You Need to Calm Down

Upon finishing her 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour, Taylor Swift wrote songs for her seventh studio album, Lover. She felt moved by the connections with her fans on tour,{{cite magazine |last=Suskind |first=Alex |date=May 9, 2019 |title=New Reputation: Taylor Swift Shares Intel on TS7, Fan Theories, and Her Next Era |url=https://ew.com/music/2019/05/09/taylor-swift-cover-story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812135902/https://ew.com/music/2019/05/09/taylor-swift-cover-story/ |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} which inspired her to channel the vulnerability into her songwriting.{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=May 11, 2019 |title=Everything We Know About Taylor Swift's 'TS7' So Far |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/everything-we-know-about-taylor-swift-ts7-new-album-so-far-1203211614/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214091259/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/everything-we-know-about-taylor-swift-ts7-new-album-so-far-1203211614/ |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |website=Variety}}

On June 13, 2019, via an Instagram live stream, she announced her seventh album, Lover, which was slated for release on August 23 via Republic Records.{{Cite magazine |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=2019-07-24 |title=Everything We Know About Taylor Swift's Lover Album (So Far) |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-new-album-lover-everything-we-know-8523719/ |access-date=2025-02-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=}} She also announced "You Need to Calm Down" as the album's second single, following the lead single "Me!".{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Sandra |date=2019-06-13 |title=Taylor Swift announces new album, Lover |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/13/entertainment/taylor-swift-album-lover/index.html |access-date=2025-02-21 |website= |publisher=CNN}} Swift revealed that she had contained an "old-timey, 1940s-sounding" instrumental of "You Need to Calm Down" in a scene of the "Me!" music video.{{cite magazine |last=Aguirre |first=Abby |date=August 8, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift on Sexism, Scrutiny, and Standing Up for Herself |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/taylor-swift-cover-september-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810081937/https://www.vogue.com/article/taylor-swift-cover-september-2019?verso=true |archive-date=August 10, 2019 |access-date=August 10, 2019 |magazine=Vogue}} "You Need to Calm Down" and its lyric video were released for streaming on June 14, 2019. A vertical video premiered exclusively on Spotify on June 24, 2019,{{cite web |date=June 24, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift - You Need To Calm Down |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/6JMPeivcsYVzLOvAN02EZq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624212659/https://open.spotify.com/episode/6JMPeivcsYVzLOvAN02EZq |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=June 24, 2019 |website=Spotify}} and a remix by the British electronic music band Clean Bandit was released on August 20, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Gwee |first=Karen |date=August 20, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift enlists Clean Bandit for chirpy 'You Need To Calm Down' remix |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-clean-bandit-you-need-to-calm-down-remix-2539828 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820104538/https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-clean-bandit-you-need-to-calm-down-remix-2539828 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=NME}}

According to Swift, the main inspiration for "You Need to Calm Down" came when she felt "dismayed" after a friend of hers told her that she was not obvious on her political stance regarding gay rights, specifically when that friend asked her what she would do if she had a gay son; that conversation made her realize that she was not adequately "educated" on the matter.{{Cite news |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=2019-08-24 |title=Taylor Swift: 'I was literally about to break' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/aug/24/taylor-swift-pop-music-hunger-games-gladiators |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Guardian}} The lyric video changes the word "glad" in the lyrics to GLAAD, and highlighting "EA" letters as a reference to the Equality Act. The references followed Swift's donation to GLAAD in support of Pride Month,{{cite press release |title=Taylor Swift Makes a Generous Donation to GLAAD in Support of the LGBTQ Community |date=June 1, 2019 |url=https://www.glaad.org/releases/taylor-swift-makes-generous-donation-glaad-support-lgbtq-community |access-date=June 1, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601061137/https://www.glaad.org/releases/taylor-swift-makes-generous-donation-glaad-support-lgbtq-community |archive-date=June 1, 2019 |author= |website=GLAAD}} and Swift's Change.org petition for the United States Senate to pass the Equality Act.{{cite news |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=May 31, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Urges Passage of Pro-LGBTQ Equality Act: 'I Reject the President's Stance' |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-urges-passage-equality-act-pride-lgbtq-1203230787/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601072354/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-urges-passage-equality-act-pride-lgbtq-1203230787/ |archive-date=June 1, 2019 |access-date=June 1, 2019 |magazine=Variety}} The petition attracted more than 500,000 signatures,{{cite news |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=August 27, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift calls on White House to respond to Equality Act petition in MTV VMAs acceptance speech |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-calls-white-house-respond-equality-act-petition-mtv-vmas-acceptance-speech-2542118 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827111005/https://www.nme.com/news/music/taylor-swift-calls-white-house-respond-equality-act-petition-mtv-vmas-acceptance-speech-2542118 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |access-date=August 27, 2019 |website=NME}} including from Democrats such as Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Beto O'Rourke, and Kirsten Gillibrand. Following the release of the song, GLAAD reported an "influx" of donations in the amount of $13, a reference to Swift's favorite number.{{cite news |last=Aviles |first=Gwen |date=June 14, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift's Pride anthem leads to 'influx' of GLAAD donations |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/taylor-swift-pride-anthem-leads-influx-glaad-donations-n1017746 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614221030/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/taylor-swift-pride-anthem-leads-influx-glaad-donations-n1017746 |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |work=NBC News}}

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| description = "You Need to Calm Down" is an upbeat electropop and synth-pop song with steady synth beats and ascending echoes. Its lyrics target internet trolls, cyberbullies and homophobes.

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Swift wrote and produced "You Need to Calm Down" with Joel Little, who programmed the drums, played the keyboard, and recorded the track at Golden Age Studio in Los Angeles and Golden Age West in Auckland. The song was mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach.{{cite AV media notes |title=Lover |type=CD liner notes |year=2019 |publisher=Republic Records |last=Swift |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Swift}} "You Need to Calm Down" is an electropop{{cite web |last=Zaleski |first=Annie |author-link=Annie Zaleski |date=August 26, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift is done proving herself on the resonant Lover |url=https://www.avclub.com/taylor-swift-is-done-proving-herself-on-the-resonant-lo-1837578581 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826180927/https://music.avclub.com/taylor-swift-is-done-proving-herself-on-the-resonant-lo-1837578581 |archive-date=August 26, 2019 |access-date=August 26, 2019 |website=The A.V. Club}} and synth-pop song{{cite magazine |date=June 25, 2019 |title=Five Burning Questions: Billboard Staffers Discuss Taylor Swift's No. 2 Hot 100 Debut For 'You Need to Calm Down' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8517553/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-five-burning-questions |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715144854/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8517553/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-five-burning-questions |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=June 27, 2019 |magazine=Billboard}} with a minimal electronic production driven by a consistent synth bassline and synthesizer beats. Swift sings the verses in a near-rap delivery and the refrain contains ascending echoes of "Oh-oh"s.

The lyrics tackle homophobia and expresses support for the LGBT community{{cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift Releases GLAAD-Boosting, Homophobia-Bashing 'You Need to Calm Down' |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-releases-pro-glaad-single-you-need-to-calm-down-1203243277/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614054419/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-releases-pro-glaad-single-you-need-to-calm-down-1203243277/ |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |access-date=June 13, 2019 |work=Variety}} and denounce Internet trolls, cancel culture, and cyberbullying. Swift organized the song such that each verse addresses a theme: the first is about trolls and cancel culture ("You are somebody that I don't know/ But you're taking shots at me like it's Patrón"), the second is about homophobes and protestors outside her concerts ("Sunshine on the street at the parade/ But you would rather be in the dark ages/ Making that sign, must've taken all night"), and the third is about "successful women being pitted against each other" ("And we see you over there on the internet/ Comparing all the girls who are killing it/ But we figured you out/ We all know now, we all got crowns").{{Cite web |last=Hopper |first=Alex |date=2023-05-24 |title=Behind the Meaning of Taylor Swift's Pride Anthem 'You Need to Calm Down' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-meaning-of-taylor-swifts-pride-anthem-you-need-to-calm-down/ |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=American Songwriter}} Swift explained that the song's LGBT theme could fit in with Lover's concept about love because it addresses "how certain people are not allowed to live their lives without discrimination just based on who they love".{{cite magazine |last=Hiatt |first=Brian |date=September 18, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift: The Rolling Stone Interview |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/taylor-swift-rolling-stone-interview-880794/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918150500/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/taylor-swift-rolling-stone-interview-880794/ |archive-date=September 18, 2019 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}

"You Need to Calm Down" divided critics.{{cite web |last=McDermott |first=Maeve |date=June 21, 2019 |title=The controversy behind Taylor Swift's 'You Need To Calm Down,' explained |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/21/18701157/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-controversy-explained |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622145531/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/21/18701157/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-controversy-explained |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |publisher=}} Dan Stubbs from NME called the song "withering in its measured response", concluding it was "an infectious, bite-size pop package".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/taylor-swift-track-review-you-need-to-calm-down-2508775|title=Taylor Swift takes on keyboard warriors and stands up for gay pride in new song 'You Need To Calm Down'|first=Dan|last=Stubbs|magazine=NME|date=June 14, 2019|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614062815/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/taylor-swift-track-review-you-need-to-calm-down-2508775|archive-date=June 14, 2019|url-status=live}} Gwen Ihnat of The A.V. Club wrote that the song "clearly and refreshingly combats homophobia and anti-gay bias".{{cite news |last=Ihnat |first=Gwen |date=June 14, 2019 |title='You Need to Calm Down' is a rare message song from Taylor Swift |url=https://www.avclub.com/you-need-to-calm-down-is-a-rare-message-song-from-tay-1835517453 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615062834/https://news.avclub.com/you-need-to-calm-down-is-a-rare-message-song-from-tay-1835517453 |archive-date=June 15, 2019 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |work=The A.V. Club}} Maeve McDermott and Joshua Bote, writing for USA Today, considered the song "an improvement" over the previous single "Me!", and "a more promising example of what fans can expect" from the album.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/06/14/taylor-swifts-you-need-calm-down-boosts-lbgtq-fans-new-single/1450734001/|title=Taylor Swift shouts out to LGBTQ fans, GLAAD on anti-hate anthem 'You Need To Calm Down'|first1=Maeve|last1=McDermott|first2=Joshua|last2=Bote|work=USA Today|date=June 14, 2019|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614122811/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/06/14/taylor-swifts-you-need-calm-down-boosts-lbgtq-fans-new-single/1450734001/|archive-date=June 14, 2019|url-status=live}} Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times also concurred that the song was "a big creative improvement" over "Me!", while commenting the "explicit pro-gay message is certainly welcome, but it also feels just the slightest bit cynical".{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Mikael |date=June 14, 2019 |title=Listen to Taylor Swift's new pro-LGBTQ jam 'You Need to Calm Down' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-review-20190614-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615071204/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-review-20190614-story.html |archive-date=June 15, 2019 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times}} Time{{'s}} Raisa Bruner wrote that the song is "bright, bubbly and unabashedly vying for earworm status", and that it is a "colorful clapback that works as a warning to homophobes, trolls and bullies". She added that Swift is "sing-talking her way through a series of quotable lyrics, over a "juicy, unhurried" synth beat. Bruner further stated that, at this song, Swift is "at her most pop-forward" on Lover, owing to its cascading chorus echoes.{{Cite magazine |last=Bruner |first=Raisa |date=August 24, 2019 |title=Let's Discuss the Lyrics to Every Song on Taylor Swift's Lover |url=https://time.com/5651207/taylor-swift-lover-songs-explained/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609233017/https://time.com/5651207/taylor-swift-lover-songs-explained/ |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |access-date=April 16, 2020 |magazine=Time}}

Michelle Kim of Pitchfork wrote that, while the song is "well-intentioned" and the allyship deserved some praise, it is also "bewildering and underwhelming at the same time".{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Michelle |date=June 14, 2019 |title='You Need to Calm Down' by Taylor Swift Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614180528/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down/ |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |work=Pitchfork}} Justin Kirkland of Esquire wrote the song "misses the point of being an LGBTQ ally" by "equating online haters with the personal and societal struggle of LGBTQ+ people".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a28034262/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-lgbtq-lyrics/|title=Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down' Misses the Point of Being an LGBTQ Ally|first=Justin|last=Kirkland|magazine=Esquire|date=June 14, 2019|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615084928/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a28034262/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-lgbtq-lyrics/|archive-date=June 15, 2019|url-status=live}} Similarly, Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic criticised the song's "breathtaking argument... that famous people are persecuted in a way meaningfully comparable to queer people."{{cite magazine |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=June 17, 2019 |title=The Queasy Double Message of Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down' |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/06/taylor-swift-you-need-calm-down-hijacks-queerness/591829/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621041439/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/06/taylor-swift-you-need-calm-down-hijacks-queerness/591829/ |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |magazine=The Atlantic}} Music critic Todd Nathanson described it as "a very trivializing song," specifically criticizing the line "shade never made anybody less gay" as minimizing the impact of homophobia.{{cite web |last1=Nathanson |first1=Todd |title=POP SONG REVIEW: "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor Swift |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kaTDKDaj2M |website=YouTube |date=June 30, 2019|access-date=17 February 2024}} Will Gottsegen of Spin wrote the song's "easy, inoffensive lyrics... feel engineered to appeal to the broadest possible demographic", and that the song "plays it too safe" and "feels a little like a cop out".{{cite magazine |last=Gottsegen |first=Will |date=June 14, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down' Plays It Too Safe to Matter |url=https://www.spin.com/2019/06/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620010616/https://www.spin.com/2019/06/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-review/ |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |magazine=Spin}} Constance Grady of Vox called the song "exhausting", comparing the song unfavorably to "Mean" (2011), another single from Swift.{{cite news |last=Grady |first=Constance |date=June 14, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift's new single 'You Need to Calm Down' is exhausting |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/6/14/18678915/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615082118/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/6/14/18678915/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down |archive-date=June 15, 2019 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |work=Vox}} The Herald-Tribune named "You Need to Calm Down" as the second-best song of 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/entertainment/20200102/farr-side-countdown-2019-top-songs-of-year|title=The Farr Side: Countdown 2019: Top songs of the year|last=Farr|first=David|date=January 4, 2019|magazine=Herald-Tribune|access-date=January 4, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617133730/https://www.heraldtribune.com/entertainment/20200102/farr-side-countdown-2019-top-songs-of-year|url-status=live}}

In the United States, "You Need to Calm Down" debuted and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the second top two hit from Lover. Like in the case of lead single "Me!", "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus blocked "You Need to Calm Down" from reaching the top spot on the chart. However, the song garnered several chart records for Swift: with six songs reaching the number-two spot, Swift tied Madonna as the female artist with the most number two hits on the chart, having previously reached the spot with "Me!", "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" (2017), "I Knew You Were Trouble" (2013), "Today Was a Fairytale" (2010) and "You Belong with Me" (2009). The song became Swift's twenty-fourth top 10 hit, which is the fifth-most among female artists in the chart's history, behind Madonna (38), Rihanna (31), Mariah Carey (28) and Janet Jackson (27). The single is also Swift's sixteenth song to debut inside the top 10 of the chart, which is the second most top-ten debuts in the chart's history, only behind Drake, who has 20 top-ten debuts, making Swift the first and only female artist with 16 top-ten debuts in the Hot 100 history.

The song debuted at number-one on the Billboard Digital Song Sales charts, selling 79,000 downloads, becoming Swift's record-extending seventeenth number-one hit on that chart.{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=June 24, 2019 |title=Lil Nas X's 'Old Town Road' Leads Billboard Hot 100 for 12th Week, New Taylor Swift & Drake Songs Debut in Top 10 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8517224/lil-nas-x-old-town-road-number-one-hot-100-twelve-weeks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624182611/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8517224/lil-nas-x-old-town-road-number-one-hot-100-twelve-weeks |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |magazine=Billboard}} The track started at number 33 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart, based on three days of airplay, and eventually peaked at number nine.

In Canada, the song entered the Hot AC chart at number 40 based on three days of radio tracking. It debuted at number four on the Canadian Hot 100, becoming the second top five hit from the album in the country.

In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number five on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Swift's thirteenth top 10 in the UK. In Scotland, the song debuted at number one on the singles chart, becoming Swift's fifth chart topper in the country, as well as her second consecutive number-one hit in Scotland from Lover. In Ireland, the song debuted at number five, tying Swift's previous single, "Me!", which peaked in the week ending May 3, 2019. In Germany, the song debuted at number 37 on the Official German Charts later peaking at number 36. In the Netherlands, the song debuted at number 28 on the Single Top 100 chart. In Belgium, the song arrived at number 11 on the Belgian Ultratip chart later peaking at number three. In Sweden, the song entered at number 55 on the Sverigetopplistan chart later peaking at number 35.

In Australia, the song debuted at number three in the ARIA Charts, becoming the second top three hit from the album in the country. In New Zealand, the song entered the Recorded Music NZ singles chart at number five, becoming Swift's fifteenth top 10 single in the country. The song also topped New Zealand Hot Singles chart.{{Cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/hot-singles/2019-06-21|title=Hot Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|access-date=June 22, 2019|archive-date=June 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621061335/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/hotsingles?chart=4654|url-status=live}}

The music video for "You Need to Calm Down" was directed by Swift and Drew Kirsch, and executive produced by Swift and Todrick Hall.{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/music/taylor-swift-todrick-hall-you-need-to-calm-down-surprise/|title=Taylor Swift Surprises Todrick Hall with 'You Need to Calm Down' Co-EP Role in Promposal Moment|magazine=People|first=Karen|last=Mizoguchi|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=June 23, 2019|archive-date=June 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621222139/https://people.com/music/taylor-swift-todrick-hall-you-need-to-calm-down-surprise/|url-status=live}} It was released on June 17, 2019, after a premiere on Good Morning America.{{cite web|title=Taylor Swift Announces New Album Lover, Releasing New Song Tonight|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-announces-new-album-lover-releasing-new-song-tonight/|date=June 13, 2019|access-date=June 13, 2019|last=Bloom|first=Madison|website=Pitchfork|archive-date=June 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614000819/https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-announces-new-album-lover-releasing-new-song-tonight/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Zemler |first=Emily |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Watch Taylor Swift Reunite With Katy Perry in 'You Need to Calm Down' Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-taylor-swift-katy-perry-you-need-to-calm-down-video-848857/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617123913/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-taylor-swift-katy-perry-you-need-to-calm-down-video-848857/ |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |work=Rolling Stone}} The video featured a large number of celebrity cameos, many of whom are LGBT. In order of appearance, the list includes dancer Giuseppe Giofrè, Dexter Mayfield, YouTuber Hannah Hart, actress Laverne Cox, singer Chester Lockhart, entertainer Todrick Hall, singer Hayley Kiyoko, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, lawyer Justin Mikita, singer Ciara, Netflix series Queer Eye{{'}}s Fab Five (Tan France, Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness), figure skater Adam Rippon, singer Adam Lambert, television personality Ellen DeGeneres, entertainers Billy Porter and RuPaul, singer Katy Perry, and actor Ryan Reynolds.{{cite news |last=Grady |first=Constance |date=June 17, 2019 |title=An annotated guide to Taylor Swift's star-studded 'You Need to Calm Down' video |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/6/17/18681878/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-video-celebrity-guide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617184044/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/6/17/18681878/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-video-celebrity-guide |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=June 18, 2019 |website=Vox}} The appearance of Perry serves as an end to a dispute between her and Swift, although both artists had publicly ended the feud several months prior.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a20529856/taylor-swift-announces-tend-of-katy-perry-feud-instagram-story/|title=Taylor Swift Announces the End of Her Katy Perry Feud With a Literal Olive Wreath|first=Alyssa|last=Bailey|date=May 8, 2018|magazine=Elle|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-date=March 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312030605/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a20529856/taylor-swift-announces-end-of-katy-perry-feud-instagram-story/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/a23989874/katy-perry-taylor-swift-end-feud-praises-political-statements/|title=Katy Perry Proves Her Feud With Taylor Swift Is Over By Praising Her Political Statements|first=Ariana|last=Yaptangco|date=October 20, 2018|magazine=Elle|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617135646/https://www.elle.com/culture/a23989874/katy-perry-taylor-swift-end-feud-praises-political-statements/|url-status=live}} Numerous drag queens also appear in the video impersonating various female recording artists. Tatianna portrays Ariana Grande, Trinity the Tuck portrays Lady Gaga, Delta Work portrays Adele, Trinity K. Bonet portrays Cardi B, Jade Jolie portrays Swift, Riley Knoxx portrays Beyoncé,{{Cite web |last=Damshenas |first=Sam |date=2019-06-17 |title=A guide to every celebrity cameo in Taylor Swift's video for You Need to Calm Down |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/a-guide-to-every-celebrity-cameo-in-taylor-swifts-video-for-you-need-to-calm-down/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Gay Times |language=en-GB}} Adore Delano portrays Katy Perry and A'keria Chanel Davenport portrays Nicki Minaj. The video was shot in Santa Clarita, California.{{cite news|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/2019/06/20/taylor-swift-video-drag-queen-lookalike-jade-jolie-rupauls-drag-race-interview/1497335001/|title=Louisville drag queen 'literally on cloud nine' after co-starring in Taylor Swift video|first=Lucas|last=Aulbach|newspaper=The Courier-Journal|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=June 20, 2019|archive-date=March 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312030603/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/2019/06/20/taylor-swift-video-drag-queen-lookalike-jade-jolie-rupauls-drag-race-interview/1497335001/|url-status=live}}

File:Taylor Swift - You Need to Calm Down (music video screenshot of pop queen pageant).pngs impersonating female music artists for a "pop queen pageant" in the music video. From left to right, Tatianna as Ariana Grande, Trinity the Tuck as Lady Gaga, Delta Work as Adele, Trinity K. Bonet as Cardi B, Jade Jolie as Swift, Riley Knoxx (who is transgender, not a drag performer) as Beyoncé, Adore Delano as Katy Perry, and A'keria Davenport as Nicki Minaj.{{cite web|url=https://www.out.com/drag/2019/6/17/taylor-swift-drag-queens-you-need-to-calm-down|title=All the Drag Queens (and Who They Appear As) in Taylor Swift's New Video|work=Out|access-date=June 17, 2019|first=Mikelle|last=Street|date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617171757/https://www.out.com/drag/2019/6/17/taylor-swift-drag-queens-you-need-to-calm-down|url-status=live}}|alt=|upright=1.15]]

The video is set in a colorful trailer park. Swift awakens in her trailer, wearing a bathrobe over a swimsuit, with an embroidery containing the Cher quote "Mom, I am a Rich Man" hanging on a wall.{{cite news |last=Gutowitz |first=Jill |date=June 18, 2019 |title=Every Easter Egg in Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down' Music Video |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-video-easter-eggs.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618032518/https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-video-easter-eggs.html |archive-date=June 18, 2019 |access-date=June 18, 2019 |website=Vulture}} Swift throws her phone onto her bed, which then gives off sparks and starts a fire in the trailer. She nonchalantly walks to a pool, ignoring her burning trailer. She goes into the pool, lying on a float, while looking at the camera and singing. The camera then switches to other residents in the trailer park and their activities, including Mayfield dancing, Hart weightlifting a boombox and Cox watering her yard of plastic flamingoes and greeting Lockhart, who promptly faints.

The scene cuts to Swift walking and dancing down a street with Hall, interspersed with scenes of Kiyoko shooting an arrow into a target with the number "5" (a clue to Swift's next promotional single "The Archer", the fifth track on the album), protesters holding placards with anti-gay slogans (a reference to a real-life religious group that picketed Swift's concerts), Ciara officiating a wedding between Ferguson and Mikita, and Rippon serving snow cones to customers from a stall. Swift also holds a tea party with the Fab Five and Hall. In another trailer, Lambert tattoos the words "Cruel Summer" (later revealed to be a song on the album) onto DeGeneres' right arm. In the next scene, Swift and other residents sun tan while ignoring the heckling protesters, followed by Porter walking down the middle of the two crowds wearing a dress.

The scene shifts to a "pop queen pageant" with the contestants dressed as numerous female singers. RuPaul walks down the lineup with a crown decorated with emeralds and fleur-de-lis motifs, but instead of crowning a winner, he throws it in the air. A food fight begins, with Swift appearing in a french fries costume and Perry in a hamburger suit. The two see and walk towards each other. Elsewhere, Reynolds is portraying Norman Rockwell working on a painting of the Stonewall Inn. Swift and Perry smile, dance and share a hug. A message at the end of the video urges viewers to sign Swift's Change.org petition for the United States Senate to pass the Equality Act.

The music video received mixed reviews.{{cite news|url-access=limited|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/18/arts/music/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-video.html|title=For Taylor Swift, Is Ego Stronger Than Pride?|first1=Jon|last1=Caramanica|author-link1=Jon Caramanica|first2=Wesley|last2=Morris|author-link2=Wesley Morris|first3=Caryn|last3=Ganz|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 18, 2019|access-date=June 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620093131/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/18/arts/music/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-video.html|archive-date=June 20, 2019|url-status=live}} It received praise for Swift's activism, while criticism was levelled at the execution, particularly the depiction of the anti-LGBT protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/06/21/how-taylor-swift-angered-everyone-you-need-calm-down/1512715001/|title=Taylor Swift has angered many people with her 'You Need To Calm Down' release. Here's why|first=Maeve|last=McDermott|newspaper=USA Today|date=June 21, 2019|access-date=June 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622133507/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/06/21/how-taylor-swift-angered-everyone-you-need-calm-down/1512715001/|archive-date=June 22, 2019|url-status=live}} Many publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post,{{cite news |last=Heil |first=Emily |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift doubles down on politics in pro-LGBTQ video, 'You Need to Calm Down' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/06/17/taylor-swift-doubles-down-politics-pro-lgbtq-video-you-need-calm-down/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621144706/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/06/17/taylor-swift-doubles-down-politics-pro-lgbtq-video-you-need-calm-down/ |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |access-date=June 22, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} CNN,{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/17/entertainment/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-music-video/index.html|title='You Need to Calm Down' may be Taylor Swift's most political move yet|first=Chloe|last=Melas|website=CNN|date=June 18, 2019|access-date=June 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619062249/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/17/entertainment/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-music-video/index.html|archive-date=June 19, 2019|url-status=live}} and The Irish Times{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/taylor-swift-has-dialled-up-the-sweetness-and-the-politics-1.3929293|title=Taylor Swift has dialled up the sweetness – and the politics|last=Power|first=Ed|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=June 18, 2019|access-date=June 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618121904/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/taylor-swift-has-dialled-up-the-sweetness-and-the-politics-1.3929293|archive-date=June 18, 2019|url-status=live}} have noted that the song and music video was Swift's most political move yet. Jon Caramanica from The New York Times applauded the inclusion of LGBT celebrities and drag queens as "a worthy celebration", but also wrote it was "plausible cover". Writing in the same review, Wesley Morris questioned the video's release in June to coincide with Pride Month as "tired, tardy or tidily opportunistic", but concluded the video was "a fine thing". Craig Jenkins of Vulture wrote the song and video "has great intentions", but opened up Swift to accusations of queerbaiting and profiting from Pride Month.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-song-and-video-review.html|title=Where Is Taylor Swift Going With This?|first=Craig|last=Jenkins|magazine=Vulture|date=June 17, 2019|access-date=June 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617223520/https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-song-and-video-review.html|archive-date=June 17, 2019|url-status=live}} Dave Holmes from Esquire praised the celebrity cameos, but noted the "ugly and poorly-educated" look of the protesters and the "sexless" portrayal of gay life.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Dave |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down' Video Is Strangely Both Gay and Sexless |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a28071999/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-video-sanitize-gay-lgbtq-culture/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622131335/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a28071999/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-video-sanitize-gay-lgbtq-culture/ |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |access-date=June 22, 2019 |work=Esquire}}

In an opinion piece for NBC News, Michael Arceneaux agreed that Swift "meant well", but criticized the depiction of the anti-gay protesters as "poorer bumpkins", and that the scene between Swift and Katy Perry detracts from the overall pro-gay message.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/taylor-swift-s-you-need-calm-down-shows-her-political-ncna1018806|title=Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down' shows her political awakening — and that she needs to calm down|first=Michael|last=Arceneaux|author-link=Michael Arceneaux|date=June 19, 2019|access-date=June 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621041439/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/taylor-swift-s-you-need-calm-down-shows-her-political-ncna1018806|archive-date=June 21, 2019|url-status=live}} Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic stated that "in real-life, Pride counterprotests feature yet-uglier slogans", and "writing off bigotry as negativity... isn't helpful". Nathan Ma from The Independent wrote the protesters could have included politicians who voted for anti-LGBT legislation.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-pride-lgbt-song-video-a8964286.html|title=Taylor Swift's new LGBT-themed video is seriously damaging – here's why|first=Nathan|last=Ma|newspaper=The Independent|date=June 18, 2019|access-date=June 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619152107/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-pride-lgbt-song-video-a8964286.html|archive-date=June 19, 2019|url-status=live}}

Some publications and LGBTQ+ personalities have defended Swift. Emma Grey Ellis from Wired wrote "the song has spawned more opinions than it has words", and continued "people claimed to despise Swift's lack of politics, and now she is overtly political and they still hate it."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/stop-meme-ing-taylor-swift/|title=Stop Meme-ing Taylor Swift|first=Emma Grey|last=Ellis|magazine=Wired|date=June 19, 2019|access-date=June 24, 2019|archive-date=June 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620215318/https://www.wired.com/story/stop-meme-ing-taylor-swift/|url-status=live}} De Elizabeth from InStyle opined "a lack of outright activism allowed Swift to become a punching bag".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/taylor-swift-new-song-criticism-political-controversy|title=Taylor Swift Finally Got Political — Why Isn't It Enough?|first=De|last=Elizabeth|magazine=InStyle|date=June 18, 2019|access-date=June 24, 2019|archive-date=June 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620080932/https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/taylor-swift-new-song-criticism-political-controversy|url-status=live}} Actor Brian Jordan Alvarez praised the video in an interview with IndieWire, stating that he is "completely grateful anytime anyone, especially someone with a huge platform, expresses positivity, love, and support for the LGBTQ community."{{cite web |last=Dry |first=Jude |date=June 21, 2019 |title=Queer Filmmakers React to Controversial Taylor Swift Video: Do We Need to Calm Down? |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/06/taylor-swift-gay-music-video-you-need-to-calm-down-lgbt-filmmakers-react-1202151961/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622121549/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/06/taylor-swift-gay-music-video-you-need-to-calm-down-lgbt-filmmakers-react-1202151961/ |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |access-date=June 23, 2019 |website=IndieWire}} Actor Billy Eichner praised Swift's activism, saying "[the LGBT community needs] all the allies we can get."{{cite news |last=Nickolai |first=Nate |date=June 24, 2019 |title=Billy Eichner on Taylor Swift's 'Calm Down' Backlash |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/billy-eichner-taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-backlash-1203252241/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625222229/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/billy-eichner-taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-backlash-1203252241/ |archive-date=June 25, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |magazine=Variety}} Fashion designer and television personality Tan France, who appeared in the video, called Swift a "powerful ally" and remarked that while LGBT people are often encouraged to take their time to come out, the same is not extended to allies.{{cite news |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Queer Eye star Tan France defends Taylor Swift as a 'powerful ally' for the LGBTQ+ community after some accused her of being opportunistic |url=https://www.insider.com/tan-france-defends-taylor-swift-after-lgbtq-backlash-2019-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828155931/https://www.insider.com/tan-france-defends-taylor-swift-after-lgbtq-backlash-2019-7 |archive-date=August 28, 2022 |access-date=July 12, 2019 |website=Business Insider}}

The song was nominated for nine awards at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, including the category Video of the Year, becoming the most nominated video of the night. It is also Swift's second victory for Video of the Year following "Bad Blood" in 2015, joining Beyoncé and Rihanna as the only female acts to win the category twice and the fourth artist overall.{{Cite news |last=Roth |first=Madeline |date=July 23, 2019 |title=Ariana, Taylor, Billie, and Lil Nas X Lead Your 2019 VMA Nominations |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3132380/2019-vma-nominations-taylor-swift-ariana-grande-billie-eilish-lil-nas-x/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727222343/http://www.mtv.com/news/3132380/2019-vma-nominations-taylor-swift-ariana-grande-billie-eilish-lil-nas-x/ |archive-date=July 27, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2019 |work= |publisher=MTV News}}{{cite news |last=Lynch |first=Joe |date=August 19, 2019 |title=2019 VMAs Reveal Three New Fan-Voted Categories, Pre-Show Performers: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8527728/2019-vmas-pre-show-performers-exclusive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819200429/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8527728/2019-vmas-pre-show-performers-exclusive |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |magazine=Billboard}} It also won Video for Good. The song was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, becoming her third nod in the category, following "Shake It Off" (2015) and "Blank Space" (2016).

On June 1, 2019, Swift initiated a petition on Change.org, titled "Support the Equality Act", in favor of the United States Senate's support in passing the pro-LGBT "Equality Act" in the country's Congress; the act bans discrimination "on the basis of the sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition of an individual, as well as because of sex-based stereotypes".{{Cite web|url=https://mashable.com/article/taylor-swift-vmas-equality-act-petition-speech/|title=Taylor Swift called out Trump for ignoring her Equality Act petition at the VMAs|last=Welsh|first=Caitlin|website=Mashable|date=27 August 2019|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412121259/https://mashable.com/article/taylor-swift-vmas-equality-act-petition-speech/|archive-date=2020-04-12|access-date=2020-04-12}} A message urging the viewers to sign the petition appears at the end of the "You Need to Calm Down" music video; it states: "Let's show our pride by demanding that, on a national level, our laws truly treat all of our citizens equally. Please sign my petition for Senate support of the Equality Act on Change.org".{{Cite web|url=https://www.elitedaily.com/p/heres-how-to-sign-taylor-swifts-petition-supporting-the-equality-act-18700857|title=Here's How To Sign Taylor Swift's Petition Supporting The Equality Act|last=Boyle|first=Kelli|date=August 27, 2019|website=Elite Daily|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412115326/https://www.elitedaily.com/p/heres-how-to-sign-taylor-swifts-petition-supporting-the-equality-act-18700857|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=2020-04-12}} As of April 12, 2020, the petition had over 704,000 signatures, including those from Democratic senators and presidential candidates like Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Ed Markey, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tim Kaine, Cory Brooker and Beto O'Rourke. Swift also addressed a letter to Republican senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, her home state, asking him and the other senators to support the act:{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2019-08-27/taylor-swift-white-house-equality-act|title=Taylor Swift called out the White House at the VMAs. Here's her Equality Act petition, explained|last=Díaz|first=Alexa|date=2019-08-27|website=Los Angeles Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412115329/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2019-08-27/taylor-swift-white-house-equality-act|archive-date=2020-04-12|access-date=2020-04-12}} "For American citizens to be denied jobs or housing based on who they love or how they identify is un-American and cruel".{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/25/taylor-swifts-new-song-drives-donations-to-this-lgbtq-advocacy-group.html|title=Taylor Swift's new song 'You need to calm down' drives donations to LGBTQ advocacy group, but not without critics|last=Mitra|first=Mallika|date=2019-06-25|website=CNBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505195952/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/25/taylor-swifts-new-song-drives-donations-to-this-lgbtq-advocacy-group.html|archive-date=2020-05-05|access-date=2020-04-12}}

The release of "You Need to Calm Down" further led to a spike in individual donations to GLAAD, an American LGBT non-governmental organization, as the lyrics of the song namechecks the organization: "why are you mad when you could be GLAAD?". In response, GLAAD started a Facebook fundraiser for fans to support the advocacy work for Pride Month, with $1300 as a goal since 13 is Swift's lucky number.{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8516079/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-glaad-donations|title=Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down' Leads to Spike in GLAAD Donations|date=2019-06-14|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-04-12|archive-date=2020-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505013534/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8516079/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-glaad-donations|url-status=live}} Anthony Ramos, Director of Talent Management at GLAAD, stated that Swift "is one of the world's biggest pop stars; the fact that she continues to use her platform and music to support the LGBTQ community and the Equality Act is a true sign of being an ally. 'You Need to Calm Down' is the perfect Pride anthem, and we're thrilled to see Taylor standing with the LGBTQ community to promote inclusivity, equality, and acceptance this Pride month". Ramos also highlighted that many of the individual donations were made in the amount of $13. Sarah Kate, the CEO and President of GLAAD, stated: "Taylor Swift continues to use her platform to speak out against discrimination and create a world where everyone can live the life they love. GLAAD is so thankful for her donation to support our advocacy efforts and for her ongoing work to speak out for what is fair, just, and LGBTQ inclusive. In today's divisive political and cultural climate, we need more allies like Taylor, who send positive and uplifting messages to LGBTQ people everywhere".{{Cite web|url=https://www.glaad.org/blog/fans-celebrate-twitter-after-taylor-swift-shouts-out-glaad-and-lgbtq-people-new-pride-themed|title=Fans Celebrate on Twitter After Taylor Swift Shouts Out GLAAD and LGBTQ People in New Pride-Themed Anthem 'You Need to Calm Down'|last=Harvey|first=Spencer|date=2019-06-14|website=GLAAD|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412133535/https://www.glaad.org/blog/fans-celebrate-twitter-after-taylor-swift-shouts-out-glaad-and-lgbtq-people-new-pride-themed|archive-date=2020-04-12|access-date=2020-04-12}}

{{Blockquote|text=I just want to say that this is a fan-voted award, so I first want to say thank you to the fans, because in this video several points were made, so you voting for this video means that you want a world, where we're all treated equally under the law, regardless of who we love, regardless of how we identify. At the end of this video, there was a petition and there still is a petition for the Equality Act, which basically just says we all deserve equal rights under the law. I want to thank everyone who signed that petition because it now has a half a million signatures, which is five times the amount that it would need to warrant a response from the White House.|author=Swift|title=in her Video of the Year speech at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.|source=}}

On August 26, 2019, Swift won the Video of the Year award for the "You Need to Calm Down" music video at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards; in her speech, Swift urged the audience and the viewers to sign her petition, and pointed out that the White House has not responded to the petition despite having "five times the amount of signatures that it would need to warrant a response". The televised speech led to a surge in the number of signatures on the petition.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5662540/taylor-swift-vma-2019-equality-act/|title=Taylor Swift Used Her 2019 VMAs Speech to Advocate for the Equality Act|last=McCluskey|first=Megan|date=August 27, 2019|magazine=Time|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603181020/https://time.com/5662540/taylor-swift-vma-2019-equality-act/|archive-date=June 3, 2020|access-date=2020-04-12}} The next day, the White House issued a statement. Judd Deere, the White House deputy Press Secretary, stated that "the Trump administration absolutely opposes discrimination of any kind and supports the equal treatment of all; however, the House-passed bill in its current form is filled with poison pills that threaten to undermine parental and conscience rights".{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8528552/taylor-swifts-equality-act-petition-white-house-response|title=White House Responds to Taylor Swift's Equality Act Petition After VMAs|date=2019-08-27|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-04-12|archive-date=2020-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412122046/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8528552/taylor-swifts-equality-act-petition-white-house-response|url-status=live}} "You Need to Calm Down" went on to become a gay anthem.{{Cite web|last=Henderson|first=Taylor|date=September 18, 2019|title=The 50 Best Gay Anthems of the 2010s|url=https://www.pride.com/music/2019/9/18/50-best-gay-anthems-2010s|access-date=January 31, 2021|website=Pride.com|language=en|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206060538/https://www.pride.com/music/2019/9/18/50-best-gay-anthems-2010s|url-status=live}}

File:Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Lover Set (53109587454) (cropped2).jpg in 2023 and 2024.|alt=Swift in a sparkling bodysuit]]

Swift performed the song live for the first time at the Amazon Prime Day Concert on July 10, 2019.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8519518/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-amazon-prime-day-concert|title=Taylor Swift Performed 'You Need to Calm Down' For the First Time at Amazon Prime Day Concert: Watch|magazine=Billboard|date=July 11, 2019|access-date=July 11, 2019|archive-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711063955/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8519518/taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-amazon-prime-day-concert|url-status=live}} On August 22, she performed the song at a Good Morning America concert in Central Park.{{cite news|title=Taylor Swift Performs 'Lover' Tracks, Talks Re-Recording Albums on 'GMA'|date=August 22, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Shaffer|first=Claire|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-lover-good-morning-america-874982/|access-date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=August 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823225221/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-lover-good-morning-america-874982/|url-status=live}} The next day, she performed an acoustic rendition of the song at a SiriusXM Town Hall.{{cite news|title=Taylor Swift Reveals Which 'Lover' Song She May Never Play Live During SiriusXM Town Hall|date=August 23, 2019|magazine=Billboard|last=Warner|first=Denise|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8528223/taylor-swift-acoustic-versions-lover-siriusxm|access-date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=August 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824112949/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8528223/taylor-swift-acoustic-versions-lover-siriusxm|url-status=live}} She also performed it at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards along with "Lover"{{cite magazine |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |title=Watch Taylor Swift Open 2019 VMAs with 'You Need to Calm Down,' 'Lover' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-lover-album-you-need-to-calm-down-vmas-876340/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 2, 2019 |date=August 26, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827015027/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-lover-album-you-need-to-calm-down-vmas-876340/ |url-status=live }} and included the song in her setlist for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge on September 2.{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-covers-phil-collins-cant-stop-loving-you-listen/ |title=Taylor Swift Covers Phil Collins' "Can't Stop Loving You": Listen |last1=Hussey |first1=Allison |last2=Monroe |first2=Jazz |date=September 2, 2019 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=September 2, 2019 |archive-date=September 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902183347/https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-covers-phil-collins-cant-stop-loving-you-listen/ |url-status=live }} On September 9, Swift performed the song at the City of Lover one-off concert in Paris, France;{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/taylor-swift-city-of-lover-concert-review|title=Taylor Swift's The City of Lover concert: a triumphant yet intimate celebration of her fans and career|last=Mylrea|first=Hannah|website=NME|date=September 10, 2019|access-date=September 12, 2019|archive-date=September 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916000640/https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/taylor-swift-city-of-lover-concert-review|url-status=live}} this concert live version was released to digital music and music streaming platforms on May 17, 2020.{{Cite magazine|title=Taylor Swift City of Lover Concert: 8 Best Moments|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9379488/taylor-swift-city-of-lover-concert-best-moments|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|date=May 17, 2020|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 25, 2020|archive-date=May 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525151530/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9379488/taylor-swift-city-of-lover-concert-best-moments|url-status=live}} While promoting Lover, Swift performed the song at the We Can Survive charity concert in Los Angeles on October 19,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8533602/taylor-swift-lizzo-camila-cabello-we-can-survive|title=Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish & More Supported a Great Cause at 7th Annual We Can Survive Concert: Recap|last=Aniftos|first=Rania|magazine=Billboard|date=October 20, 2019|access-date=October 23, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022021203/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8533602/taylor-swift-lizzo-camila-cabello-we-can-survive|url-status=live}} at the Alibaba Singles' Day Gala in Shanghai, China on November 10,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8543200/taylor-swift-performance-shanghai-china-2019-alibaba-singles-day|title=Taylor Swift Performs 'Lover,' 'You Need to Calm Down' & 'ME!' in Shanghai: Watch|last=Iasimone|first=Ashley|magazine=Billboard|date=November 10, 2019|access-date=November 13, 2019|archive-date=November 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111050954/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8543200/taylor-swift-performance-shanghai-china-2019-alibaba-singles-day|url-status=live}} at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball 2019 in London on December 8,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8545722/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-live-video-capital-fm-jingle-bell-ball|title=Taylor Swift Performs 'Christmas Tree Farm' Live for the First Time at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball: Watch|last=Iasimone|first=Ashley|magazine=Billboard|date=December 8, 2019|access-date=December 9, 2019|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208234825/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8545722/taylor-swift-christmas-tree-farm-live-video-capital-fm-jingle-bell-ball|url-status=live}} and at iHeartRadio Z100's Jingle Ball in New York City on December 13.{{cite web|url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-12-13-taylor-swift-brings-holiday-cheer-to-jingle-ball-with-christmas-tree-farm/|title=Taylor Swift Brings Holiday Cheer to Jingle Ball with "Christmas Tree Farm"|last=Mastrogiannis|first=Nicole|website=iHeartRadio|date=December 14, 2019|access-date=December 14, 2019|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214064048/https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-12-13-taylor-swift-brings-holiday-cheer-to-jingle-ball-with-christmas-tree-farm/|url-status=live}} Swift included "You Need to Calm Down" on the set list of her sixth headlining concert tour, the Eras Tour (2023–2024) with the first verse being omitted.{{Cite web |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=2023-03-18 |title=Taylor Swift Eras Tour: The Full Setlist From Opening Night |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-eras-tour-setlist-1235552488/ |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318073358/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-eras-tour-setlist-1235552488/ |url-status=live }}

British rock band Yonaka covered the song for their Spotify Singles edition in August 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/yonaka-cover-taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-2538301|title=Hear Yonaka's rocking cover of Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down'|first=Sofiana|last=Ramli|website=NME|date=August 15, 2019|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=August 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823132929/https://www.nme.com/news/music/yonaka-cover-taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down-2538301|url-status=live}} American singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson covered the song in an episode of her television show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, to commemorate the 2020 Pride Month.{{cite web|title= Kelly Clarkson covers Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down" for LGBTQ fans|date= 30 June 2020|url= https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2020/06/kelly-clarkson-covers-taylor-swifts-need-calm-lgbtq-fans/|access-date= 2020-07-02|archive-date= 2020-07-03|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200703012811/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2020/06/kelly-clarkson-covers-taylor-swifts-need-calm-lgbtq-fans/|url-status= live}} "You Need to Calm Down" was featured in a commercial for Amazon Music.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8527776/taylor-swift-cruel-summer-easter-egg-amazon-music|title=Taylor Swift Drops 'Cruel Summer' Easter Egg in Amazon Music Ad|last=Iasimono|first=Ashley|magazine=Billboard|date=August 19, 2019|access-date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820122727/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8527776/taylor-swift-cruel-summer-easter-egg-amazon-music|url-status=live}} In June 2021, as part of a project on human rights, students of Barking and Dagenham College made a video to "You Need to Calm Down" for Pride Month.{{Cite web|last=King|first=Jonathan|date=June 30, 2021|title=Youngsters mark Pride Month with video featuring Taylor Swift track|url=https://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/students-mark-pride-month-in-music-video-8097874|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=Barking and Dagenham Post|language=en-UK|archive-date=June 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630060609/https://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/students-mark-pride-month-in-music-video-8097874|url-status=live}} The song was used in a commercial Swift narrated for the United States women's national soccer team competing at the 2020 Summer Olympics.{{Cite web|title=Taylor Swift hypes up the USWNT|url=https://www.nbcolympics.com/videos/taylor-swift-hypes-uswnt|access-date=July 30, 2021|agency=NBC Olympics|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730104141/https://www.nbcolympics.com/videos/taylor-swift-hypes-uswnt|url-status=live}}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Lover

• Taylor Swift – vocals, songwriter, producer
• Joel Little – producer, songwriter, drum programmer, keyboard, recording engineer
• Şerban Ghenea – mixer
• John Hanes – mix engineer

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "You Need to Calm Down"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=6|type=single|relyear=2018|certyear=2024|access-date=June 14, 2024|refname="ARIA"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need to Calm Down|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|access-date=May 29, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need To Calm Down|award=Diamond|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|access-date=May 1, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|award=Gold|id=11269|relyear=2019|certyear=2022|accessdate=3 May 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need to Calm Down|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|id=11913|access-date=March 18, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need to Calm Down|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|id=11913|access-date=January 15, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need to Calm Down|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|access-date=January 8, 2025|source=radioscope|refname="rmnz"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need to Calm Down|region=Norway|relyear=2019|certyear=2021|award=Platinum|type=single|access-date=April 30, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need to Calm Down|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|access-date=July 17, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need to Calm Down|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2020|id=file_2021-01-06-12-15-58.pdf|access-date=September 21, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need to Calm Down|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|access-date=August 26, 2024|id=taylor-swift-you-need-to-calm-down}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Taylor Swift|title=You Need To Calm Down|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2019|certyear=2025|id=15857-1598-1|access-date=February 15, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry| region=United States|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|artist= Taylor Swift|title= You Need To Calm Down |certyear=2020|relyear=2019}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true|streaming=true|nosales=true}}

{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

• List of Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles in 2019
• List of number-one digital songs of 2019 (U.S.)
• List of number one singles in Scotland (2019)
• List of UK top-ten singles in 2019
• List of top 10 singles in 2019 (Australia)

{{div col end}}

{{reflist}}

{{Taylor Swift songs}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Video with a Social Message}}

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Category:2019 songs

Category:2019 singles

Category:Taylor Swift songs

Category:Republic Records singles

Category:American synth-pop songs

Category:LGBTQ-related songs

Category:Protest songs

Category:Songs about the media

Category:Songs about racism and xenophobia

Category:Songs written by Taylor Swift

Category:Songs written by Joel Little

Category:Song recordings produced by Taylor Swift

Category:Song recordings produced by Joel Little

Category:Music videos directed by Taylor Swift

Category:MTV Video of the Year Award

Category:MTV Video Music Award for Best Video with a Social Message

Category:Electropop songs

Category:Cultural depictions of Cher

Category:Cultural depictions of Lady Gaga

Category:Cultural depictions of Beyoncé