Eldest Daughter Lyrics – Taylor Swift
Eldest Daughter Lyrics
[Verse 1] Everybody’s so punk on the internet, Everyone’s unbothered till they’re not. Every joke’s just trolling and memes — Sad as it seems, apathy is hot. Everybody’s cutthroat in the comments, Every single hot take is cold as ice. When you found me, i said i was busy — that was a lie.
[Pre-Chorus] I have been afflicted by a terminal uniqueness. I’ve been dying just from trying to seem cool.
[Chorus] But i’m not a bad bitch, and this isn’t savage, But i’m never gonna let you down. I’m never gonna leave you out.
So many traitors, smooth operators, But i’m never gonna break that vow. I’m never gonna leave you now. Now, now.
[Verse 2] You know, the last time i laughed this hard was On the trampoline in somebody’s backyard. I must’ve been about eight or nine — That was the night i fell off and broke my arm.
Pretty soon, i learned cautious discretion, When your first crush crushes something kind. When i said i don’t believe in marriage — that was a lie.
[Pre-Chorus] Every eldest daughter Was the first lamb to the slaughter, So we all dressed up as wolves, and we looked fire.
[Chorus] But i’m not a bad bitch, and this isn’t savage, But i’m never gonna let you down. I’m never gonna leave you out.
So many traitors, smooth operators, But i’m never gonna break that vow. I’m never gonna leave you now, now, now.
[Bridge] We lie back — A beautiful, beautiful time lapse. Ferris wheels, kisses, and lilacs, And things i said were dumb ‘Cause i thought that i’d never find that Beautiful, beautiful life that (ah), Shimmers that innocent light back, Like when we were young.
Every youngest child felt They were raised up in the wild — But now you’re home.
[Chorus] ‘Cause i’m not a bad bitch, And this isn’t savage, And i’m never gonna let you down. I’m never gonna leave you out. So many traitors, smooth operators (ah, ah), But i’m never gonna break that vow (never gonna break that vow). I’m never gonna leave you now. Now, now.
[Outro] Never gonna break that vow (ooh), Never gonna leave you now, now. I’m never gonna leave you now.
About the song
“Eldest Daughter” is the fifth track on Taylor Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl. The song explores the emotional complexity of being the first-born child, touching on themes like responsibility, expectations, and leadership within the family. It is expected to be a deeply personal and introspective track, fitting with Taylor’s tradition of using her fifth track to share some of her most vulnerable feelings. At over four minutes long, it stands out as one of the more reflective and emotionally rich moments on the album.
Within the context of The Life of a Showgirl, “Eldest Daughter” adds to the album’s broader themes of identity and the challenges of balancing public life with private emotions. The album captures the contrast between the glamorous, theatrical side of fame and the more intimate, sometimes difficult moments behind the scenes. This song highlights personal growth and the weight of family roles, offering a thoughtful and poignant perspective that complements the album’s exploration of self and performance.
This song talks about how people act tough or uncaring online, pretending they don’t care about anything — but deep down, they do. The singer admits they’ve done the same, trying to seem cool and unaffected, even lying to protect their image. They reflect on how hard it is to stay true and kind in a world full of sarcasm, judgment, and emotional distance. Behind the jokes and cold comments, there’s a real longing to be honest, vulnerable, and connected.
The chorus shifts to something more personal and hopeful. The singer says they’re not trying to be “savage” or a “bad bitch” — they’re just someone who values loyalty and love. They remember moments from childhood and past pain but also growth. Through it all, they promise to stay by someone’s side, never leaving or betraying them. It’s a soft rebellion — choosing care, honesty, and emotional depth in a world that often sees those things as weak.
Song Credits
Song: Eldest Daughter
Album: The Life of a Showgirl
Artist: Taylor Swift
Lyricist: Taylor Swift
Musician: Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor Swift
Label: Taylor Swift