The Story of Us

## Music Video

**The Story of Us** is the seventh track and fourth single of Taylor's third album Speak Now. It was released on October 25, 2010. It became a single on April 19, 2011.

## Meaning and Background

> "The "Story of Us" is a song that I wrote about an awkward situation where, well… Let me just preface by saying that I have happened to run into exes in strange places lately. This is about one of those situations where the strange place that I ran into him was an awards show. I was seated a couple of seats away from him and there was so much that needed to be said, and neither one of us was willing to say it. We were both acting like we were engaged in conversations with people that we don't even know. It was just miserable. I was telling my Mom about it later, and I said I felt like I was standing alone in a crowded room. And then I was like, "Gotta go. Bye!" And my Mom is used to that at this point so, that's what this song is about."
>
> - Taylor about The Story of Us

The ex and award show Taylor is referring to are John Mayer and the 2010 CMT Music Awards.

## Music Video

The music video was released on May 24, 2011. It was directed by Noble Jones. Taylor's ex is played by Caleb Campbell.

**Storyline**

The video starts with Taylor sitting in a library. A title card 'Chapter 1' appears and Taylor is now singing while standing between bookshelves. Flashbacks show Taylor and a guy having a romantic time at the library. Next, Taylor is seen walking past students studying, looking for a place to sit. A title card 'Next chapter' appears. Taylor notices the guy studying at another table and hides behind her book. She nervously glances at him from time tot time, and at some point he also looks at her. They awkwardly wave at each other. They stand up and walk towards each other. There are shots of the guy secretly making out with a girl at the library and of a guy playing drums with his pencils. Everyone throws their papers while Taylor and the guy stand in front of each other, not knowing what to say. They end up walking away.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
I used to think one day, we'd tell the story of us
How we met, and the sparks flew instantly
And people would say, they're the lucky ones
I used to know my place was a spot next to you
Now I'm searching the room for an empty seat
'Cause lately, I don't even know what page you're on

**[Pre-Chorus]**
Oh, a simple complication
Miscommunications lead to fallout
So many things that I wish you knew
So many walls up, I can't break through

**[Chorus]**
Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room
And we're not speaking
And I'm dying to know
Is it killing you like it's killing me?
Yeah, I don't know what to say
Since the twist of fate when it all broke down
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now
Next chapter

**[Verse 2]**
How'd we end up this way?
See me nervously pulling at my clothes and trying to look busy
And you're doing your best to avoid me
I'm starting to think one day, I'll tell the story of us
Of how I was losing my mind when I saw you here
But you held your pride like you should've held me

**[Pre-Chorus]**
Oh, I'm scared to see the ending
Why are we pretending this is nothing?
I'd tell you I miss you, but I don't know how
I've never heard silence quite this loud

**[Chorus]**
Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room
And we're not speaking
And I'm dying to know
Is it killing you like it's killing me?
Yeah, and I don't know what to say
Since the twist of fate, when it all broke down
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now

**[Bridge]**
This is looking like a contest
Of who can act like they care less
But I liked it better when you were on my side
The battle's in your hands now
But I would lay my armor down
If you say you'd rather love than fight
So many things that you wish I knew
But the story of us might be ending soon

**[Chorus]**
Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room
And we're not speaking
And I'm dying to know
Is it killing you like it's killing me?
Yeah, and I don't know what to say
Since the twist of fate, when it all broke down
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now, now, now

**[Outro]**
And we're not speaking
And I'm dying to know
Is it killing you like it's killing me, yeah?
I don't know what to say since the twist of fate
'Cause we're going down
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now
The End

## Videos

Taylor Swift - The Story Of UsThe Story Of UsThe Story Of Us (Instrumental With Background Vocals)The Story Of Us (Live)

## References

1. ↑ http://www.taylorswift.com/music#/speak\_now/the\_story\_of\_us