Mean (song)

Taylor Swift began working 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|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}} She conceived it as a loose concept album about the things she wanted to tell certain people but never had a chance to.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-announces-third-album-speak-now-186288/|title=Taylor Swift Announces Third Album, Speak Now|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|date=July 21, 2010|access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215052555/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-announces-third-album-speak-now-186288/|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} Swift described the songs as "diary entries" reflecting her emotions that assisted her in navigating adulthood.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712200330/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304510704575562401576663866|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304510704575562401576663866|title=Taylor Swift's Solo Act|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|first=Christopher John|last=Farley|date=October 22, 2010|access-date=April 19, 2025|archive-date=July 12, 2015|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} The confessional lyrics she wrote for Speak Now were more straightforward and confrontational compared to those on her previous albums.{{Cite news|url=https://americansongwriter.com/taylor-swift-the-garden-in-the-machine/5/|title=Taylor Swift: The Garden In The Machine|first=Jim|last=Malec|website=American Songwriter|date=May 2, 2011|page=5|access-date=April 19, 2025|archive-date=November 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120154714/https://americansongwriter.com/taylor-swift-the-garden-in-the-machine/5/|url-status=live}} Swift was inspired by her detractors to write the album's sixth track, "Mean", explaining that although she acknowledged constructive criticism, she was bothered by critics who "attack everything about a person" and were "just being mean".{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-lyrics/|title=Taylor Swift, 'Mean' – Lyrics Uncovered|first=Conaway|last=Alanna|access-date=March 6, 2025|website=Taste of Country|date=May 4, 2011|archive-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804062200/https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-lyrics/|url-status=live}}{{cite AV media notes |title=Speak Now |year=2010 |type=CD liner notes |publisher=Big Machine Records |id=BTMSR0300A |last=Swift |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Swift}}

Swift played acoustic guitar on "Mean" and produced it with Nathan Chapman, who additionally played bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin, synthesizer, organ, and Rhodes piano. They provided harmony vocals with Liz Huett and Caitlin Evanson, and handclapping with Mike Meadows and Al Wilson. Other musicians who played instruments for "Mean" include Bryan Sutton (acoustic guitar), Smith Curry (lap steel guitar), Rob Hajacos (fiddle), and Tim Lauer (piano, Hammond B3). Tommy Sims, Tim Marks, and Amos Heller played bass guitar; Grant Mickelson, Paul Sidoti, and Meadows played electric guitar; John Gardner, Shannon Forrest, and Nick Buda played drums; and Eric Darken and Wilson played percussion. "Mean" was released for digital download on October 19, 2010, as part of a three-week iTunes promotional countdown for Speak Now.{{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|publisher=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}} Big Machine Records released the track to country radio in the United States on March 7, 2011, as the third single from the album.{{Cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=03/13/2011&Format=4 |title=Going for Adds: Country |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130828093822/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=03/13/2011&Format=4 |archive-date=28 August 2013 |website=Radio & Records |url-status=dead |access-date=March 6, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean/|title=Taylor Swift, 'Mean' – Song Spotlight|first=Amanda|last=Hensel|access-date=March 6, 2025|website=Taste of Country|date=March 7, 2011|archive-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418045511/https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=5167|title=Swift Starts European Leg of Speak Now World Tour|access-date=March 6, 2025|website=Country Standard Time|date=March 7, 2011|archive-date=October 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018174258/https://www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=5167|url-status=live}}

{{listen

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| filename = Taylor Swift - Mean.ogg

| title = "Mean"

| description = A sample of "Mean", featuring a banjo-led country and bluegrass production, hand claps, and multitracked vocals

}}

"Mean" is 3 minutes and 57 seconds long.{{Cite web |last=Swift |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Swift |date=October 25, 2010 |title=Speak Now |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/speak-now/1440920310 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |publisher=Apple Music (US) |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601160153/https://music.apple.com/us/album/speak-now/1440920310 |url-status=live }} Music journalists regarded it as the most country-sounding track on Speak Now{{efn|Attributed to American Songwriter{{'s}} Rick Moore,{{cite web|url=https://americansongwriter.com/taylor-swift-speak-now/|title=Taylor Swift: Speak Now|first=Rick|last=Moore|work=American Songwriter|date=December 15, 2010|access-date=October 15, 2021|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025150310/https://americansongwriter.com/taylor-swift-speak-now/|url-status=live}} The Star-Ledger{{'s}} Tris McCall,{{Cite news |last=McCall |first=Tris |author-link=Tris McCall |date=July 20, 2011 |title=Taylor Swift at Prudential Center: Song by Song |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/2011/07/taylor_swift_at_prudential_cen.html |access-date=March 6, 2025 |newspaper=The Star-Ledger |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118191107/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/2011/07/taylor_swift_at_prudential_cen.html |url-status=live }} The Washington Post{{'s}} Allison Stewart,{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Allison |date=October 24, 2010 |title=On Speak Now, Swift Doesn't Hold Her Peace |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2010/10/25/on-speak-now-swift-doesnt-hold-her-peace/b5c571c4-be2b-4c6c-be57-f0b21fbb2e26/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250306202303/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2010/10/25/on-speak-now-swift-doesnt-hold-her-peace/b5c571c4-be2b-4c6c-be57-f0b21fbb2e26/ |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Rolling Stone{{'s}} Grady Smith,{{Cite magazine |last=Smith |first=Grady |date=September 8, 2014 |title=Teardrops on Her Guitar: Taylor Swift's 10 Countriest Songs |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country-lists/teardrops-on-her-guitar-taylor-swifts-10-countriest-songs-164352/tim-mcgraw-2006-163628/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126135422/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country-lists/teardrops-on-her-guitar-taylor-swifts-10-countriest-songs-164352/tim-mcgraw-2006-163628/ |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2025}} and Roughstock's Matt Bjork{{cite web|url=http://www.roughstock.com/reviews/taylor-swift-speak-now|title=Taylor Swift – Speak Now|first=Matt|last=Bjork|access-date=December 19, 2010|publisher=Roughstock|date=October 26, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027182504/http://www.roughstock.com/reviews/taylor-swift-speak-now|archive-date=October 27, 2010}}}} and in Swift's discography.{{efn|Attributed to Smith, McCall,{{Cite news |last=McCall |first=Tris |author-link=Tris McCall |date=March 28, 2013 |title=Taylor Swift at the Prudential Center: Song by Song, Again |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/2013/03/taylor_swift_at_the_prudential.html |access-date=March 15, 2025 |newspaper=The Star-Ledger |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250315212947/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/2013/03/taylor_swift_at_the_prudential.html |archive-date=March 15, 2025 }} Taste of Country{{'s}} Billy Dukes,{{Cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/best-country-songs-since-2000/|title=The 25 Best Country Songs of the Last 25 Years|last=Dukes|first=Billy|date=February 7, 2025|website=Taste of Country|access-date=March 10, 2025|archive-date=February 14, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214072126/https://tasteofcountry.com/best-country-songs-since-2000/|url-status=live}} The Independent{{'s}} Roisin O'Connor, and the Boston Herald{{'s}} Jed Gottlieb{{Cite news |last=Gottlieb |first=Jed |date=November 18, 2018 |title=It's Her Turn to Speak Now |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/10/22/its-her-turn-to-speak-now/ |access-date=March 15, 2025 |newspaper=Boston Herald |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250315213751/https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/10/22/its-her-turn-to-speak-now/ |archive-date=March 15, 2025 }}}} The six-string banjo-led country pop and bluegrass song incorporates several acoustic instruments associated with country music, such as fiddle and mandolin.{{efn|Attributed to Stewart, Billboard{{'s}} editorial staff,{{Cite magazine |date=March 16, 2023 |title=The 100 Best Taylor Swift Songs: Staff Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-taylor-swift-songs/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411021029/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-taylor-swift-songs/ |url-status=live }} and the musicologists James E. Perone,{{sfn|Perone|2017|p=33}} Nate Sloan, and Charlie Harding{{Sfn|Sloan|Harding|2019|p=22}}}} The sparse production features an upbeat arrangement, hand claps, multitracked vocals, and roots music influences.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/taylor-swift-speak-album-31396/|title=Album Review: Taylor Swift's Speak Now|website=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Chris|last=Willman|date=October 19, 2010|access-date=August 11, 2022|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818201357/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/taylor-swift-speak-album-31396/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |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 |newspaper=The Village Voice |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |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/ }}{{cite news|first=Jon|last=Caramanica|author-link=Jon Caramanica|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/arts/music/24swift.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2|title=Taylor Swift Is Angry, Darn It|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 20, 2010|access-date=December 19, 2010|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228153224/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/arts/music/24swift.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} Writing for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine believed that the country-leaning composition evokes the music of the Dixie Chicks.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/speak-now-mw0002025410 |title=Speak Now – Taylor Swift |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |date=October 25, 2010 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=March 6, 2025 |archive-date=November 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105185251/https://www.allmusic.com/album/speak-now-mw0002025410 |url-status=live }} According to the sheet music published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, "Mean" is set in the key of E major and has a tempo of 82 beats per minute.{{cite book |title=Mean |year=2010 |type=sheet music |publisher=Sony/ATV Music Publishing |via=Musicnotes |last=Swift |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Swift |id=MN0088037}}

The musicologist James E. Perone deemed "Mean" the only Speak Now track that aligns with Swift's self-identity as a country musician, contrasting with the album's dominant mainstream pop and rock music styles. Analyzing the song structure, Perone noted the instrumental sliding up a whole step in open fifths at the end of each refrain, as well as the whole-step slide up from the lowered-seventh scale-step to tonic, which evokes the Mixolydian mode typically found in Anglo-American folk music. According to Perone, the refrain uses a short melodic motif, which creates its catchiness.{{sfn|Perone|2017|p=33}} Toward the end of the bridge ("drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing"), Swift incorporates a three-note motif in the lyric "I can't sing"; for each word, the three notes descend a short distance (B−G♯) before dropping significantly (G♯−C♯). The musicologists Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding viewed this variation as Swift's signature melodic motif and thought that it captured "the sad cycle of bullying".{{Sfn|Sloan|Harding|2019|p=30–31}}

The lyrics address the critics who questioned Swift's vocal ability following her live performances in 2009 and 2010.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/10/19/taylor-swift-john-mayer-mean/|title=Taylor Swift Takes On a Bully (and John Mayer?) on New Album|first=Mandi|last=Bierly|access-date=November 22, 2010|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=October 19, 2010|archive-date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001043737/http://www.ew.com/article/2010/10/19/taylor-swift-john-mayer-mean|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |author=Jill Serjeant |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/953282/taylor-swift-sings-revenge-john-mayer-among-targets |title=Taylor Swift Sings Revenge; John Mayer Among Targets? |magazine=Billboard |date=October 20, 2010 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |archive-date=September 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920100733/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/953282/taylor-swift-sings-revenge-john-mayer-among-targets |url-status=live }} During the verses, she accuses them of pointing out the flaws that she is self-aware of, which makes her walk "with [her] head down" and feel "wounded".{{sfn|Perone|2017|p=33}} In the refrain, Swift promises her detractors that she will achieve success to the point that their comments will no longer affect her; she asserts that she will move to a "big old city" one day, which Perone noted as congruent with a recurring theme in Appalachian music of poor people moving to big cities to escape poverty.{{sfn|Perone|2017|p=34}}

Music critics praised "Mean" for its airy bluegrass and country production;{{efn|Attributed to Entertainment Weekly{{'s}} Mandi Bierly and Kyle Anderson, and Vulture{{'s}} Nate Jones{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Nate |date=May 20, 2024 |title=All 245 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/all-taylor-swift-songs-ranked-from-worst-to-best.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=Vulture |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920043247/https://www.vulture.com/article/all-taylor-swift-songs-ranked-from-worst-to-best.html |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}}} Mandi Bierly from Entertainment Weekly believed that it rendered Swift's emotions more authentic and emphasized the lyrical narrative. The Village Voice{{'s}} Theon Weber described the track as "huge, and hugely compassionate, and fearless". Now{{'s}} Kevin Ritchie and Entertainment Weekly{{'s}} Seija Rankin picked it as the best Speak Now song,{{cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202055355/https://nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=177612|url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=177612|title=Disc Review: Taylor Swift, Speak Now (Big Machine)|newspaper=Now|first=Kevin|last=Ritchie|date=November 4, 2010|access-date=November 4, 2010|archive-date=December 2, 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/best-taylor-swift-songs-8634049|title=The Best Taylor Swift Song from Each Album|first=Seija|last=Rankin|access-date=March 16, 2025|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 3, 2025|archive-date=February 27, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227144217/https://ew.com/best-taylor-swift-songs-8634049|url-status=live}} and South China Morning Post{{'s}} Finley Liu considered it one of the album's standout tracks.{{Cite news |last=Liu |first=Finley |date=March 11, 2021 |title=The Ultimate Ranking of Taylor Swift Albums |url=https://www.scmp.com/yp/report/latest-reports/article/3124973/ultimate-ranking-taylor-swift-albums-and-no-folklore-not |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506023001/https://www.scmp.com/yp/report/latest-reports/article/3124973/ultimate-ranking-taylor-swift-albums-and-no-folklore-not |archive-date=May 6, 2022 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |newspaper=South China Morning Post}} Several journalists lauded "Mean" for its narrative and deemed it an anti-bullying anthem.{{efn|Attributed to Bjork, Jones, O'Connor,{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Roisin |date=July 23, 2020 |title=Taylor Swift's 100 Album Tracks – Ranked |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/taylor-swift-lover-best-songs-1989-reputation-red-lyrics-music-videos-a9076476.html |access-date=May 18, 2024 |newspaper=The Independent |archive-date=December 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203140818/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/taylor-swift-lover-best-songs-1989-reputation-red-lyrics-music-videos-a9076476.html |url-status=live }} NME{{'s}} Hannah Mylrea,{{Cite magazine |last=Mylrea |first=Hannah |date=September 8, 2020 |title=Every Taylor Swift Song Ranked in Order of Greatness |url=https://www.nme.com/features/every-taylor-swift-song-ranked-2740117 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |magazine=NME |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908194608/https://www.nme.com/features/every-taylor-swift-song-ranked-2740117 |url-status=live }} Billboard{{'s}} Glenn Rowley,{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=October 22, 2020 |title=Taylor Swift's Speak Now Turns 10: Billboard Staff Goes Track-by-Track on Their Favorite Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-speak-now-anniversary-favorite-songs-9470930/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604085716/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-speak-now-anniversary-favorite-songs-9470930/ |url-status=live }} Variety{{'s}} Chris Willman,{{Cite magazine |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Taylor Swift's 75 Best Songs, Ranked |url=https://variety.com/lists/best-taylor-swift-songs-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207094908/https://variety.com/lists/best-taylor-swift-songs-ranked/ |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |access-date=June 28, 2024 |magazine=Variety}} and The Philadelphia Inquirer{{'s}} Dan DeLuca{{cite news |last=DeLuca |first=Dan |date=October 26, 2010 |title=Taylor Swift's Speak Now: Take that |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/20101026_Taylor_Swift_s__Speak_Now___Take_that.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227114218/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/20101026_Taylor_Swift_s__Speak_Now___Take_that.html |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url-access=limited }}}} Glenn Rowley from Billboard dubbed it an "anthem tailor-made for every starry-eyed dreamer who was ever bullied for not belonging". Variety{{'s}} Chris Willman and Taste of Country{{'s}} Billy Dukes similarly praised its ability to resonate with various bullying experiences. Some critics also praised the production as catchy;{{efn|Attributed to DeLuca, Dukes, Uproxx{{'s}} Josh Kurp,{{Cite web |last=Kurp |first=Josh |date=April 19, 2024 |title=The 50 Best Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/taylor-swift-songs-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250103101255/https://uproxx.com/pop/taylor-swift-songs-ranked/ |archive-date=January 3, 2025 |access-date=February 2, 2025 |website=Uproxx}} the Wausau Daily Herald{{'s}} Scott Hansen, Paste{{'s}} Liz Stinson,{{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=March 7, 2025|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}} Taste of Country{{'s}} Ashley Iasimone, and iVillage's Donna Kaufman}} Dukes particularly highlighted the "irresistible" hook.{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/bully-songs/|title=10 Best Bully Songs|first=Billy|last=Dukes|access-date=March 7, 2025|website=Taste of Country|date=September 18, 2013|archive-date=October 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241012181628/https://tasteofcountry.com/bully-songs/|url-status=live}}

Other critics regarded the narrative of "Mean" as ineffective. Slant Magazine{{'s}} Jonathan Keefe stated that the song showcased Swift's "lack of self-awareness", criticizing her for focusing on the people who highlighted her vocal issues rather than improving her vocal pitch.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/taylor-swift-speak-now/2300|title=Taylor Swift – Speak Now|access-date=December 19, 2010|magazine=Slant Magazine|date=October 25, 2010|first=Jonathan|last=Keefe|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}} Scott Hansen of the Wausau Daily Herald described the track as "counterproductive" and similarly criticized it for "calling out bullies in a way that makes Swift a bully."{{Cite news |last=Hansen |first=Scott |date=October 27, 2014 |title=Ranking Taylor Swift's Singles: Which Song Is No. 1? |url=https://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/10/27/ranking-taylor-swifts-singles-song/17989079/ |access-date=March 7, 2025 |newspaper=Wausau Daily Herald|archive-date=March 16, 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250316205910/https://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/10/27/ranking-taylor-swifts-singles-song/17989079/|url-status=live}} Kim Hong Nguyen, an associate professor in communication arts, viewed "Mean" as a representation of "mean girl feminism" and how white women can reclaim negative traits to assert a feminist identity while simultaneously distancing themselves from the implications of racism.{{sfn|Nguyen|2024|p=2–3}}

"Mean" appeared in rankings of Swift's discography by Willman (13 out of 75), Vulture{{'s}} Nate Jones (18 out of 245), NME{{'s}} Hannah Mylrea (28 out of 161), Rolling Stone{{'s}} Rob Sheffield (66 out of 274),{{Cite magazine|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|author-link=Rob Sheffield|date=April 25, 2024|title=All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/taylor-swift-songs-ranked-rob-sheffield-201800/|access-date=January 3, 2025|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=February 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215023910/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/taylor-swift-songs-ranked-rob-sheffield-201800/|url-status=live}} and Paste{{'s}} Jane Song (82 out of 158).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/taylor-swift/best-taylor-swift-songs/|title=All 158 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked|first=Jane|last=Song|date=February 11, 2020|magazine=Paste|access-date=January 3, 2025|archive-date=April 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413001443/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/taylor-swift/best-taylor-swift-songs/|url-status=live}} Rolling Stone ranked "Mean" at number 20 on its 2024 list of the "200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time", the highest ranking for a song released in the 21st century.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-country-songs-1234986540/taylor-swift-mean-1235013429/|title=200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 24, 2024|access-date=May 24, 2024|archive-date =May 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524175648/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-country-songs-1234986540/taylor-swift-mean-1235013429/|url-status=live}} Taste of Country named "Mean" the 15th best country song of the 2010s,{{Cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/best-country-songs-2010s/|title=50 Best Country Songs of the 2010s|last=Dukes|first=Billy|date=December 31, 2019|website=Taste of Country|access-date=March 10, 2025|archive-date=November 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114204051/https://tasteofcountry.com/best-country-songs-2010s/|url-status=live}} and Parade considered it the 50th best country track of all time.{{Cite magazine|last=Osmanski|first=Stephanie|date=October 15, 2024|title=Best Country Songs of All Time|url=https://parade.com/entertainment/best-country-songs|url-status=live|access-date=March 10, 2025|magazine=Parade|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120222752/https://parade.com/entertainment/best-country-songs|archive-date=November 20, 2024 }} The Tennessean included the song in a 2019 unranked list of the 100 best country songs of all time.{{Cite news |last1=Leimkuehler |first1=Matthew |last2=Paulson |first2=Dave |last3=Watts |first3=Cindy |date=October 6, 2019 |title=What Are the All-Time Greatest Country Songs? These 100 Top Our List |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/08/25/best-country-music-songs-all-time/1760586001/ |access-date=October 23, 2019 |newspaper=The Tennessean |archive-date=October 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191023091340/https://eu.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/08/25/best-country-music-songs-all-time/1760586001/ |url-status=live }}

In the United States, "Mean" debuted and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 30, 2010, the highest debut of the week. This made Swift the first artist to have the Hot 100's highest chart entry in three consecutive weeks, following the debuts of "Speak Now" and "Back to December".{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/952431/fareast-holds-on-hot-100-swift-makes-another-top-debut|title=Far*East Holds on Hot 100, Swift Makes Another Top Debut|date=October 28, 2010|first=Silvio|last=Pietroluongo|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 19, 2010|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228105831/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/952431/fareast-holds-on-hot-100-swift-makes-another-top-debut|url-status=live}} The track debuted at number 55 on the Hot Country Songs chart dated November 13, 2010, the highest entry of the week.{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1651639/taylor-swifts-speak-now-speaks-loud-as-weeks-best-selling-cd.jhtml|title=Taylor Swift's Speak Now Speaks Loud as Week's Best-Selling CD|first=Edward|last=Morris|date=November 5, 2010|publisher=CMT|access-date=November 5, 2011|archive-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201182430/http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1651639/taylor-swifts-speak-now-speaks-loud-as-weeks-best-selling-cd.jhtml|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/country-songs/2010-11-13/|title=Hot Country Songs (November 13, 2010)|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|date=November 13, 2010|access-date=March 10, 2025|archive-date=January 23, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123230302/https://www.billboard.com/charts/country-songs/2010-11-13/|url-status=live}} It reached number nine on the week ending May 14, 2011, making Swift the second female artist to have 13 singles reach the top 10 of the chart.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/471711/weekly-chart-notes-taylor-swift-adele-richard-marx |title=Weekly Chart Notes: Taylor Swift, Adele, Richard Marx |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=May 5, 2011 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 11, 2025 |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002151527/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/471711/weekly-chart-notes-taylor-swift-adele-richard-marx |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/country-songs/2011-05-14/|title=Hot Country Songs (May 14, 2011)|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|date=May 14, 2011|access-date=March 11, 2025|archive-date=January 3, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250103223441/https://www.billboard.com/charts/country-songs/2011-05-14/|url-status=live}} "Mean" reached its peak position of number two on the Hot Country Songs chart issued for June 25, 2011.

In August 2011, "Mean" became Swift's thirteenth song to sell more than one million copies in the United States—more than any other country music artist in the digital history.{{cite web|last=Grein|first=Paul|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/74398/week-ending-aug-7-2011-songs-place-your-bets/|title=Week Ending Aug. 7, 2011. Songs: Place Your Bets|date=August 10, 2011|publisher=Yahoo! Music|access-date=August 11, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201194444/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-aug-7-2011-songs-place-your-bets.html|archive-date=December 1, 2011}} By the end of 2011, "Mean" had sold 1.2 million digital copies{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RsAnJ7Zx_qgC&pg=PA37|title=Small But Mighty: A Big Year for Indie Labels|magazine=Billboard|date=January 7, 2012|page=37|volume=114|issue=1|via=Google Books|access-date=August 11, 2022|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211124445/https://books.google.com/books?id=RsAnJ7Zx_qgC&pg=PA37|url-status=live}} and reached number 24 on the year-end Hot Country Songs chart.{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/hot-country-songs | title=Hot Country Songs: 2011 Year-End Chart | magazine=Billboard | access-date=March 11, 2025 | archive-date=May 25, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525023458/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/hot-country-songs | url-status=live |url-access=subscription }} It was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in August 2014. As of November 2017, "Mean" had sold 2.5 million digital copies in the United States, the best-selling Speak Now track.{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=November 26, 2017 |title=Ask Billboard: Taylor Swift's Career Album & Song Sales |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/taylor-swift-career-album-song-sales-ask-billboard/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204093558/https://www.billboard.com/pro/taylor-swift-career-album-song-sales-ask-billboard/ |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=December 12, 2024 |magazine=Billboard }}

"Mean" reached number 2 on the Canada Country chart and number 10 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart, receiving a gold certification by Music Canada. It peaked at number 45 on the Australian Singles chart and was certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association. "Mean" was certified platinum in New Zealand, gold in Brazil, and silver in the United Kingdom.

The music video for "Mean" was directed by Declan Whitebloom, who wrote its treatment with Swift.{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1663245/taylor-swifts-mean-video-debuts-friday.jhtml|title=Taylor Swift's "Mean" Video Debuts Friday|date=May 4, 2011|publisher=CMT|access-date=May 8, 2011|archive-date=May 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507111928/http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1663245/taylor-swifts-mean-video-debuts-friday.jhtml|url-status=dead}} It was filmed within two days at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663463/taylor-swift-mean-video.jhtml|title=Taylor Swift's 'Mean' Video Aims to Empower Fans. Singer Plays Up Anti-Bullying Message in Her Video.|first=Jocelyn|last=Vena|date=May 6, 2011|publisher=MTV News|access-date=May 8, 2011|archive-date=November 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120023925/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663463/taylor-swift-mean-video.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Swift wanted to convey the experience of being bullied by showcasing the stories of others rather than her own narrative, allowing a broader audience to connect with its message.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663521/taylor-swift-mean-video-director.jhtml|title=Taylor Swift's 'Mean' Director Calls Her 'Timeless'|first=Jocelyn|last=Vena|date=May 9, 2011|publisher=MTV News|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=May 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513074138/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663521/taylor-swift-mean-video-director.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Whitebloom characterized the video as sketches that resemble Broadway performances and are influenced by various time periods, ranging from those reminiscent of the vaudeville era to those that recall the 2000 musical film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-offstage/1663418/offstage-taylor-swift-isnt-mean-at-all-director-says.jhtml|title=Offstage: Taylor Swift Isn't 'Mean' at All, Director Says|first=Alison|last=Bonaguro|date=May 6, 2011|publisher=CMT|access-date=May 8, 2011|archive-date=May 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511135605/http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-offstage/1663418/offstage-taylor-swift-isnt-mean-at-all-director-says.jhtml|url-status=dead}} The music video, which stars Joey King and Presley Cash, premiered on Country Music Television on May 6, 2011.{{Cite magazine |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=July 8, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift Casts Her Ex, Taylor Lautner, as Co-Star in 'I Can See You' Video; the Two Tays Reunite on Stage in Kansas City for Premiere |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-lautner-i-can-see-you-music-video-joey-king-presley-cash-1235664478/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708155623/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-lautner-i-can-see-you-music-video-joey-king-presley-cash-1235664478/ |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2025 |magazine=Variety}} Behind-the-scenes footage of the music video's production aired on Great American Country in July 2011{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-video-behind-the-scenes/|title=Taylor Swift Gives Behind-the-Scenes Look of 'Mean' Video|first=Alanna|last=Conaway|access-date=March 12, 2025|website=Taste of Country|date=July 5, 2011|archive-date=April 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406175623/https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-video-behind-the-scenes/|url-status=live}} and was included on a Target-exclusive edition of Swift's live video album Speak Now World Tour – Live (2011), released on November 21, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.target.com/p/Taylor-Swift-World-Tour-Only-at-Target/-/A-13832473#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage|title=Taylor Swift World Tour – Only at Target|publisher=Target Corporation|access-date=March 12, 2025|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123162937/http://www.target.com/p/Taylor-Swift-World-Tour-Only-at-Target/-/A-13832473#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage|archive-date=November 23, 2011}}

The music video begins with Swift playing a banjo in a theater alongside her band, all dressed in vintage-style outfits. The video then shows a young male who is being bullied by football team members for reading a fashion magazine. Swift is seen donning a white 1920s-inspired dress, tied to railroad tracks by an antagonist who mocks her with his friends. A young woman (played by Cash), earning money for college by wearing a costume to promote a fast food restaurant, is shown being bullied by her peers who throw food at her. Another young female (played by King) cannot join a group of girls during lunch because she is wearing a different colored ribbon around her waist and is forced to eat in the school bathroom.

The theater stage transforms into a luxurious nightclub, with Swift wearing a sparkling flapper dress and performing with her band. The video then reveals that the male who was reading a fashion magazine is now a renowned fashion designer, the restaurant employee has become an executive, and the female with the unique-colored ribbon is the only audience member in the theater, watching and applauding as Swift finishes her performance.

The music video was met with a mixed response from critics, who generally criticized Swift's perspective on bullying.{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/05/taylor_swift_mean_video.html|title=Taylor Swift's 'Mean' Video Makes Us Temporarily Pro-Bully|first=Kyle|last=Buchanan|date=May 9, 2011|website=Vulture|access-date=March 12, 2025|archive-date=January 26, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126141430/https://www.vulture.com/2011/05/taylor_swift_mean_video.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/entertainment/taylor_swift/?story=%2Fent%2Ftv%2Ffeature%2F2011%2F05%2F09%2Ftaylor_swift_mean_song|title=Taylor Swift's "Mean" Doesn't Equate to "It Gets Better"|first=Drew|last=Grant|date=May 9, 2011|website=Salon.com|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514001748/http://www.salon.com/entertainment/taylor_swift/?story=%2Fent%2Ftv%2Ffeature%2F2011%2F05%2F09%2Ftaylor_swift_mean_song|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2011/05/taylor-swifts-mean-video-a-deserving-message-gone-wrong.html|title=Taylor Swift's 'Mean' Video: A Deserving Message Gone Wrong|first=Sophie|last=Schillaci|date=May 9, 2011|publisher=Zap2it|access-date=May 10, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513021632/http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2011/05/taylor-swifts-mean-video-a-deserving-message-gone-wrong.html|archive-date=May 13, 2011}} Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly deemed its narrative confusing and criticized her for likening a professional critic's review to bullying someone for being different.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/05/09/taylor-swift-mean-video/|title=Taylor Swift Battles Bullies, Critics, and Silent Movie Villains in New 'Mean' Video: Watch It Here|first=Kyle|last=Anderson|date=May 9, 2011|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=October 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027060630/http://www.ew.com/article/2011/05/09/taylor-swift-mean-video|url-status=live}} Donna Kaufman of iVillage described the video's characters as "shallow stereotypes" and commented that Swift "doesn't seem at all vulnerable": "Her smirking to the camera about how successful she is, and how much of a loser her imaginary bully is, seems a bit like gloating."{{cite web|url=http://www.ivillage.com/taylor-swift-mean-video-creates-controversy/1-a-348118|title=Watch: Taylor Swift's "Mean" Video Creates Controversy|first=Donna|last=Kaufman|date=May 9, 2011|publisher=iVillage|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=May 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511224129/http://www.ivillage.com/taylor-swift-mean-video-creates-controversy/1-a-348118|url-status=dead}} In a more positive review, Ashley Lasimone of Taste of Country praised the video's vintage-style aesthetic for complementing its artistic direction.{{cite web|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-video/|title=Taylor Swift Braves the Bullies in Beautiful New 'Mean' Video|first=Ashley|last=Iasimone|date=May 6, 2011|website=Taste of Country|access-date=May 8, 2011|archive-date=May 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508222419/http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-video/|url-status=live}} The video's themes of self-empowerment and anti-bullying also received positive feedback within the LGBTQ community, specifically for the part where the young male character becomes a famous fashion designer and is seen presenting a runway fashion show with his designs of women's clothing.{{sfn|Perone|2017|p=34}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/fashion/07ANTHEM.html|last=Hawgood|first=Alex|date=November 5, 2010|title=For Gays, New Songs of Survival|newspaper=The New York Times|url-access=limited|access-date=July 1, 2022|archive-date=June 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609020459/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/fashion/07ANTHEM.html|url-status=live}} Less enthusiastic commentators criticized the depicition of the young male character as weak and overly feminine.{{sfn|Austin|2024|p=116}}

"Mean" won Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards,{{Cite magazine |last=Dauphin |first=Chuck |date=February 13, 2012 |title=Country Music's Very Good Grammy Night |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/country-musics-very-good-grammy-night-506158/ |access-date=March 31, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=March 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250331011345/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/country-musics-very-good-grammy-night-506158/ |url-status=live }} and Choice Country Song at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards.{{cite magazine|title=Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez Win at Teen Choice Awards |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-and-selena-gomez-win-at-teen-choice-awards-185874/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |date=August 8, 2011 |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919233055/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-and-selena-gomez-win-at-teen-choice-awards-185874/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |url-access=limited }} The Nashville Songwriters Association International included the track among its 2011 list of "Songs I Wish I'd Written", voted by the organization's songwriter members.{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1672673/garth-brooks-alan-jackson-among-five-inducted-into-nashville-songwriters-hall-of-fame.jhtml|title=Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson Among Five Inducted into Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame|first=Edward|last=Morris|date=October 17, 2011|publisher=CMT|access-date=April 6, 2025|archive-date=October 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026223930/http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1672673/garth-brooks-alan-jackson-among-five-inducted-into-nashville-songwriters-hall-of-fame.jhtml}} At the 2012 BMI Country Awards, "Mean" was one of the 50 award-winning songs and helped its publisher, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, earn the award for Publisher of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/tom_t._hall_dallas_davidson_luke_laird_and_others_recognized_at_bmi_country |title=Tom T. Hall, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird and Others Recognized at BMI Country Awards |publisher=Broadcast Music, Inc. |access-date=January 25, 2015 |date=October 31, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124091407/http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/tom_t._hall_dallas_davidson_luke_laird_and_others_recognized_at_bmi_country |archive-date=January 24, 2015 }} It was nominated for Female Single of the Year at the 2011 American Country Awards,{{cite web|last1=Hensel |first1=Amanda |url=http://tasteofcountry.com/2011-american-country-awards-winners/ |title=2011 American Country Awards Winners – Full List |website=Taste of Country |date=December 5, 2011 |access-date=January 25, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223050444/http://tasteofcountry.com/2011-american-country-awards-winners/ |archive-date=February 23, 2015 }} and Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year at the 2011 Country Music Association Awards.{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/2011-cma-awards-winners/|title=2011 CMA Awards Winners – Full List|access-date=March 10, 2025|website=Taste of Country|date=November 9, 2011|archive-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418040553/https://tasteofcountry.com/2011-cma-awards-winners/|url-status=live}} The music video was also nominated for Best Video with a Message at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards{{cite web|last=Dukes |first=Billy |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-mtv-vma-nomination/ |title=Taylor Swift Is 'Beyond Excited' About 'Mean' Being Nominated for MTV Video Music Award |website=Taste of Country |date=August 5, 2011 |access-date=March 10, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602145812/https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-mtv-vma-nomination/ |archive-date=June 2, 2020 }} and Video of the Year at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards.{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2012 |title=Taylor Swift Wins Big at Academy of Country Music Awards |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/02/showbiz/country-music-awards/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329060932/https://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/02/showbiz/country-music-awards/index.html |archive-date=March 29, 2013 |access-date=March 10, 2025 |publisher=CNN}}

File:Taylor Swift Sydney.jpg|alt=Swift playing a banjo]]

Swift performed "Mean" for the first time as part of NBC's 2010 Thanksgiving television special, which premiered on November 25, 2010.{{cite AV media|title=Taylor Swift: Speak Now|last=Swift|first=Taylor|author-link=Taylor Swift|publisher=NBC|medium=television special|date=November 25, 2010}} The special showcased the making of the album along with live performances in New York City and Los Angeles.{{cite web|last=Bierly|first=Mandi|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/11/19/taylor-swift-thanksgiving-special-chelsea-handler/|title=Taylor Swift's Thanksgiving Special or Chelsea Handler Interview: Which Will Be More Entertaining?|access-date=April 19, 2025|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 19, 2010|archive-date=December 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229194733/https://ew.com/article/2010/11/19/taylor-swift-thanksgiving-special-chelsea-handler/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=4759|title=Taylor Swift Gets Special|access-date=April 19, 2025|website=Country Standard Time|date=November 18, 2010|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025140114/https://countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=4759|url-status=live}} Swift played the track on a banjo at the 46th Academy of Country Music Awards in April{{nbsp}}2011, accompanied by a four-piece band.{{cite news|last=Mansfield|first=Brian|author-link=Brian Mansfield|title=The ACM Awards Emphasize Music|newspaper=USA Today|date=April 4, 2011|page=D3|id={{ProQuest|859981260}}}}{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-2011-acm-awards/|title=Taylor Swift Calls Out Bullies with Banjo Performance of 'Mean' at 2011 ACMs|first=Amanda|last=Hensel|access-date=April 19, 2025|website=Taste of Country|date=April 3, 2011|archive-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226120009/https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-mean-2011-acm-awards/|url-status=live}} She performed it on The Ellen DeGeneres Show the next month.{{cite web |first=Carolene |last=Fisher |date=May 30, 2011 |title=Taylor Swift Performs 'Mean' |url=http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2011/05/taylor_swift_performs_mean_0530.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602075847/http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2011/05/taylor_swift_performs_mean_0530.php |archive-date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=The Ellen DeGeneres Show}} Swift sang "Mean" at the CMA Music Festival in June{{nbsp}}2011 and June{{nbsp}}2013,{{cite web|url=https://www.cmt.com/news/wmmes5/taylor-swift-caps-cma-music-festival-with-love|title=Taylor Swift Caps CMA Music Festival with Love|first=Chris|last=Parton|date=June 13, 2011|publisher=CMT|access-date=March 6, 2025|archive-date=March 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301135225/https://www.cmt.com/news/wmmes5/taylor-swift-caps-cma-music-festival-with-love}}{{Cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=June 7, 2013 |title=Taylor Swift Jams with Tim McGraw, Keith Urban at CMA Music Festival |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1708628/taylor-swift-tim-mcgraw-cma-music-festival-2013/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222050811/http://www.mtv.com/news/1708628/taylor-swift-tim-mcgraw-cma-music-festival-2013/ |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |publisher=MTV News}} and at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in September{{nbsp}}2012.{{Cite web |last=Pacella |first=Megan |date=September 24, 2012 |title=Taylor Swift Suffers Minor Wardrobe Malfunction at iHeartRadio Music Festival |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-wardrobe-malfunction-iheartradio-festival/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=Taste of Country |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301091932/https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-wardrobe-malfunction-iheartradio-festival/ |url-status=live }} She played it as part of Late Show with David Letterman and VH1 Storytellers episodes that took place in October{{nbsp}}2012.{{Cite episode |series=Late Show with David Letterman |first=Letterman |last=David |author-link=David Letterman |title=Taylor Swift/Rachel Maddow |network=CBS |season=20 |number=36 |date=October 23, 2012 |location=New York}}{{cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=October 17, 2012 |title=Taylor Swift Tapes VH1 Storytellers, Lifts Curtain on New Songs from Red |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/taylor-swift-tapes-vh1-storytellers-379446/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727084314/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/taylor-swift-tapes-vh1-storytellers-379446/ |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Swift performed "Mean" at the 54th Grammy Awards in February{{nbsp}}2012, changing the lyric "But someday I'll be living in a big old city" to "But someday I'll be singing this at the Grammys".{{cite magazine |last=Suddath |first=Claire |date=February 12, 2012 |title=The Best and Worst of the 2012 Grammys: Taylor Swift, 'Mean' |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2012/02/12/the-best-and-worst-of-the-2012-grammys/slide/taylor-swift-mean/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424081932/http://entertainment.time.com/2012/02/12/the-best-and-worst-of-the-2012-grammys/slide/taylor-swift-mean/ |archive-date=April 24, 2012 |magazine=Time}} The performance received a standing ovation from the audience.{{Cite web |last=Raven |first=Robin |date=April 2, 2022 |title=A Timeline of Taylor Swift's Grammys History, from Skipping Senior Prom to Setting a Record with Midnights |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-grammys-timeline-history-evermore-album-of-the-year-folklore-fearless-1989 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=Grammy.com |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210155157/https://www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-grammys-timeline-history-evermore-album-of-the-year-folklore-fearless-1989 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Gibson |first=Kelsie |date=July 10, 2023 |title=Who Are Taylor Swift's Speak Now Songs About? What She Has Said About the Inspirations |url=https://people.com/who-are-taylor-swift-speak-now-songs-about-7557272 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |magazine=People |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221181935/https://people.com/who-are-taylor-swift-speak-now-songs-about-7557272 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Hopper |first=Alex |date=December 13, 2022 |title=Top 10 Live Performances from Taylor Swift |url=https://americansongwriter.com/top-10-live-performances-from-taylor-swift/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |magazine=American Songwriter |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526014929/https://americansongwriter.com/top-10-live-performances-from-taylor-swift/ |url-status=live }}

Swift included "Mean" in the set list of the Speak Now World Tour (2011–2012), where she performed it playing a banjo guitar and danced with a band member playing a fiddle.{{cite news|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2011/12/16/dvd-review-taylor-swift-speak-now-world-tour-live-cddvd/61111215007/|title=DVD review: Taylor Swift Speak Now World Tour Live CD+DVD|newspaper=The Oklahoman|date=December 16, 2011|access-date=March 6, 2025|first=Brandy|last=McDonnell|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826012209/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2011/12/16/dvd-review-taylor-swift-speak-now-world-tour-live-cddvd/61111215007/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Masley |first=Ed |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Taylor Swift Treats Glendale to Greatest Hits, Jordin Sparks Tune |url=http://archive.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2011/10/22/20111022taylor-swift-concert-review-jobing-glendale.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025052317/http://archive.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2011/10/22/20111022taylor-swift-concert-review-jobing-glendale.html |archive-date=October 25, 2016 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |newspaper=The Arizona Republic}} The performance was recorded and released as part of the album Speak Now World Tour – Live.{{cite AV media notes|title=Speak Now: World Tour Live|last=Swift|first=Taylor|author-link=Taylor Swift|year=2011|type=CD/DVD|publisher=Big Machine Records|id=BMRTS0340B}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/taylor-swift-speak-now-cd-dvd-258307/#!|title=Taylor Swift to Release Speak Now Concert CD, DVD Set (Video)|last=Schillaci|first=Sophe|date=November 7, 2011|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 19, 2025|archive-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824045113/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/taylor-swift-speak-now-cd-dvd-258307/#!|url-status=live}} She included the song in the set list of the Red Tour (2013–2014) and played it on a banjo.{{cite news |last=Deluca |first=Dan |date=July 20, 2013 |title=Taylor Swift Set List |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/music/Taylor-Swift-Set-List.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214110457/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/music/Taylor-Swift-Set-List.html |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url-access=limited }} She performed it on acoustic guitar at the 1989 World Tour in 2015 at concerts in Saint Paul,{{cite news |last1=Riemenschneider |first1=Chris |title=Twin Cities Still Aglow from Three Nights of Taylor Swift |url=https://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-still-aglow-from-three-nights-of-taylor-swift/327220631/ |newspaper=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2025 |date=September 14, 2015 |archive-date=February 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222114041/https://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-still-aglow-from-three-nights-of-taylor-swift/327220631 |url-status=live }} Los Angeles,{{cite web |last=Linder |first=Emilee |title=Justin Timberlake And Selena Gomez Surprise Taylor Swift's 1989 Tour: Watch |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/9tm9sj/taylor-swift-justin-timberlake-selena-gomez-lisa-kudrow |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416105353/https://www.mtv.com/news/9tm9sj/taylor-swift-justin-timberlake-selena-gomez-lisa-kudrow |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=March 6, 2025 |date=August 27, 2015}} Seattle,{{cite news |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Albert |title=Taylor Swift Wows 60,000 at CenturyLink Field with Explosive Show |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/seattle-gay-news/126516776/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |newspaper=Seattle Gay News |date=August 14, 2015|archive-date=June 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616193522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/seattle-gay-news/126516776/|url-status=live}} and Houston.{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2015/09/live-review-taylor-swift-at-houstons-minute-maid-park-99/|title=Live Review: Taylor Swift at Houston's Minute Maid Park (9/9)|first=David Brendan|last=Hall|website=Consequence of Sound|date=September 11, 2015|access-date=March 6, 2025|archive-date=September 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911160407/http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/09/live-review-taylor-swift-at-houstons-minute-maid-park-99/|url-status=live}} Swift sang an acoustic rendition of "Mean" at the first Dublin show of the Reputation Stadium Tour in June{{nbsp}}2018; Rolling Stone{{'s}} Andy Greene picked it as one of the ten best acoustic performances of the tour.{{cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=November 20, 2018 |title=All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Performed on Her Reputation Stadium Tour B-Stage |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8458025/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-b-stage-songs-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227045220/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-b-stage-songs-list-8458025/ |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |access-date=March 6, 2025|magazine=Billboard }}{{Cite magazine |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=November 28, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' Tour: The 10 Best Surprise Moments |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-best-surprise-songs-760638/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517205007/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-best-surprise-songs-760638/ |url-status=live }} She performed the track on acoustic guitar at the Eras Tour (2023–2024) at the third Tampa show in April{{nbsp}}2023,{{cite web |last=Gomez |first=Dessi |date=December 8, 2024 |title=All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Played on Her Eras Tour |url=https://deadline.com/feature/taylor-swift-surprise-songs-eras-tour-1235928594/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=March 6, 2025 |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920043301/https://deadline.com/feature/taylor-swift-surprise-songs-eras-tour-1235928594/ |url-status=live }} and as part of a mashup with her song "Thank You Aimee" (2024) at the second London show in June{{nbsp}}2024.{{Cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=June 22, 2024 |title=Taylor Swift Debuts 'Thank You Aimee' Live, Sings 'Castles Crumbling' with Hayley Williams in London |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-thank-you-aimee-castles-crumbling-hayley-williams-london-eras-tour-1235715917/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064300/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-thank-you-aimee-castles-crumbling-hayley-williams-london-eras-tour-1235715917/ |url-status=live }}

Credits shown below are adapted from Qobuz{{Cite web|url=https://www.qobuz.com/fi-en/album/speak-now-taylor-swift/0060252749395|title=Speak Now, Taylor Swift|publisher=Qobuz|access-date=March 6, 2025|archive-date=March 6, 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250306141452/https://www.qobuz.com/fi-en/album/speak-now-taylor-swift/0060252749395|url-status=live}} and the liner notes of Speak Now.

{{div col}}

• Taylor Swift – songwriter, producer, vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, handclapping
• Nathan Chapman – producer, bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin, synthesizer, organ, Rhodes piano, handclapping
• Tommy Sims – bass guitar
• Tim Marks – bass guitar
• Amos Heller – bass guitar
• Grant Mickelson – electric guitar
• Paul Sidoti – electric guitar
• Mike Meadows – electric guitar, handclapping
• Bryan Sutton – acoustic guitar
• Smith Curry – lap steel guitar
• Rob Hajacos – fiddle
• Shannon Forrest – drums
• John Gardner – drums
• Nick Buda – drums
• Al Wilson – percussion, handclapping
• Eric Darken – percussion
• Tim Lauer – piano, Hammond B3
• Liz Huett – harmony vocals
• Caitlin Evanson – harmony vocals

{{div col end}}

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Mean"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|relyear=2010|certyear=2023|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|access-date=June 9, 2023|refname=auscert}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Mean|award=Gold|relyear=2011|certyear=2024|access-date=May 1, 2024|refname=brazilcert}}

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{{Infobox song

| name = Mean (Taylor's Version)

| artist = Taylor Swift

| album = Speak Now (Taylor's Version)

| released = {{start date|2023|07|7}}

| studio = * Blackbird (Nashville)

• Prime Recording (Nashville)
• Kitty Committee (London)

| genre = Country pop

| length = 3:58

| label = Republic

| writer = Taylor Swift

| producer = * Taylor Swift

• Christopher Rowe

| misc = {{External music video|type=song|header=Lyric video|{{YouTube|8AR1dKawCi8|"Mean (Taylor's Version)"}}}}

}}

Swift departed from Big Machine and signed with Republic Records in November{{nbsp}}2018.{{Cite magazine |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |last2=Aswad |first2=Jem |date=November 19, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift Signs Landmark New Deal with Universal Music Group |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/taylor-swift-news-alert-1203032124/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |magazine=Variety |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119184301/https://variety.com/2018/music/news/taylor-swift-news-alert-1203032124/ |url-status=live }} She began re-recording her first six studio albums in November{{nbsp}}2020.{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=November 17, 2020 |title=Here's Everything Taylor Swift Has Said About Re-Recording Her Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/everyone-taylor-swift-said-re-recording-her-songs-9485702/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112205619/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/everyone-taylor-swift-said-re-recording-her-songs-9485702/ |url-status=live }} The decision followed a public dispute in 2019 between her and Scooter Braun, who acquired Big Machine including the masters of her albums which the label had released.{{Cite news |date=August 22, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Wants to Re-Record Her Old Hits |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49432817 |url-status=live |access-date=September 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822202321/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49432817 |archive-date=August 22, 2019}}{{cite news |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=September 29, 2024 |newspaper=i}} By re-recording the albums, Swift had full ownership of the new masters, which enabled her to control the licensing of her songs for commercial use and therefore substitute the Big Machine–owned masters.{{Cite news |last=Shah |first=Neil |date=April 9, 2021 |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-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008111731/https://www.wsj.com/articles/taylor-swift-releases-new-fearless-album-reclaiming-her-back-catalog-11617945524 |archive-date=October 8, 2021 }} The re-recorded version of "Mean", subtitled "Taylor's Version", was released as part of her third re-recorded album, Speak Now (Taylor's Version), on July 7, 2023.{{cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Is Finally Here — Listen to Taylor Swift Revisit the Past |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-album-1234783911/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206191843/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-album-1234783911/ |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |access-date=March 16, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited}}

Swift produced the re-recording with Christopher Rowe, who recorded her vocals at Kitty Committee Studio in London. David Payne recorded the track at Blackbird Studio in Nashville; Derek Garten provided additional engineering at Prime Recording Studio in Nashville, assisted by Lowell Reynolds. It was mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia; engineered for mix by Bryce Bordone; and mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound Studios in Edgewater, New Jersey. Musicians who played instruments include Heller (bass guitar), Sidoti (acoustic guitar), Meadows (banjo, mandolin), Max Bernstein (acoustic guitar), Matt Billingslea (drums, percussion), and Jonathan Yudkin (fiddle). Heller, Meadows, and Billingslea provided handclapping, while Swift, Huett, and Evanson provided background vocals. A country pop track,{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2023/07/speak-now-taylors-version-review/|title=Speak Now, Again: Taylor Swift Banishes the Ghosts of Her Past|last=Siroky|first=Mary|website=Consequence|date=July 7, 2023|access-date=July 11, 2023|archive-date=July 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711053939/https://consequence.net/2023/07/speak-now-taylors-version-review/|url-status=live}} "Mean (Taylor's Version)" is three minutes and fifty-eight seconds long.{{Cite web |last=Swift |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Swift |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/speak-now-taylors-version/1690839749 |access-date=March 13, 2025 |publisher=Apple Music (US) |archive-date=March 10, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250310023616/https://music.apple.com/us/album/speak-now-taylors-version/1690839749 |url-status=live }} The production has a few differences: the fiddle is mixed lower,{{Cite news |last=Nugent |first=Annabel |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Finds Its Musician At an Old Crossroad – Review |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/taylor-swift-speak-now-lyrics-review-b2371332.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707182941/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/taylor-swift-speak-now-lyrics-review-b2371332.html |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |newspaper=The Independent}} the vocal harmonies are softer,{{Cite web |last=DeWald |first=Mike |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Album Review: 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=May 18, 2024 |website=Riff Magazine |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162935/https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version/ |url-status=live }} and Swift sings without the country twang of the original version.{{cite magazine |last=Barnes |first=Kelsey |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift: Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Review – Youth and Growth Collide |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-cathartic-release |url-status=live |magazine=The Line of Best Fit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707152644/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-cathartic-release |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023}}

Some critics, such as Amelia Eqbal from CBC.ca and Maura Johnston from Rolling Stone praised Swift's mature vocals as intriguing,{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/arts/commotion/speak-now-taylor-s-version-is-better-than-revenge-1.6900075 |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Is 'Better than Revenge' |date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |last=Eqbal |first=Amelia |publisher=CBC.ca |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213153557/https://www.cbc.ca/arts/commotion/speak-now-taylor-s-version-is-better-than-revenge-1.6900075 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Johnston |first=Maura |author-link=Maura Johnston |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift Expands Our Image of a Landmark Album With Speak Now: Taylor's Version |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/speak-now-taylors-version-review-1234783042/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708050118/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/speak-now-taylors-version-review-1234783042/ |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=July 8, 2023 |url-access=limited}} while The Daily Telegraph{{'s}} Poppie Platt felt they "can seem jarring, at first, to hear".{{Cite news |last=Platt |first=Poppie |date=July 7, 2023 |title=With Speak Now, Taylor Swift Had Nothing to Be Ashamed Of – So Why Rewrite Her Teenage Lyrics? |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/speak-now-taylors-version-review-lyrics/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707183816/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/speak-now-taylors-version-review-lyrics/ |archive-date=July 7, 2023}} The Guardian{{'s}} Laura Snapes thought that the re-recording sounds "more conciliatory" compared to the original version due to its mature and softer vocals.{{Cite news |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift: Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Review – Re-Recording Project Starting to Feel Wearying and Pointless |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/07/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-review |url-status=live |access-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707181653/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/07/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-review |archive-date=July 7, 2023}} Mark Sutherland of Rolling Stone UK considered it one of the tracks from Speak Now (Taylor's Version) that retained the intensity that made Speak Now a standout album: "The wounded distress [...] still cuts every bit as deep."{{Cite web |last=Sutherland |first=Mark |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Review: Modern Revamp of a Classic |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-review-modern-revamp-of-a-classic-30973/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=Rolling Stone UK |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707143839/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-review-modern-revamp-of-a-classic-30973/ |url-status=live }} Kate Solomon from the i stated that the re-recording made her appreciate the song's "silly satisfaction".{{Cite web |last=Solomon |first=Kate |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Gives Taylor Swift's Most Underrated Album a New Lease of Life |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/taylor-swift-speak-now-version-review-underrated-album-2462132 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=i |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708134434/https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/taylor-swift-speak-now-version-review-underrated-album-2462132 |url-status=live }}

"Mean (Taylor's Version)" debuted at number 33 on the Billboard Global 200 chart dated July 22, 2023. In the United States, it reached number 17 on the Hot Country Songs chart and number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track charted in the Philippines (10), Singapore (27), New Zealand (28), Australia (30), and Canada (41). In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 57 on the Audio Streaming chart.

Credits shown below are adapted from the liner notes of Speak Now (Taylor's Version).{{cite AV media notes |title=Speak Now (Taylor's Version) |year=2023 |type=CD liner notes |publisher=Republic Records |id=2455678249 |last=Swift |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Swift}}

{{div col}}

• Taylor Swift – songwriter, producer, lead vocals, background vocals
• Christopher Rowe – producer, Swift's vocal recording engineer
• David Payne – recording engineer
• Derek Garten – additional recording engineer
• Lowell Reynolds – assistant recording engineer
• Serban Ghenea – mixer
• Bryce Bordone – mixing engineer
• Randy Merrill – mastering engineer
• Matt Billingslea – drums, percussion, handclapping
• Amos Heller – bass guitar, handclapping
• Paul Sidoti – acoustic guitar
• Mike Meadows – banjo, mandolin, handclapping
• Max Bernstein – acoustic guitar
• Jonathan Yudkin – fiddle
• Liz Huett – background vocals
• Caitlin Evanson – background vocals

{{div col end}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|last=Austin|first=Michael L.|year=2024|title=Audiovisual Alterity: Representing Ourselves and Others in Music Videos|chapter=Camp, Kitsch, and Cowboys: Queerin' Country Music Videos|isbn=978-0-19-027779-6|publisher=Oxford University Press|pages=109–144}}
• {{cite book|first=Kim Hong|last=Nguyen|title=Mean Girl Feminism: How White Feminists Gaslight, Gatekeep, and Girlboss|chapter=Introduction: Feminist Civility and the Right to Be Mean|publisher=University of Illinois Press|series=Feminist Media Studies|isbn=978-0-252-04557-8|year=2024|pages=1–24}}
• {{cite book|first=James E.|last=Perone|title=The Words and Music of Taylor Swift|publisher=ABC-Clio|series=The Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection|isbn=978-1-4408-5294-7|year=2017}}
• {{cite book|last1=Sloan|first1=Nate|last2=Harding|first2=Charlie|year=2019|title=Switched on Pop: How Popular Music Works, and Why It Matters|chapter=A Star's Melodic Signature: Melody: Taylor Swift—'You Belong with Me'|isbn=978-0-19-005668-1|publisher=Oxford University Press|pages=21–35}}

{{Taylor Swift songs}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for "Mean"

|titlestyle = background: lightblue

|list =

{{Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Country Song}}

}}

{{authority control}}

Category:2010 songs

Category:2011 singles

Category:Taylor Swift songs

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:Songs about bullying

Category:LGBTQ-related songs

Category:Bluegrass songs