About the song
In 2015, acclaimed singer-songwriter Ryan Adams embarked on an ambitious project: a complete, track-by-track reinterpretation of Taylor Swift’s 2014 pop masterpiece, “1989.” Among the standout tracks from this endeavor is his rendition of “Bad Blood,” which offers a stark contrast to Swift’s original.
Released on September 17, 2015, as a preview single ahead of the full album’s debut on September 21, Adams’ “Bad Blood” transforms the upbeat, synth-driven pop anthem into a somber, introspective ballad. This cover is part of his album “1989,” where he reimagines Swift’s songs through his unique lens.
While Swift’s version of “Bad Blood” is characterized by its energetic tempo and polished production, Adams strips down the arrangement, employing acoustic guitar strums and live drums to create an alt-country and folk-pop rendition. This approach brings a raw, emotional depth to the song, highlighting the underlying pain and betrayal in the lyrics.
The meaning of the song shifts subtly in Adams’ hands. Originally perceived as a declaration of conflict and empowerment, his version delves into the emotional turmoil and heartache stemming from broken relationships. The melancholic tone and introspective delivery invite listeners to reflect on the lingering wounds of past betrayals, offering a more vulnerable perspective.
Upon its release, Adams’ “Bad Blood” garnered significant attention and sparked discussions about the art of musical reinterpretation. Critics praised his ability to uncover new emotional layers within a contemporary pop song. Andrew Unterberger from Spin noted that Adams’ version “[strips the] overbearing hyperactivity … [and removes the] sneering obnoxiousness,” resulting in a more subdued and reflective take.
However, not all feedback was universally positive. Some critics felt that Adams’ reinterpretation lacked the dynamic energy of the original. Chris Payne of Billboard deemed it the weakest cover on the album, suggesting it failed to highlight Swift’s songwriting strengths.
In terms of social impact, Adams’ project challenged the boundaries between genres and generations. By reimagining a modern pop album through a rock and folk lens, he bridged the gap between different musical audiences. His cover of “Bad Blood” in particular showcased the versatility of songwriting, demonstrating how a composition can be transformed to evoke entirely different emotions and resonate with a diverse listener base.
In conclusion, Ryan Adams’ rendition of “Bad Blood” stands as a testament to the transformative power of musical interpretation. By infusing the song with his signature style, he offers a fresh perspective on a contemporary hit, inviting listeners to explore the depths of its emotional landscape.
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Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Did you have to do this?
I was thinking that you could be trusted
Did you have to ruin what was shiny?
Now it’s all rusted
Did you have to hit me where I’m weak?
Baby, I couldn’t breathe
And rub it in so deep
Salt in the wound like you’re laughing right at me[Pre-Chorus]
It’s so sad to
Think about the good times
You and I[Chorus]
‘Cause baby, now we’ve got bad blood
You know we used to have mad love
So take a look at what you’ve done
‘Cause baby, now we’ve got bad blood
Now we’ve got problems
I don’t think we can solve ’em
You made a really deep cut
And baby, now we’ve got bad blood[Verse 2]
Did you think we’d be fine?
Got scars on my back from your knife
Don’t think it’s in the past
These kind of wounds, they always last
Did you think it all through?
All these things will catch up to you
Time can heal, but this won’t
So if you’re coming’ my way
Just don’t[Pre-Chorus]
It’s so sad to
Think about the good times
You and I[Chorus]
‘Cause baby, now we’ve got bad blood
You know it used to be mad love
So take a look at what you’ve done
‘Cause baby, now we’ve got bad blood
And now we’ve got problems
And I don’t think we can solve ’em
You made a really deep cut
And baby, now we’ve got bad blood[Bridge]
Band-aids don’t fix bullet holes
You say sorry just for show
You live like that, you live with ghosts
If you love like that, your blood runs cold[Chorus]
And baby, now we’ve got bad blood
You know it used to be mad love
So take a look at what you’ve done
‘Cause baby, now we’ve got bad blood
Now we’ve got problems
And I don’t think we can solve ’em
You made a really deep cut
And baby, now we’ve got bad blood, hey