:The Story of Us (song)
{{good article}}
{{Short description|2011 single by Taylor Swift}}
{{About|the Taylor Swift song|other songs of the same name|The Story of Us (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox song
| name = The Story of Us
| cover = Taylor Swift - The Story of Us.png
| alt = Cover artwork of "The Story of Us"
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Taylor Swift
| album = Speak Now
| released = {{Start date|2011|04|07}}
| genre =
| length = {{Duration|m=4|s=27}}
| label = Big Machine
| writer = Taylor Swift
| producer =
- Taylor Swift
- Nathan Chapman
| prev_title = Mean
| prev_year = 2011
| next_title = Sparks Fly
| next_year = 2011
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|nN6VR92V70M|"The Story of Us"}}}}
}}
"The Story of Us" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). The international mix was released to radio in Europe on April 7, 2011 and the original version was sent to US pop radio on April 19, 2011, as the fourth single from the album.{{cite web | url=https://www.earone.com/song/5d8f8b58 | title=The Story of Us }} Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, the track combines pop-punk, dance-pop, new wave, power pop, and dance-country with a production consisting of fast-paced drums and dynamic electric guitars. For the lyrics, which are about the awkwardness between two parted lovers, Swift was inspired by her encounter with an ex-boyfriend at an awards show.
In contemporary reviews, music critics praised the uptempo production, but a few commented that it is indiscernible from other radio-friendly pop songs. The single peaked at number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 70 on the Canadian Hot 100. It also reached the top 30 on Billboard{{'s}} airplay charts including Adult Contemporary and Mainstream Top 40. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for surpassing one million digital units.
Noble Jones directed the song's music video, which was filmed at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and premiered on May 24, 2011. In the video, Swift and her ex-boyfriend, both college students, try to avoid each other when they are in the same library together. Swift performed the track on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and included it in the setlist of the Speak Now World Tour (2011–2012). A re-recorded version, titled "The Story of Us (Taylor's Version)", was released as part of Swift's third re-recorded album Speak Now (Taylor's Version) on July 7, 2023.
Background and release
The American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift began work on her third studio album, Speak Now (2010), two years prior to its release.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/08/27/taylor-swift-speak-now-new-album/|title=Taylor Swift Tells EW About New Album Speak Now: 'I've Covered Every Emotion that I've Felt in the Last Two Years.'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Tanner|last=Stransky|author-link=Tanner Stransky|date=August 27, 2010|archive-date=March 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319183417/https://ew.com/article/2010/08/27/taylor-swift-speak-now-new-album/|access-date=March 19, 2015|url-status=live}} According to Swift, the album is a collection of songs about the things she had wanted to but could not make to the people she had met in real life.{{cite web|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/taylor-swift-talks|title=Taylor Swift Talks|first=Laurie|last=Sandell|work=Glamour|date=October 4, 2010|access-date=October 28, 2010|archive-date=October 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028013418/https://www.glamour.com/story/taylor-swift-talks|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.songwriteruniverse.com/taylorswift2010.htm|title=Taylor Swift Talks About Her Album Speak Now, And Her Songwriting|first=Bill|last=Conger|work=Songwriter Universe|date=October 11, 2010|access-date=October 11, 2010|archive-date=October 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017080821/http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/taylorswift2010.htm|url-status=live}} "The Story of Us" was inspired by her encounter with an ex-boyfriend at an awards show. Even though she wanted to strike a conversation with him, she was unable to do so because of the awkwardness she felt.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028195446/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/ourcountry/62996/taylor-swift-confronts-mayer-laments-lautner-in-new-album/|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/ourcountry/62996/taylor-swift-confronts-mayer-laments-lautner-in-new-album/|title=Taylor Swift Confronts Mayer, Laments Lautner in New Album|first=Chris|last=Willman|website=Yahoo! Music|date=October 18, 2010|archive-date=October 28, 2010|access-date=October 28, 2010|url-status=dead}} Upon returning home, she told her mother, "I felt like I was standing alone in a crowded room," and then proceeded to write the lyrics.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-10-22-taylorswift22_CV_N.htm|title=Taylor Swift learns to Speak Now, reveal her maturity|first=Brian|last=Manfield|author-link=Brian Mansfield|date=October 23, 2010|work=USA Today|access-date=April 5, 2011|archive-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628232510/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-10-22-taylorswift22_CV_N.htm|url-status=live}} "The Story of Us" was the last track Swift wrote for Speak Now. In an interview with Brian Mansfield for USA Today, Swift said that the subject behind "The Story of Us" was also that behind "Dear John", another Speak Now track.
Before the album's release, Xfinity premiered a preview of "The Story of Us" on October 22, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1648777/taylor-swift-rolling-out-speak-now-tracks-early/|title=Taylor Swift Rolling Out Speak Now Tracks Early|work=MTV News|first=Jocelyn|last=Vena|date=September 27, 2010|access-date=September 28, 2010|archive-date=May 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524162044/http://www.mtv.com/news/1648777/taylor-swift-rolling-out-speak-now-tracks-early/|url-status=dead}} The song was released as a single to US pop radio on April 19, 2011, by Big Machine Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|title=To 40/M Future Releases|date=March 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110330172910/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|archive-date=March 30, 2011|access-date=April 23, 2011|url-status=dead|website=All Access}} A limited-edition CD single was released exclusively through Swift's online store.{{cite web|url=http://store.taylorswift.com/product/index/id/226?refstand=_LMSF_|title=The Story Of Us Package|website=taylorswift.com|access-date=May 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829223702/http://store.taylorswift.com/product/index/id/226?refstand=_LMSF_|archive-date=August 29, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} It was later included in another package that was exclusive to Swift's official store; the package includes the Target exclusive deluxe edition of Speak Now, a free pair of headphones, and one of the three singles for "Sparks Fly", "The Story of Us", or "Mean" CD single.{{cite web|url=http://store.taylorswift.com/product/index/id/284?refstand=_LMSF_|title=Speak Now Deluxe CD-DVD + CD Single + Free Headphones|work=taylorswift.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104195616/http://store.taylorswift.com/|archive-date=November 4, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2011|url-status=dead}}
Composition
{{listen
|pos = right
|filename = The Story of Us Sample.ogg
|title = "The Story of Us" (2011)
|description = "The Story of Us" is an uptempo track combining pop-punk, dance-pop, power pop, new wave, and dance-country with dynamic electric guitars and fast-paced drums.
}}
"The Story of Us" is four minutes and 28 seconds long.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1948200|title=Speak Now > Overview|work=AllMusic|first=Stephen|last=Thomas Erlewine|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|access-date=May 31, 2011|archive-date=January 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101012023/http://allmusic.com/album/r1948200|url-status=live}} In contemporary reviews, music critics categorized the song as pop-punk,{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Caramanica |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/arts/music/24swift.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2 |title=Taylor Swift Is Angry, Darn It |work=The New York Times |date=October 20, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |archive-date=February 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208231702/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/arts/music/24swift.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/pop/taylor-swift-best-songs-ranked/|title=The Best Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked|website=Uproxx|first=Josh|last=Kurp|date=February 11, 2021|access-date=February 11, 2021|archive-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411080624/https://uproxx.com/pop/taylor-swift-best-songs-ranked/|url-status=live}} dance-pop,{{cite web |first=Theon |last=Weber |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-11-03/music/the-iceberg-songs-of-taylor-swift/ |title=The Iceberg Songs of Taylor Swift |work=The Village Voice |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707060458/http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-11-03/music/the-iceberg-songs-of-taylor-swift/ |url-status=live }} power pop,{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/08/12/best-taylor-swift-singles-ever-far/31478033/|title=30 Best Taylor Swift singles ever (so far)|first=Ed|last=Masley|work=The Arizona Republic|date=August 12, 2015|access-date=November 2, 2020|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025150234/https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/08/12/best-taylor-swift-singles-ever-far/31478033/|url-status=live}} new wave,{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/24/AR2010102402488.html |title=Album Review: Taylor Swift, Speak Now |last=Stewart |first=Allison |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 24, 2010 |access-date=October 24, 2010 |archive-date=November 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113203425/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/24/AR2010102402488.html |url-status=live }} and dance-country.{{Cite web |last=Hudson |first=Alex |last2=LaPierre |first2=Megan |title=Taylor Swift's 25 Best Songs Ranked |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/taylor_swifts_20_best_songs_ranked |url-status=live |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Exclaim! |language=en |quote=On the best dance-country banger this side of 'Cotton Eyed Joe,' Swift captures the racing heartbeat, sweaty palms and clothing-fidgeting awkwardness of raucous silence and feeling alone in a crowded room.}} It has a prominent uptempo pop production incorporating dynamic electric guitars, fast-paced drums, and a post-punk disco beat.{{cite web |last=Shetler |first=Scott |date=April 5, 2011 |title=Taylor Swift, 'The Story of Us' — New Song |url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2011/04/05/taylor-swift-the-story-of-us/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413080146/http://www.aolradioblog.com/2011/04/05/taylor-swift-the-story-of-us/ |archive-date=April 13, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=AOL Radio}}{{cite web|url=https://theboot.com/taylor-swift-country-singles/|title=All of Taylor Swift's Country Singles, Ranked|website=The Boot|first=Riane|last=Konc|date=October 23, 2020|access-date=August 8, 2022|archive-date=October 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028193251/https://theboot.com/taylor-swift-country-singles/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/apr/26/taylor-swifts-singles-ranked|title=Taylor Swift's singles – ranked!|first=Alexis|last=Petridis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|work=The Guardian|date=April 26, 2019|access-date=December 9, 2020|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427062612/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/apr/26/taylor-swifts-singles-ranked|url-status=live}} Some critics, including Matt Bjorke from Roughstock and Brittany McKenna from Billboard, commented that "The Story of Us" is one of the many Speak Now tracks that lean towards pop music departing from Swift's country-music image.{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Bjorke |url=http://www.roughstock.com/reviews/taylor-swift-speak-now/original-songwriter-demos-volume-1-2 |title=Taylor Swift — Speak Now |work=Roughstock |date=October 26, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002135829/http://www.roughstock.com/reviews/taylor-swift-speak-now/original-songwriter-demos-volume-1-2 |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/8030047/taylor-swift-speak-now-best-album|title=Why Taylor Swift's Speak Now Is Her Best Album|first=Brittany|last=McKenna|magazine=Billboard|date=November 8, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108184728/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/8030047/taylor-swift-speak-now-best-album|url-status=live}}
Lyrically, the song is about the awkwardness between two people after they break up. In the narrative, the protagonist and the love interest both attempt to ignore each other while being close in proximity. The protagonist presents each verse as "chapters" in a story, and as the song proceeds, it turns into a "tragedy". Chris Willman of Yahoo! Music thought the key lyrics of the song are "I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how / I've never heard silence quite this loud," and "I would lay my armor down, if you would say you'd rather love than fight." Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly considered the lines, "I used to know my place was the spot next to you / Now I'm searching the room for an empty seat / 'Cause lately I don't even know what page you're on," as one of the best lyrics on Speak Now.{{cite magazine|first=Leah|last=Greenblett |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/10/25/taylor-swift-speak-now-best-lyrics/ |title=Taylor Swift's Speak Now: The 10 best lines from her new album |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=December 8, 2010}} In PopMatters, Heaton observed that Swift's exploration of the disconnect between fantasy and real life on "The Story of Us" represents the central theme of Speak Now, where she learned to face the disappointment of real life.{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/133940-taylor-swift-speak-now-2496107332.html|last=Heaton|first=Dave|title=Taylor Swift: Speak Now|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=May 28, 2011|website=PopMatters|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531232009/https://www.popmatters.com/133940-taylor-swift-speak-now-2496107332.html|url-status=live}}
Reception
In Speak Now album reviews, some critics were not impressed with the pop-leaning production of "The Story of Us" and commented that the album's strength is the country-leaning songs that play to Swift's strengths.{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/taylor-swift/taylor-swift-speak-now-review/|title=Taylor Swift Speak Now Review|first=Liz|last=Stinson|work=Paste|date=October 29, 2010|access-date=October 28, 2020|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302082831/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/taylor-swift/taylor-swift-speak-now-review/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2102155/taylor-swift-speak-now-10th-anniversary/reviews/the-anniversary/|title=Speak Now Turns 10|website=Stereogum|first=James|last=Rettig|date=October 24, 2010|access-date=August 10, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173735/https://www.stereogum.com/2102155/taylor-swift-speak-now-10th-anniversary/reviews/the-anniversary/|url-status=live}} Some others were more receptive, noting the mature perspective departing from the idealistic notion of adolescent romance on Swift's previous album, Fearless (2008). Slant Magazine{{'s}} Jonathan Keefe, on the contrary, opined that the romantic theme of "The Story of Us", as well as other Speak Now tracks, confined Swift's artistic persona within love and relationships with men, and thus limited her songwriting ability.{{cite web |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/taylor-swift-speak-now/2300 |title=Taylor Swift: Speak Now |last=Keefe |first=Jonathan |work=Slant Magazine |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=October 25, 2010 |archive-date=October 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028093509/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/taylor-swift-speak-now/2300 |url-status=live }}
On a more positive side, Amanda Hensel of Taste of Country praised the radio-friendly uptempo production.{{cite web|first=Amanda|last=Hensel|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-the-story-of-us/|title=Taylor Swift, 'The Story of Us' – Song Spotlight|work=Taste of Country|date=April 7, 2011|access-date=May 31, 2011|archive-date=June 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608204127/http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-the-story-of-us/|url-status=live}} Theon Weber of The Village Voice described the track as "giddy and bombastic". Pitchfork{{'s}} Sam Sodomsky appreciated the lyrics for displaying Swift's songwriting with specific details resulting in universal feelings.{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/taylor-swift-speak-now/ |title=Taylor Swift: Speak Now |work=Pitchfork |last=Sodomsky |first=Sam |date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-date=December 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214230042/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/taylor-swift-speak-now/ |url-status=live }} In The Arizona Republic, Ed Masley deemed it one of Swift's catchiest and most relatable singles. Josh Kurp from Uproxx ranked "The Story of Us" sixth on his 2021 ranking of all songs in Swift's discography, particularly praising the production and lyrics.
Following the release of Speak Now, "The Story of Us" debuted at number 41 (which was its peak position) on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart dated November 13, 2010.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2010-11-13/hot-100?order=gainer|title=Hot 100 – Week of November 13, 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 4, 2010}} Following its single release, the song re-entered Billboard Hot 100 at number 98 on the week ending May 28, 2011{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2011-05-28|title=Hot 100 – Week of May 28, 2011|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 31, 2017}} and reached number 66 on the week ending June 25, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2011-06-25/|title=Hot 100 – Week of July 25, 2011|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 3, 2017|archive-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617074831/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2011-06-25|url-status=live}} On Billboard{{'s}} airplay charts, the single peaked within the top 30 of the Mainstream Top 40 (21) and Adult Contemporary (23) charts. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for surpassing one million digital units. Elsewhere, "The Story of Us" peaked at number 70 on the Canadian Hot 100, 33 on the Mahasz chart in Hungary, and 15 on the Ultratip chart in Belgian Flanders.
Live performances
File:Taylor Swift 2, 2012.jpg|alt=Taylor Swift on the Speak Now World Tour, donning a sparkling gold dress]]
Swift performed "The Story of Us" for an NBC Speak Now Thanksgiving Special, which broadcast on November 25, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://theboot.com/taylor-swift-nbc-tv-special/|title=Taylor Swift TV Special to Air Thanksgiving Night|first=Nancy|last=Dunham|date=November 19, 2010|website=The Boot|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604161227/https://theboot.com/taylor-swift-nbc-tv-special/|url-status=live}} The television special showcased the making of the album along with live performances on a rooftop in New York City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/zap-taylor-swift-speak-now-story-story.html|title=Taylor Swift speaks now about her NBC holiday special|last=Bobbin|first=Jay|date=November 18, 2010|website=Chicago Tribune|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413001434/https://www.chicagotribune.com/zap-taylor-swift-speak-now-story-story.html|archive-date=April 13, 2020}} On April 5, 2011, Swift performed an acoustic version of "The Story of Us" for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, where she also covered Mumford & Sons' song "White Blank Page" from their album Sigh No More.{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00zqfn5|title=Tuesday: Taylor Swift in the Live Lounge|access-date=November 4, 2017|work=BBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215175208/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00zqfn5|archive-date=December 15, 2014}} After its single release, she sang "The Story of Us" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in May 2011.{{cite web|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-ellen-the-story-of-us/|title=Taylor Swift Debuts Live Performance of 'The Story of Us' on Ellen|last=Maher|first=Cristin|date=May 11, 2011|website=Taste of Country|access-date=May 31, 2011|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904070617/http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-ellen-the-story-of-us/|url-status=live}} On the Speak Now World Tour (2011–2012), Swift included it in the setlist.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508034003/http://newsok.com/article/3632007|url=http://newsok.com/article/3632007|title=DVD review: Taylor Swift Speak Now World Tour Live CD+DVD|website=The Oklahoman|date=December 16, 2011|archive-date=May 8, 2012|url-status=dead}} The performance was recorded and released on Swift's live album, Speak Now World Tour – Live (2011).{{cite web|url=http://www.roughstock.com/reviews/album-dvd-review-taylor-swift-speak-now-world-tour-live|title=Album/DVD Review: Taylor Swift – Speak Now: World Tour Live|first=Matt|last=Bjorke|website=Roughstock|date=November 21, 2011|access-date=May 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608074929/http://www.roughstock.com/reviews/album-dvd-review-taylor-swift-speak-now-world-tour-live|archive-date=June 8, 2012|url-status=dead}} On September 8, 2018, she played the song as a "surprise song" at the Kansas City show of her Reputation Stadium Tour (2018).{{cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=May 26, 2018 |title=All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Performed on Her Reputation Stadium Tour B-Stage (So Far) |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8458025/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-b-stage-songs-list |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527060413/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8458025/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-b-stage-songs-list |archive-date=May 27, 2018 |access-date=May 27, 2018 |url-access=limited}} On June 17, 2023, she performed the song on acoustic guitar at the second show in Pittsburgh during the Eras Tour (2023) as one of the set's two surprise songs.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Katie Louise |date=June 18, 2023 |title=Here's every surprise song performed on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour |url=https://www.popbuzz.com/music/artists/taylor-swift/news/eras-tour-surprise-songs-setlist/ |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=PopBuzz |language=en |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628035318/https://www.popbuzz.com/music/artists/taylor-swift/news/eras-tour-surprise-songs-setlist/ |url-status=live }} On March 3, 2024, she performed the song again at the second show is Singapore as an acoustic guitar mash-up with "Long Story Short" from Evermore.
Music video
The music video for "The Story of Us" was directed by Noble Jones, starring Swift (as protagonist) and Caleb Campbell (as the ex-boyfriend).{{cite web |url=http://www.videostatic.com/vs/2011/04/booked-taylor-swift-noble-jones-dir.html |title=Taylor Swift — Noble Jones, dir |date=April 15, 2011 |publisher=Video Static |access-date=May 23, 2011 |archive-date=April 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419103038/http://www.videostatic.com/vs/2011/04/booked-taylor-swift-noble-jones-dir.html |url-status=live }} Media outlets reported that the video was filmed at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/471080/taylor-swift-gets-schooled-about-love-in-story-of-us-video|title=Taylor Swift Gets Schooled About Love in 'Story of Us' Video |date=May 26, 2011|first=Jilian|last=Mapes|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 27, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/05/taylor-swift-goes-to-school-in-new-story-of-us-video/1|title=Taylor Swift goes to school in new 'Story of Us' video|first=Ann|last=Oldenburg|date=May 25, 2011|work=USA Today|access-date=May 27, 2011|archive-date=February 5, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205071356/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/05/taylor-swift-goes-to-school-in-new-story-of-us-video/1|url-status=live}} Prior to the release of the video, Universal Music Group released a promotional music video featuring the European leg of Swift's Speak Now World Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.universalmusic.fr/taylor-swift/video-clip/taylor-swift-story-of-us-europe-version/|title=Taylor Swift — Story of Us|access-date=May 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323030215/http://www.universalmusic.fr/taylor-swift/video-clip/taylor-swift-story-of-us-europe-version/|archive-date=March 23, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all|publisher=Universal Music Group}} In the video, Swift plays a college student.{{cite web |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-offstage/1664514/offstage-taylor-swifts-new-video-tells-the-story-of-us.jhtml |title=Taylor Swift's New Video Tells 'The Story of Us' |last=Bonaguro |first=Allison |date=May 24, 2011 |work=CMT News |access-date=May 27, 2011 |archive-date=May 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528035838/http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-offstage/1664514/offstage-taylor-swifts-new-video-tells-the-story-of-us.jhtml |url-status=dead }} MTV previewed the video on May 20, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/655693/sneak-peek-taylor-swift-the-story-of-us.jhtml#id=1664349|title=Sneak Peek: Taylor Swift, 'The Story of Us'|work=MTV|date=May 20, 2011|access-date=August 10, 2011|archive-date=July 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726133555/http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/655693/sneak-peek-taylor-swift-the-story-of-us.jhtml#id=1664349|url-status=dead}} The video, as well as an interview with Swift, premiered on MTV four days later.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664286/taylor-swift-story-of-us-video-announcement.jhtml|title=Taylor Swift's 'The Story Of Us' Video To Debut Tuesday On MTV|first=Jocelyn|last=Vena|date=May 20, 2011|work=MTV News|access-date=May 27, 2011|archive-date=May 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523073022/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664286/taylor-swift-story-of-us-video-announcement.jhtml|url-status=dead}} During the interview, Swift said that the video shoot encountered some problems since tornadoes were hitting Nashville. She also said that although all of her previous music videos ended with happy endings, the narrative of "The Story of Us" does not.{{cite web|url=http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2011/06/02/watch-taylor-swifts-new-video-the-story-of-us/|title=Watch Taylor Swift's New Video: 'The Story of Us'|first=Wendy|last=Newcomer|date=June 2, 2011|work=Great American Country|access-date=June 3, 2011|archive-date=June 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606154421/http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2011/06/02/watch-taylor-swifts-new-video-the-story-of-us/|url-status=dead}}
In the video, Swift is seen performing while standing in a library, sitting on a desk, and lying across a table with a stack of books next to her. Throughout the video, scenes of her and her ex-boyfriend are juxtaposed with those of the band playing. Swift chooses a seat in the library, but after finding her ex sitting across the table from her, she hides behind a book then looks away, pulling on her clothes and plays with her hair in an attempt to go unnoticed. Unbeknownst to her, he has noticed her and attempts to avoid her as well. The video ends with the students in the library dancing to the song, as Swift and her ex arrive face to face with each other, but eventually they both shrug and walk away.{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-the-story-of-us-video/|title=Taylor Swift Tells 'The Story of Us' in New Video|last=Hensel|first=Amanda|date=May 25, 2011|work=Taste of Country|access-date=June 3, 2011|archive-date=May 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527001009/http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-the-story-of-us-video/|url-status=live}}
Some media noticed that the college setting of "The Story of Us" marked a departure from Swift's previous high school-themed music videos.{{cite web|url=http://www.ivillage.com/taylor-swift-story-us-video/1-a-353196|title=WATCH: Taylor Swift Goes to College in 'The Story of Us' Video|first=Donna|last=Kaufman|date=May 25, 2011|work=iVillage|access-date=May 27, 2011|archive-date=May 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527234339/http://www.ivillage.com/taylor-swift-story-us-video/1-a-353196|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2011/05/taylor-swifts-story-of-us-video-takes-us-back-to-school.html|title=Taylor Swift's 'Mean' video: A deserving message gone wrong|first=Carina|last=MacKenzie|date=May 25, 2011|work=Zap2it|access-date=May 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528114901/http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2011/05/taylor-swifts-story-of-us-video-takes-us-back-to-school.html|archive-date=May 28, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Taste of Country{{'s}} Amanda Hensel noted that the video's tone is less bright and more somber than that of Swift's previous ones. Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly praised the video for being "a lovely and clever bit of film for Swift" and deemed it a sequel to the music video of "You Belong with Me" (2009), a high school-themed video about an unrequited love.{{cite magazine|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/05/25/taylor-swift-the-story-of-us-video/|title=Taylor Swift's 'The Story of Us' video sends her to college: Watch it here|first=Kyle|last=Anderson|date=May 25, 2011|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 27, 2011}}
Charts
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Weekly chart performance for "The Story of Us" ! scope="col" | Chart (2010–2011) ! scope="col" | Peak |
| {{single chart|Australiapandora|65|url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20110704043709/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20110630-0000/Issue1113.pdf|urltitle=ARIA Report (Issue #1113)|rowheader=true|access-date=March 6, 2024}} |
| {{single chart|Flanders Tip|15|artist=Taylor Swift|song=The Story of Us|rowheader=true|access-date=May 4, 2011|refname="belgium"}} |
| {{single chart|Canada|70|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 8, 2011|refname="can"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadachrtop40|44|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 8, 2011}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadahotac|34|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 8, 2011}} |
| {{single chart|Hungary|33|year=2011|week=26|rowheader=true|access-date=July 8, 2011|refname="hungary"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardhot100|41|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 8, 2011|refname="hot100peak"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|23|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 8, 2011|refname="AC"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|31|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 8, 2011}} |
| scope="row"| US Country Digital Song Sales (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/taylor-swift/chart-history/cdt/|title=Taylor Swift Chart History (Country Digital Song Sales)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 1, 2021}}
| 3 |
|---|
| {{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|21|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 8, 2011|refname="popsongs"}} |
Certifications
{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "The Story of Us"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|type=single|certyear=2023|access-date=June 9, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Taylor Swift|title=The Story of Us|award=Gold|type=single|certyear=2024|relyear=2010|access-date=July 24, 2024|refname="PMB"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Story of Us|type=single|award=Gold|access-date=December 19, 2024|source=radioscope|relyear=2020|certyear=2023}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=United Kingdom|artist=Taylor Swift|title=The Story of Us|award=Silver|certyear=2023|certmonth=8|relyear=2010|id=19211-1598-1|access-date=August 21, 2023}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=United States|artist=Taylor Swift|title=The Story of Us|award=Platinum|certyear=2014|certmonth=8|relyear=2010|access-date=November 10, 2021|refname="riaa"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
"The Story of Us (Taylor's Version)"
{{Infobox song
| name = The Story of Us (Taylor's Version)
| artist = Taylor Swift
| album = Speak Now (Taylor's Version)
| released = {{start date|2023|07|7}}
| studio =
- Blackbird Studio (Nashville, TN){{Cite AV media notes |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) |others=Taylor Swift |publisher=Republic Records |year=2023 |type=digital album notes}}
- Kitty Committee Studio (London, England){{Cite AV media notes |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) |others=Taylor Swift |publisher=Republic Records |year=2023 |type=digital album notes}}
- Prime Recording (Nashville, TN){{Cite AV media notes |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) |others=Taylor Swift |publisher=Republic Records |year=2023 |type=digital album notes}}
| genre =
| length = 4:27
| label = Republic
| writer = Taylor Swift
| producer = * Taylor Swift
| misc = {{External music video|type=song|header=Lyric video|{{YouTube|pRhWAXg4xek|"The Story of Us (Taylor's Version)"}}}}
}}
After signing a new contract with Republic Records, Swift began re-recording her first six studio albums in November 2020.{{cite web |last=Melas |first=Chloe |date=November 16, 2020 |title=Taylor Swift Speaks Out about Sale of Her Masters |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/taylor-swift-speaks-out-about-sale-of-her-masters-1.5191925 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118064935/https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/taylor-swift-speaks-out-about-sale-of-her-masters-1.5191925 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |access-date=November 19, 2020 |website=CTV News}} The decision came after a 2019 public dispute between Swift and the talent manager Scooter Braun, who acquired Big Machine Records, including the masters of Swift's albums the label had released.{{Cite news |date=August 22, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Wants to Re-record Her Old Hits |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49432817 |url-status=live |access-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822202321/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49432817 |archive-date=August 22, 2019}}{{cite web |last=Finnis |first=Alex |date=November 17, 2020 |title=Taylor Swift Masters: The Controversy around Scooter Braun Selling the Rights to Her Old Music Explained |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/taylor-swift-masters-scooter-braun-selling-rights-music-rerecording-row-explained-762411 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212170953/https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/taylor-swift-masters-scooter-braun-selling-rights-music-rerecording-row-explained-762411 |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=February 13, 2021 |work=i}} By re-recording her catalog, Swift had full ownership of the new masters, including the copyright licensing of her songs, devaluing the Big Machine-owned masters.{{Cite news |last=Shah |first=Neil |date=2021-04-09 |title=Taylor Swift Releases New Fearless Album, Reclaiming Her Back Catalog |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/taylor-swift-releases-new-fearless-album-reclaiming-her-back-catalog-11617945524 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2022-09-25 |issn= |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008111731/https://www.wsj.com/articles/taylor-swift-releases-new-fearless-album-reclaiming-her-back-catalog-11617945524 |url-status=live }}
A re-recorded version of "The Story of Us", titled "The Story of Us (Taylor's Version)", was released on July 7, 2023, via Republic Records as part of Speak Now (Taylor's Version), Swift's third re-recorded album.{{cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=May 5, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift (Finally) Announces 'Speak Now' as Next Re-Recording |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-announces-speak-now-re-recording-1234730728/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506122039/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-announces-speak-now-re-recording-1234730728/ |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2023}} "The Story of Us (Taylor's Version)" features the identical arrangement as the original, but it has an indie rock edge to it.{{cite web |last=DeWald |first=Mike |date=July 6, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift revisits a classic on Speak Now (Taylor's Version) |url=https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version/ |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=Riff Magazine}}
= Personnel =
Adapted from Speak Now (Taylor's Version) digital album inline notes{{Cite AV media notes |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) |others=Taylor Swift |publisher=Republic Records |year=2023 |type=digital album notes}}
- Taylor Swift – vocals, background vocals, songwriter, producer
- Christopher Rowe – producer, vocal engineer
- David Payne – recording engineer
- Lowell Reynolds – assistant recording engineer, editor
- Derek Garten – engineer, editor, programming
- Serban Ghenea – mixing
- Bryce Bordone – mix engineer
- Randy Merrill – mastering
- Matt Billingslea – drums, percussion
- Amos Heller – bass guitar
- Paul Sidoti – electric guitar
- Mike Meadows – acoustic guitar, Hammond B-3, mandolin, background vocals
- Max Bernstein – acoustic guitar, synthesizer
- Liz Huett – background vocals
= Charts =
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Taylor Swift songs}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Story Of Us}}
Category:Songs written by Taylor Swift
Category:Song recordings produced by Taylor Swift
Category:Song recordings produced by Chris Rowe
Category:Song recordings produced by Nathan Chapman (record producer)
Category:Big Machine Records singles
Category:American pop punk songs