Wow, what a video! I live under a pop culture rock sometimes, admittedly, so I’d never seen it before. Very cool! (I see Katy Perry at the end of the vid also, and admittedly I’m not familiar with the controversy surrounding her. That’s me under my rock again.)

Yes, “YBWM” starts off by referencing that this girl is the boy’s “girlfriend,” but I — like you — simply took it as Taylor singing about feeling unnoticeable compared to the popular girl, rather than actually trying to attack her. (And to whatever extent she was trying to position herself as “better than” this girl, that argument seems to be focused on the other girl’s poor suitability as a match for this boy, particularly with respect to the girl’s emotionally unhealthy habits.)

I’m glad this piece resonated with you, Michelle, and thank you for sharing your thoughts! :)