Picture to Burn

## Chronology

***Picture to Burn*** is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from the episode "Happiness Is...". It was written by Swift and Liz Rose, and produced by Nathan Chapman. It was released on February 3, 2008 by Big Machine Records and Republic Records as the fourth single from Swift's self-titled debut studio album (2006). It was inspired by the narcissistic and cocky nature of her former high school classmate and ex-boyfriend with whom Swift never established a formal relationship. In retrospect, Swift has stated that she has evolved on a personal level and as a songwriter, claiming she processed emotions differently since "Picture to Burn". The song was chosen as a single based on the audience's reaction to it in concert. Musically, the track is of the country rock genre with prominent usage of guitar, banjo, and drums. The lyrics concern setting fire to photographs of a former boyfriend.
"Picture to Burn" was praised by music critics, some who supported the feminist message. The single was commercially successful, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number three on the country-genre chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over one million downloads. In Canada, it charted within the top 50 and was certified gold. The music video for "Picture to Burn" was directed by Trey Fanjoy and features Swift fantasizing about taking revenge on her ex-boyfriend after she discovers him with another woman. The video also has Swift and her band performing with pyrotechnics as a backdrop. Swift promoted "Picture to Burn" via live performances, including numerous while supporting as opening act for various country artists' concert tours. It was also performed on her first headlining tour, the Fearless Tour (2009–10).

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

State the obvious, I didn't get my perfect fantasy

I realize you love yourself more than you could ever love me

So go and tell your friends that I'm obsessive and crazy

That's fine, you won't mind if I say

By the way

[Chorus]

I hate that stupid old pickup truck you never let me drive

You're a redneck heartbreak who's really bad at lying

So watch me strike a match on all my wasted time

As far as I'm concerned, you're just another picture to burn

[Verse 2]

There's no time for tears

I'm just sitting here planning my revenge

There's nothing stopping me

From going out with all of your best friends

And if you come around saying sorry to me

My daddy's gonna show you how sorry you'll be

[Chorus]

'Cause I hate that stupid old pickup truck you never let me drive

You're a redneck heartbreak who's really bad at lying

So watch me strike a match on all my wasted time

As far as I'm concerned, you're just another picture to burn

[Bridge]

And if you're missing me, you'd better keep it to yourself

'Cause coming back around here would be bad for your health

[Chorus]

'Cause I hate that stupid old pickup truck you never let me drive

You're a redneck heartbreak who's really bad at lying

So watch me strike a match on all my wasted time

In case you haven't heard

I really really hate that

Stupid old pickup truck you never let me drive

You're a redneck heartbreak, who's really bad at lying

So watch me strike a match on all my wasted time

As far as I'm concerned, you're just another picture to burn

[Outro]

Burn, burn, burn, baby, burn

You're just another picture to burn

Baby, burn