As promised, Taylor Swift kicked off her Friday, and ours, with some new music.
At midnight Friday, Swift shared the lyric video for her brand-new song, “You Need to Calm Down,” from her forthcoming new album, "Lover."
The song starts out with Swift seeming to address someone who's been talking smack about her, behind her back.
"You are somebody that I don't know, but you're taking shots at me like it's Patrón, and I'm just like damn, it's 7 a.m.," she sings in the opening lyric. "Say it in the street, that's a knock-out, but you say it in a tweet, that's a cop out, and I'm just like, hey, 'Are you OK?'"
Although that's familiar Taylor territory, the chorus sounds as if maybe she's moved on from the place she was when she wrote and released her last album, 2017's score-settling "Reputation."
(MORE: Taylor Swift's new album will be called 'Lover,' and a new song is on its way)"And I ain't trying to mess with your self expression but I've learned the lesson that stressin' and obsessing 'bout somebody else is no fun," Swift advises. "And snakes and stones never broke my bones, so oh, you need to calm down."
The video for “You Need to Calm Down” will arrive Monday morning, making its debut on ABC’s "Good Morning America."
TOMORROW ON @GMA! https://t.co/B5SYXwdIsl
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 16, 2019
JUST IN: @taylorswift13's newest single, “You Need To Calm Down” releases tonight at midnightET and the music video will premiere...LIVE, next MONDAY, June 17th on @GMA!
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 13, 2019
Her new album #LOVER will be out on August 23rd!https://t.co/hOA4cZh95s pic.twitter.com/h7xWruyPiP
In the lyric video, Swift gives a nod to the organization GLAAD, singing: "Why are you mad when you could be GLAAD?"
GLAAD is an organization that calls attention to LGBTQ+ representation in media
did @taylorswift13 just -- pic.twitter.com/MkfkkBComN
— GLAAD (@glaad) June 14, 2019
In June, Swift made a generous donation to GLAAD while also writing to urge Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander to support the Equality Act, which would protect LGBTQ Americans from discrimination in employment, housing, and other public accommodations.
The Equality Act passed the House of Representatives earlier this month, but has yet to be voted on by the Senate.
According to GLAAD, LGBTQ+ Americans receive zero non-discrimination protections in 26 states.
In an Instagram Live, Swift shared on Thursday that "Lover" is available for preorder now and will be released on Aug. 23. The significance of that date? August is the eighth month, and 8 + 2 + 3 = Taylor’s lucky number, 13.
“I’m obnoxious,” Swift joked.
"Lover" will have 18 tracks, the most Swift has ever put on a single album. There will also be four deluxe editions available at Target, each with unique content.
