Svetlana Velmar-Janković

"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her sixth studio album, Reputation (2017). Written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, the track is a satirical anthem discussing themes such as betrayal, media sensationalism, and the complexities of fame. "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" is widely interpreted as addressing Swift's public feud with the American rapper Kanye West and American media personality Kim Kardashian.

The track was included as the last song on the setlist for her fifth concert tour, Reputation Stadium Tour (2018). It was later performed as a surprise song during her sixth concert tour, the Eras Tour (2023―2024), on three occasions: on guitar at the first Seattle concert on July 22, 2023; on guitar in a mashup with "I Forgot That You Existed" at the Cardiff concert on June 18, 2024, following the forty-third birthday and the retirement announcement of the American businessman Scooter Braun, with whom Swift had a dispute; and was performed on guitar in a mashup with "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys" at the first Toronto concert on November 14, 2024.^[1][2]

After the commercial and critical success of her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014),^[3] Taylor Swift developed Reputation during a period when her work and personal life were under intense media scrutiny and public discussion. In contrast to 1989’s generally upbeat tone, Reputation features a darker and more introspective approach. The release of Reputation marked a significant turning point in Swift's career, following a period of intense scrutiny and controversy. Swift became embroiled in a renewed feud with West. Their conflict, which originated at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards when West interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech for the Best Female Video award, escalated in 2016 with the release of West’s song "Famous". The track included a lyric, wherein he claimed to have made Swift famous, which she publicly condemned. The situation intensified when Kardashian released a recording of a phone call between Swift and West, leading to widespread debate about Swift’s role in approving the lyric and her honesty regarding the situation.^[4][5] "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" reflects this change by pairing upbeat, rhythmic instrumentation with lyrics that comment on betrayal and the impermanence of trust.^[5] In the wake of the controversy, Swift withdrew from the public eye, taking a break from social media and her usual high-profile gatherings. This period of isolation and reflection heavily influenced the themes and tone of Reputation, with "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" serving as one of the album’s most direct and theatrical responses to the events that had unfolded.^[4][6] The song is the thirteenth track on Reputation.^[7]

Musically, "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" is a pop song with elements of synth-pop and stadium rock, featuring bold piano chords, a driving beat, and a production style reminiscent of Broadway show tunes. The song opens with imagery of extravagant parties and carefree celebrations, evoking the opulence and fleeting joy found in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925), a motif that Swift has referenced in interviews and lyrics.^[8][9][6] Lyrically, the song quickly transitions from celebration to confrontation. Swift addresses a betrayal by a former friend, widely interpreted as Kanye West, with lines such as "It was so nice being friends again / There I was giving you a second chance / But then you stabbed my back while shaking my hand," and "Friends don't try to trick you / Get you on the phone and mind-twist you".^[8][4][10] These lyrics are seen as direct references to the infamous phone call incident and the subsequent fallout.^[10]

The bridge of the song is notable for its sarcastic tone, as Swift raises a toast to her "real friends," her then-boyfriend, English actor Joe Alwyn, and her mother Andrea Swift (née Finlay), before mockingly suggesting forgiveness for her adversaries. The moment culminates in Swift breaking into laughter, unable to "say it with a straight face," highlighting the performative nature of public apologies and the insincerity she perceives in her detractors.^[6][9]

"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" was generally well received by music critics and audiences. Upon its release, it quickly became one of the most discussed tracks on Reputation. Critics praised the song’s theatricality, clever wordplay, and unapologetic tone. Elle noted that "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" was "designed to address [Kanye] West's reignited feud with her, it would appear to be the all-important 13th track", calling attention to its many lyrical references to their public history".^[6] Reviewers have commented on the production and lyrical composition, noting that the song illustrates aspects of public conflict in personal relationships.^[11][12] Some critics have recognized the track as a notable example of how Swift has tackled themes of public feuds and personal reinvention through her music.^[13][14] The song has been mentioned in discussions about celebrity relationships and the influence of media narratives on public perception.^[9]

Public reaction to the song was passionate and divided. Many fans celebrated its boldness and directness, viewing it as a cathartic response to years of public scrutiny and betrayal. The song’s references to Swift’s infamous Fourth of July parties and her “squad” era resonated with longtime fans, who saw it as a reflection on the fleeting nature of celebrity friendship.^[6][8]

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Reputation.^[7]

• Taylor Swift – lead vocals, songwriting, production
• Jack Antonoff – songwriting, production
• Laura Sisk – engineering
• Serban Ghenea – mixing
• John Hanes – engineering for mix
• Randy Merrill – mastering