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Who is Taylor Swift’s ‘Back to December’ about?

"Back to December" has to be the most apologetic song in 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version).

Taylor Swift‘s songwriting is known for how each track reflects on her journey through life. Whether it’s about the friendships she has made, her journey as a celebrity, or her views on love and romance, there is a song for it. However, people mostly know her for writing songs about her exes.

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The singer has made it known in previous interviews that she would write songs about her partners, whether they do something good or bad. Unfortunately, this has led to some fans attacking Swift’s exes on social media. Consequently, Swift has urged fans to be kind once Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) is released. However, there is one song that’s different compared to the rest of the songs on the album, and it sounds more forgiving rather than spiteful.

Who is Taylor Swift’s ‘Back to December’ about?

“Back To December” was released back in 2010 and was the third track on Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album. Based on the song’s lyrics, it feels somewhat apologetic as Swift sings about her post-breakup regrets. At the same time, she also reminisces about the good times and how her life has changed.

Fortunately, the identity of the person the song is based on was revealed. During a 2016 Scream Queens Facebook live stream, it was revealed that “Back To December” is about Twilight star Taylor Lautner. The actor confirmed this fact to former Glee actress Lea Michele, who originally thought that his song was featured in the Red album, then misheard the title as “Hat to December.”

Lautner was asked about his thoughts on the album’s re-release,saying he “feels safe but is praying for John.” The actor also shared TikTok video expressing the same sentiment.

Lautner is on good terms with Swift. Not only did he star in the “I Can See You” music video, but he also appeared during the Kansas City leg of The Eras Tour, where he gave a speech respecting Swift not just as a singer-songwriter but also as a human. Swift saw him as a “positive force” during the production of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).

Out of all the exes referenced in each of Swift’s songs, Lautner is seen as “the best ex” and “the fun uncle” by Swifties. He is not embarrassed to proclaim that the singer wrote a song about him, even having married a Swiftie and being involved in his ex’s music video. They have both matured since the breakup and can finally be seen as great friends.


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Erielle Sudario
Erielle Sudario is a Digital Producer for We Got This Covered. Outside of work, she's either DM'ing a 'Dungeons and Dragons' campaign, playing video games, or building keyboards. Erielle holds a Bachelor of Communications Degree (specializing in film and journalism) from Western Sydney University and a Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting from the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School.