Review: Taylor Swift, “Teardrops On My Guitar”

Taylor Swift, “Teardrops On My Guitar”

Not a bad song, but the vocal lays flat during the verses. She sounds like an amateur until the chorus, where the production and a stronger melody carry her across the finish line.

She has talent, no doubt, but her lack of maturity is showing. It was an asset in conveying the innocence of “Tim McGraw”, but she tries to dig deeper here and she isn’t able to pull it off, even though the sentiment of the song is still fairly adolescent.

Grade: C

Listen Now: Teardrops On My Guitar

Buy Now: Teardrops On My Guitar

91 Comments

  1. My thoughts exactly. When I first heard “Tim McGraw” I thought that while Taylor’s songwriting was strong her lyrics were too naive to be commercially successful. Obviously, I was wrong with regards to that cut, but I think that this single sounds too much like something out of a high school talent show to do well on the radio.

    Of the songs on Taylor’s album, I think “Picture to Burn” would make an excellent single. While there’s a risk that it’ll blend in with all the similarly-themed “fiery” female songs currently on the radio (“Before He Cheats,” “Red High Heels,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” etc.) it’s a strong cut and such songs have been well received lately.

  2. I absolutely love the song “teardrops on my guitar”. Any teenager can relate to it and know exactly where Taylor comes from. Although I do agree that she coud have shown her wonderful vocals a little more, but it is a really good song.

  3. i love this song i think it is a song that all of us girls in high school can relate to..
    i think that is you really listin she puts her soul in it not just her voic

  4. OMG i so love this song it is so true that happin to me i have liked this guy for like 15 years and he never notice it and he graduated last year and i never got to tell him because he was with this really pretty girl and i knew he would never like me…so i said just forget it…and we are still friends but he knows nothing…may b one day ill tell him but not any day soon….

  5. hey!!!!
    teardrops on my guitar is the awesomest song i have ever heard…keep up the good work taylor!! you are one of my favirote singers and you will b more famous in the years to come.

  6. It seems to be her target audience, which makes sense given her age. Maybe it’s because pop music was dead when I was a teenager (1993-1997 especially), but I liked music for adults even back then. Glad they have their own music, but I have no use for it. Can’t begrudge them it , but I can’t give it a good review, either.

  7. OMG, I love this song its like the song that suits me and one of guys friends!?!? He goin out with the girl thats so pretty and he dosent even have a clue i like him!?!? This has been the best song on the rideo in like forever!?!? Good Work Taylor love your song!!!??!!! =]

  8. OMG! This song is related to a situation I’m in..BEST SONG EVER!!!
    I think it’s cool hoe famous people are just like any normal person that has love problems…usually like all the songs are about getting whatever they want and having the PERFECT life..her songs are REAL!! I wish I had your talent Taylor!! I’d give anything to sing like you and write great songs..your lucky.

  9. it makes me think of my boyfriend.and when i here it i just want to cry. it is my fav song and also when i here it it makes me think.

  10. WOW!! This song is great! Even though the lyrics are “immature”, SO many teens can relate to it!! Her whole album is great…I encourage anyone who likes Teardrops on my Guitar to buy the CD because it’s really awesome. She’s a great singer first off and the fact that she also has written all the songs on her album adds to her already impressive voice. I hope she keeps this up, us in the teen world love her work!

  11. I LOVE this song.
    I can totaly relate to this…
    My boyfriend left me for another girl at our school.
    my guitar was right beside me after.
    I was trying to find the strenght to play.
    You wouldn’t believe how dry it still was afterward.
    Anyway…
    Keep singing and following your dreams.
    Never stop til’ you reach the top.

  12. i love the song so much!!!!!! i’m in this singing compitition and i’m thinking about singing it. i can so relate to it. u r great Taylor.

  13. this song is the best song for me because i use to like a guy name drew and he would look at me and i’d look back at him but he liked this other girl that was prettyer than me.

  14. this song is the best song for me because i use to like a guy name drew and he would look at me and i’d look back at him but he liked this other girl that was prettyer than me. oh she sing so good

  15. Ofmg this is the best song i have ever heard. It reminds me of my own life.. I had liked this guy for like 3 years and then he got a girlfriend but, i was still shy to be around him so it was like taylor was writing the song about me.. So thank you taylor for writing this song i listen to it 24/7

  16. I actually like this song, but I have to laugh, too. It’s like a new genre: “teeny-bopper country.” I wonder if others will follow Taylor’s lead?

  17. Taylor is pretty good for most girls that young, but I seriously just laugh when I hear the song. She sounds so obsessed about him like “I’ll put his picture down and finally get some sleep at night” or something like that. The song isn’t bad, but I can’t take it seriously. Her vocals are not the best but she can sing for a girl that young and she will grow with her voice and get better. I give her a C+

  18. I have to say I really like this song… it brings me back to high school and reminds me of how much in love i thought i was in. She seems to be very strong in this song and it may help with all the other young girls who fall and need help getting back up. very good song. keep playing it on the radio.

  19. I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH BECAUSE ITS ONE OF THE SONGS THAT RELATES TO ME AND HOW I HAVE GOT HEARTBROKEN OVER THE GUY I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT HAS AMAZING TALENT SHE INSPIRES ME TO BE A SONGWRITER SHE HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT.

  20. your my favorite singer ur the best i luv this song but i reall really luv our song its so awsome i luv your music i wish i could sing with u i live in eldorado my adress is 256 old burton gin rd at caledonia

  21. this song is so good and it makes me cry every time i hear it taylor is such a good singer and she writes these songs from the heart i wish i had har talent

  22. THIS SONG IS AWESOME. HER MUSIC IS AWESOME. THIS SONG DESERVES AN A. I love her songs because most of it has to deal with life. Like this song. the same thing happend to me. I don’t know it was still popular so im glad

  23. taylor you in spire me so much my hope and dreams are to meet you I am only 12 years old and I sing really good ask my family im in padgents but i dont sing as good as you and your song tear drops on my guitar my mom says thats the best song I’ve ever sang so I hope you can email me back soon because it would mean the world to me you are way way way better than Carrie Underwood you should win all those awards so I hope and pray I can talk to you later

    Love,
    Kaela

  24. i loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the song

  25. wow!?!\
    that pretty much explains everything about this song !
    one day i was riding in the car and i never listen to country music so the station was on country and that song was on and from then on out i listen to all your songs i love all of your songs
    my favs.:”Teardrops On My Guitar” and “Our Song”
    just because most girlz these days can totally relate to this!!!!

    Sarah Loves Ya

  26. you are the most prettiest girl i have ever saw in my entire life and i love this song i so wanna be like you when i grow up hopefully i will get to meet you one day and we can sit down and sing the song together
    luv ya
    Sarah Moses

  27. Taylor ,I LOVE THIS SONG! i could listen to it a million times.i also love the lyrics.every time i hear this song it makes my cry and think about a every special person is my life.this song needs a A+ not a C+.i guess they have never heard the song haha.my dream is to meet you one day.i wish i could sing just like you are a AWSOME singer in the world.

    your #1 fan
    julie,

  28. I think that this song is awesome and I’d give it an a+++ it really hits home for most girls. I’m a Taylor Swift fan and I say this song is more amazing than Tim McGraw and Our Song. That may be your opinion but I’m sure many many many people like me would totally disagree.

  29. I can’t help but be impressed by such a young singer who writes all of her own songs. This is something that Tanya Tucker and LeAnne Rhimes cannot claim. I also like that her instrumentation is a bit more sparse and lighter than a lot of the pop country that exists now. I, however, must acknowledge that her lyrics need some maturing; I hope that homeschooling has been giving her the education that she needs in order to create more sophisticated lyrics in the future.:)

    I love the banjo on her song, “Our Song.” I like that she cleverly analogizes a relationship to a song, which is often what a song turns out to represent in the end…a soundtrack to a relationship, of sorts. The issue that I take with this song, however, is the line where she says something about talking on the telephone “real slow” because his mama doesn’t know. I’m not really sure what talking slow will accomplish as far as hiding that you’re on the phone from your mom. Perhaps she should have said “low” instead of “slow”?

    I guess I never really addressed what this post was all about in the first place, which was “Tears On My Guitar.” I think the song was pretty catchy if not dramatic. Then again, high school experiences seem rather dramatic to a teen; it’s not like she didn’t capture the teenage heart…and while we may not all be teenagers anymore, we once were and should be able to relate in some way.

  30. Hi! Taylor, your lyrics are awesome, and I hope you get a video for “Our Song” soon. Because that is better than most anything else I’ve heard. I love your style of music! Just wanted to let you know =)!

  31. I LOVE this song , my life is the same exact situation its my fav, and it will never change! So keep on SINGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  32. taylor swift is one of my idols and i think she is an incredible addition to country music and she will have a long successful career. her songs relate to any teenage girl and however adolescent that may seem to others i think its perfect, she sings songs her age! she has a unique voice all her own and i think its amazing. every song ive heard from her is one of my favorites including our song and tim mcgraw …and her lyrics hit close to home w/ me in all her songs….plus she pretty, and a good role model…shes a shoe-in for country legends

  33. ne thing i cannot understand is how people can believe she need maturing in her lyrics! i think they are perfect, she says what every girl feels simply, and if you analyze the lyrics closely there are many clever analogies and symbolistic meaning ..and she only 18 writing her own music which has already gained hits and awards so early in her career …teardrops on my guitar, our song id lie, i mean you cant have worded them any better

    shes a teenager and her songs are coming from a teenage girl what needs to be mature about them, i think whatever needs to change ( nothing if you ask me) will change as she grows

    i know that many adults much older than she cant even have come close , sometimes its not about being comlicated its about being simple

    taylor swift is great<3

  34. I think the remix of the song makes it better than the original, since it tells me that it probably would have sounded better as a more uptempo country song. It works better than the slow pace in the album version and the country radio remix.

  35. Taylor your awsome!!! i don’t think that I’ll ever be as cool as you!! EVER. everytime i listen to your album i could cry!!! The songs are beautiful…and so are you!!!
    p.s. mary’s song is my fave!!! oh who am i kidden all of the songs are my fave.!

  36. YOUR MY #1 ROLE MODEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i luv TAYLOR SWIFT.

  37. taylor my girlfriend sangShould’ve Said No to me, and then after she broke up with me for goin out with her friend! :-(

  38. Kevin, I can’t believe all these compliments that these commenters are giving you. They’re calling you gorgeous, they want to be like you … you’ve really made an impression with your Country Universe fans.

    ;-)

  39. Taylor Swift helped mew alot threw what i was going threw when I was going to my bestfriend to tell him that i liked him this girl came by and he slapped her but then kissed her he broke my heart……but he said sorry then a week later he hit me…..i had to have surgery and while i was in the ER room they had music playing and it was teardrops on my guitar ands it kinda made me feel better…

    <3 Ashley Bleak

  40. I love this song. It has such great meaning and sounds really good. I love Taylor Swifts voice and she’s so pretty. This song is so sad but true. I love it.
    x3x3x3x3x3x3x3x3x3x3x3 this song!!!!

  41. Taylor swift is a really good singer i really like the song ”OUR SONG” all the songs she has took her time they are some really good songs when ever i listen to her songs when ever i am depressed over a guy or whatever her songs really inspire me make me feel good i cant belive what her songs had done for me all her good songs has changed my life over all boys

  42. taylor swift rocks! she’s awsome!her songs “tear drops on my guitar” is my favorite song.i had a friend over yesterday and she got tiered of hearing it.lol.i like our song 2 but not as much!

    melissa

  43. About a C+ actually.

    She really isn’t that strong a vocalist and her songwriting, while I think it will eventually mature and produce song excellent songs, currently seems aimed at the Hannah Montana set> It is quite good for what it is and for its target audience, but of little interest to adults

  44. I think Taylor has a very strong voice and is a very incredible singer. Her lyrics have a strong meaning, too and touched my heart everytime I heard them.

  45. I LOVE YOU AND UR SONGS U R SUCH A GOOD SINGER AND HOPE WHEN I GROW UP ILL BE JUST LIKE U !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  46. BY THE WAY “SHOULDVE SAID NO ” ” OUR SONG ”
    AND TEAR DROPS ON MY GUITAR” ARE MY FAV.
    IM 12 YEARS LD AND NO ALL THE LYRICS TO ALL UR SONGS

  47. im no expert at this stuff but what i do know is that you people have no right is saying that taylor swift is immature (and i love the tim mcgraw song) and anyways she maght be a really mature person and just losens up in her songs so that teenage girls (like myself) will understand her songs and for all you know she might sing flat on purpose i think it adds character to the song in making it deprssed of course i dont think d**n is necessary in the song but taylor swift is like one of the awsomest country singers ever

  48. omg… i love the song teardrops on my guitar.. it is practically the story of my life!!! I really like this guy-one of my best friends- but grad. dance is coming up an dhe told me who he was gonna ask and he cant stop talking about her… every night i thin of it and every “song in the car” reminds me of HIM!!! i can totally relate to this song and every time i hear it it remindds me of him! this sing totally deserves an A+++++ and she is NOT anything like hannah montana!! she is 10x better and can actually sing!!! anyway all her song are totally amazin and soo relateable!!

  49. Taylor is HORRIBLE live. I am 18 & even think her music is for 14yr. olds. Her lyrics are generic-not anything special. She also looks pathetic trying to look sexy when her body looks like a 10yr. boy- no curves.
    I think she is so overrated. I think most teens don’t really know music until they get older.

  50. taylor your the best my friend kristen and i love your music so much we sing it to geter all the time and kristens in 5th grade and im in 4th grade your great singer and i want to be just like you ialways sing all your songs my favorite one is pichter to burn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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