Mean

by Taylor Swift

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Lyrics

(Em)You, with your (D)words like knives and (Csus2)swords and weap ons that you use a gainst me.

(Em)You

have (D)knocked me off my (C)feet a gain, got me feel ing like a noth ing.

(Em)You, with your (D)voice like nails on a (Csus2)chalk board call ing me out when I’m wound ed.

(Em)You,

(D)pick ing on the weak er man.

Well, you can take me down with just one (C)sin gle blow.

But (Csus2)you don’t know what you don’t know.

(G)Some day (D)I’ll be (Em)liv ing in a big ole (C)cit y, and (G)all you’re (D)ev er gon na be is (C)mean.

(G)Some day (D)I’ll be (Em)big e nough so you can’t (C)hit me, and (G)all you’re (D)ev er gon na be is (C)mean.

(CN.C.)Why you got ta be so mean?

(Em)You, with your (D)switch ing sides and your (Csus2)wild fire lies and your hu mil i a tion.

(Em)You have (D)point ed out my (C)flaws a gain, as if I don’t al (CN.C.)read y see them.

I walk with (D)my head down, try’n’ to (Csus2)block you out ’cause I’ll nev er im press you.

(Em)I just (D)wan na feel o (C)kay a gain.

I bet you got pushed a round.

Some bod y (C)made you cold.

But the cy cle ends right now ’cause (C)you can’t lead me down that road, and you don’t know what you don’t know.

And I can (D)see you years from now in a bar, talk ing o ver a (C)foot ball game with that same big, loud o pin ion, but no bod y’s (C)lis ten ing.

Washed up and rant ing a bout the (Em)same old (D)bit ter (C)things,

(D)drunk and grum bling on a bout how (Em)I (D)can’t (C)sing.

But all you are is mean.

(C)All you are is (G)mean, and a (D)li ar, and pa (Em)thet ic, and a (C)lone in life, and (G)mean and (D)mean and (Em)mean and (C)mean.

But (G)some day (D)I’ll be (Em)liv ing in a big ole (C)cit y, and (G)all you’re (D)ev er gon na be is (C)mean.

Oh,

(G)some day (D)I’ll be (Em)big e nough so you can’t (C)hit me, and (G)all you’re (D)ev er gon na be is (C)mean.

Oh,

(G)all you’re (D)ev er gon na be is (C)mean.

Why you got ta be so mean?

Mean by Taylor Swift — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mean” by Taylor Swift in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of G at 158 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Same song, different levels

Very Easyarrangement

Frequently asked questions

Is "Mean" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Mean"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.