622/https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-taylor-swift-and-ice-spice-in-new-karma-video/ |url-status=live }} She premiered it on May 26, 2023, at the first East Rutherford show of her Eras Tour (2023), where she was joined by Ice Spice as a surprise guest to perform the song. The video was released to YouTube on May 27.{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2023-05-27 |title=Taylor Swift and Ice Spice Release Celestial 'Karma' Video After Duo's Live Debut at New Jersey Show |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-video-live-premiere-new-jersey-stadium-1235626931/ |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=Variety |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527070540/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-video-live-premiere-new-jersey-stadium-1235626931/ |url-status=live }}
The video features heavy digital effects, incorporating "cosmic or celestial" imagery, and packed with Easter eggs recalling some of Swift's earlier albums. Swift adopts various attires and personifications, in several locations. For example, she appears as a comical "Dorothy" on a yellow brick road featured in a Wizard of Oz-themed storybook; as a woman dressed in turquoise, backed by an enormous photo of her cat Olivia curled up sleeping; and as a green "giantess" covered by forest and mountain, whereas Ice Spice is in a "heavenly cloud formation." Ice Spice delivers her rap verse from inside a golden clamshell.{{Cite magazine |last=Atkinson |first=Katie |date=2023-05-27 |title=Taylor Swift Debuts Music Video for Ice Spice 'Karma' Remix at MetLife Eras Tour Stop: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-remix-video-1235341610/ |access-date=2023-05-27 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528121234/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-remix-video-1235341610/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Zhan |first=Jennifer |date=2023-05-27 |title=Taylor Swift and Ice Spice Vibe Like That in the 'Karma' Music Video |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/05/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-remix-music-video-performance.html |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=Vulture |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527071926/https://www.vulture.com/2023/05/taylor-swift-ice-spice-karma-remix-music-video-performance.html |url-status=live }} Swift and Ice Spice climb a staircase from opposite sides and lasso the Moon and Saturn, respectively; this was seen as a reference to a verse from Swift's song "Seven". The final scene shows Swift's hands carrying a cup of coffee, the surface of which shows a foam clock with hands jumping to midnight.
The video received positive reviews. Billboard journalist Katie Atkinson said "the video is packed with stunning visuals". Jennifer Zahn of Vulture called it a "magic-heavy" music video.
Accolades
Credits and personnel
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Midnights.{{cite AV media notes |title=Midnights |type=liner notes |year=2022 |publisher=Republic Records |last=Swift |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Swift}}
;Recording
- Recorded by Jack Antonoff and Laura Sisk at Rough Customer Studio (Brooklyn), Electric Lady Studios (New York City), and Henson Recording Studio (Los Angeles)
- Mixed at MixStar Studios (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
- Mastered at Sterling Sound (Edgewater, New Jersey)
- Sounwave's performance was recorded by himself at Sound of Waves Studios (Los Angeles)
- Jahaan Sweet's performance was recorded by himself at The Sweet Spot (Los Angeles)
- Keanu Beats' performance was recorded by himself (Melbourne, Australia)
;Personnel
- Taylor Swift – vocals, songwriter, producer
- Jack Antonoff – songwriter, producer, engineer, drums, programming, percussion, synths, Juno, Omnichord, and recording
- Sounwave – songwriter, producer, engineer, programming, and recording
- Keanu Beats – songwriter, producer, engineer, synths, recording
- Jahaan Sweet – songwriter, co-producer, engineer, keyboard, synth pad, recording
- Laura Sisk – engineer and recording
- Megan Searl – assistant engineer
- John Sher – assistant engineer
- John Rooney – assistant engineer
- Mark Aguilar – assistant engineer
- Serban Ghenea – mix engineer
- Bryce Bordone – assistant mix engineer
- Randy Merrill – mastering engineer
Charts
{{col-begin}}
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=Weekly charts=
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=Monthly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Monthly chart performance for "Karma" ! scope="col"| Chart (2023) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| scope="row"| Paraguay (SGP){{cite web |url=https://www.sgp.com.py/listado/222/setiembre-top-100-de-canciones-de-sgp |title=Setiembre - TOP #100 de Canciones de SGP |publisher=Sociedad de Gestion de Productores Fonograficos del Paraguay |access-date=October 7, 2023 |language=es |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007093130/https://www.sgp.com.py/listado/222/setiembre-top-100-de-canciones-de-sgp |archive-date=October 7, 2023 |url-status=live }}
| 68 |
|---|
=Year-end charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2024 year-end chart performance for "Karma" ! scope="col"| Chart (2024) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2024/adult-contemporary-songs/|title=Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2024|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 15, 2024|archive-date=December 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213202835/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2024/adult-contemporary-songs/|url-status=live}}
| 29 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Karma"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|access-date=June 14, 2024|refname="ARIAcert"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Karma|award=Platinum|type=single|certyear=2024|relyear=2022|access-date=July 25, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|title=Karma|artist=Taylor Swift|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=January 19, 2023|refname="MC"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Karma|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|id=14113|access-date=August 28, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|title=Karma|artist=Taylor Swift|award=Gold|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|accessdate=December 23, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|title=Karma|artist=Taylor Swift|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=September 4, 2023|refname="AMPROFON"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Karma|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|access-date=January 8, 2025|source=radioscope|refname="rmnz"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Karma|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=December 20, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Karma|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|id=file_2023-07-03-11-38-06.pdf|access-date=July 4, 2023|refname="AFP"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=single|title=Karma|artist=Taylor Swift|award=Gold|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|access-date=February 7, 2024|id=-555}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Karma|artist=Taylor Swift|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|id=18863-1598-1|access-date=February 17, 2024|refname="BPI"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|noshipments=true|nosales=true}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release dates and formats for "Karma" ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Version ! scope="col"| Label(s) ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| rowspan="2" scope="row" | United States
| May 1, 2023 | Hot adult contemporary radio | rowspan="2"|Original | rowspan="2"|Republic |
|---|
| May 2, 2023 |
| scope="row" | Italy
| May 26, 2023 |rowspan="2"| Ice Spice remix |
| scope="row" | United States
| May 27, 2023 | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | Republic |
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Taylor Swift songs}}
{{Ice Spice}}
{{Kansas City Chiefs}}
Category:Songs written by Taylor Swift
Category:Songs written by Jack Antonoff
Category:Songs written by Sounwave
Category:Song recordings produced by Taylor Swift
Category:Song recordings produced by Jack Antonoff