*REACTION* Dear John - Taylor Swift (Speak Now World Tour)

[@markbarnwell942]

WOULD'VE COULD'VE SHOULD'VE. grown up taylor looking back on this. powerful shit.

[@NYandAZ]

I was just going to say this same thing. When you listen to it: Remember this fact when you hear the lyrics: John lived in an old renovated CHURCH during their relationship.

[@emmal.kjelvik1821]

YESS!!

[@darsynia]

The most powerful comment about that song was someone pointing out Demi Levato's song 29, I think, where she says 'I'm 29, I can't even imagine 17,' about a similar situation and now she's the age the man in the relationship was. I'm wondering how much it costs to request cause WCS as a request after this would be amazing!!

[@Carrie1869]

After watching this reaction they wouldn't make it through it 🤣

[@Samiam88]

Yes this one next!

[@Ethanbball7]

Dear John is the “yeah we probably shouldn’t like John Mayer” Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve is the nail in the coffin.

[@radiopaste]

i'm an entire atheist and john mayer will never see heaven idc that those are in conflict

[@Brandi2281]

YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Gafafsg]

@@radiopasteThey aren’t in conflict if you don’t believe heaven exists lol

[@morgangray5224]

Hi, just fell in love with evan when he said "wrong. that is wrong. you are wrong. you are gonna get roasted for that because that is not how it works." It may seem small to you, but calling John Mayer out for his gross behavior means a lot and validates the experience of every other person who has been through a similar situation so thank you 💜

[@tammyboon6259]

Absolutely!!!

[@DyranHunter]

Agree. Well said, and same

[@krystalh21]

100% agree

[@Alfrodo8]

Wait till you react to Would've Could've Should've

[@glopez48]

Yes please do this is the grown up version of dear John! Also about John m.

[@titania1221]

Yes, I second this. Please react to this song.

[@AllTheArtsy]

best song on Midnights !

[@czak598]

agree. it is her looking back at the situation from an adult perspective

[@kaileyrosemahan8101]

I had suggested earlier that they do this and WCS as a double-feature.

[@mr287s]

John Mayer was so pissed when this song came out. He didn’t stop complaining about it in interviews and on Twitter for YEARS. This marked the end of his career as a top 40 artist. In fact, his last hit was the song he recorded with Taylor 14 years ago. 😂 She really dismantled him and exposed his worst qualities. And he continues to date women 15-20+ years younger than him.

[@joshuepico75]

@@user-to2sc3cm6mhe didn’t sue her, he said that if he wanted to he could sue her, but he’s a chicken anyway, there wasn’t much he could do and if he did he was gonna lose since she didn’t explicitly mention him directly, Dear John cards have been a thing since forever

[@sandybourdeau9300]

Except for Jennifer Anniston, which was rumored to have ended because she was too old

[@jackielehman8945]

​@@sandybourdeau9300 wanna bet his team was like "you really gotta date your age" so he was like "fine, ill date the most youthful woman in my age group..."

[@clnorm6831]

Now he’s dating Andy Cohen and they just bought a house together! Perhaps dating all those younger women was a way to avoid confronting his true self. Younger women don’t question as much as women his own age would.

[@izattyu6863]

@@clnorm6831 They aren’t dating. They’re buddies. Birds of a feather, if you will.

[@branditorres471]

Love seeing Evan's Papa Bear protective side come out swinging even before the tape was rolling. 🫶🫶🫶🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@katlynne_23]

I was thinking the same thing!!

[@Jkm7fh]

100%

[@helloheyo4ever]

Absolutely!

[@ChristinafromColorado]

Yea this is why I dont think they will be able to handle WCS!

[@MermaidCore_]

“John’s not a young boy…” also: John’s not a good boy… this was peak rat behavior, maybe the worst thing he’s ever done. He de serves all the roasting he has received and more.

[@kristinkeaton1406]

The guitar riff was her subtle shade at John Mayer

[@MoreCoffeePlease.]

I rarely see this mentioned but I think the effects they offer are profound. As I listen to the song those riffs are almost invasive, like him just lurking around… She’s such an incredible artist.

[@olanaowen7320]

It's SUCH a nice touch.

[@LaliOri]

That's why it sounds familiar! It's done on purpose

[@MinervaLavender2371]

As a woman who has had multiple assaults in my life, seeing reactions like this from good men like you guys renews my faith in humanity, and gives me hope that the children coming up in the generations ahead won't have to go through the abuse that we have. You absolutely have to listen to "Would've Could've Should've" to see how this haunts her to this very day.

[@josefinasoderholm6488]

I’m so glad you reacted this way! Taylor was 19 when they “officially”dated.. But John wrote to her on social media long before that and asked her to do a duet with him. He didn’t reach out to her team or her manager, he reached out to her directly. They did the duet and then went on tour together THEN they started dating.. John described her in several interviews as a child and talked about a moment during rehearsal when he turned around and saw her on the floor on her knees drawing pictures.. (this will be relevant later) John is known for him being toxic/abusive in several of his relationships. Jessica Simpson wrote about it in her book and described the relationship in very similar ways that Taylor did. When he and Jessica broke up he went on the radio bashing their sex-life. Slut-shaming her and completely destroyed her career. The relationship with John has really effected Taylor’s life. He really did damage to her. So much so that she when she was 32 released a new song (would’ve could’ve should’ve) locking back at the relationship now being the age John was when they dated. The song is track 19 on the album. John has during the years tried to sue her several times, HE wrote a revenge song about her (paper doll) and it’s been said by several women that he keeps on writing them long angry emails. So in a way he’s still trying to get to her. I really hope you do would’ve could’ve should’ve even if it might be hard. But it is an important song to be able to understand Taylor and her music. Finally for girl-dads everywhere play Taylor swift to your daughters. She will teach them all they have to know about red-flags, how you should/shouldn’t be treated, about equality, patriarchy and so much more

[@evafischer6849]

Agree!!

[@heatherkingston1445]

Agreed! Tay, through her songs, is the best at teaching women and girls how to stand up for themselves and walk away from toxic people and situations.

[@janelcooley1341]

Bravo!! Especially your last point. 🤌🏻

[@robingodfrey1643]

Wow I had no idea about any of this! Definite narcissist. They're true monsters.

[@funland19]

You definitely need to react to Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve from Midnights! She wrote it at 32 when she was the age John was when he dated her. I think that put it in perspective for her and she wrote that song about it.

[@heishirida2247]

THISSSSS

[@F1Swiftie]

...and it was Track 19.

[@jend878]

You have to listen to WCS as mentioned above. Like, must.

[@SuperLara97]

Absolutely!!! Makes me cry everytime

[@Anthology_of_Holly]

Not only was John Mayer so much older than Taylor, but in her early career Taylor spoke a fair bit about how how much she loved John Mayer and how much she looked up to him since she was young. He was also much more famous and respected as a musician than she was at the time which made the power imbalance even bigger. After this song came out he lost it and ranted on about how it was cheap songwriting and call Taylor petty and immature as if he didn’t get famous writing sings about his relationships too. The whole situation just fills me with rage honestly 😅

[@cara9680]

the beginning of "wrong, you are wrong" at the idea that taylor was more mature because she grew up in the music industry was so vindicating to listen to. shoutout to y'all for listening to this and actually paying attention to the lyrics like that, especially given that you grew up with john mayer - it isn’t an easy pill to swallow when your idols do something wrong. hoping to see you react to would've could've should've!

[@tammyboon6259]

Well said!!! I thot that it actually made her more vulnerable!!!

[@ruthruthruthh]

A teenager is a teenager no matter how much money she has or what industry she’s in.

[@ruthruthruthh]

And if we are going by the logic that she’s more mature because she’s been in the music industry than that makes John Mayer like 78 years old because he was also in the music industry. What are we talking about here?

[@cara9680]

@@ruthruthruthh this is a great point too!!!

[@eloisepowers8608]

Your reaction as Fathers was so heartwarming. Your daughters are blessed.

[@ZATennisFan]

How does a 19 year old girl write something this cutting and brilliant? And then you see what she did with "All too well" only a few years later. "Dear John is a sledgehammer" whilst "All too well is a rapier". And the circles back around and skewers what remains of "John" with "Would have, should have could have". She is truly of the all time great lyricists IMHO.

[@Veditz287]

I literally did my English dissertation about her haha. That’s how much of an amazing writer she is. Whilst everyone else was writing about Shakespeare or some crap 😂😂

[@ZATennisFan]

@@Veditz287 She is so underrated as a writer by many people it's nearly criminal. I've often said she is more a poet than a songwriter. I've always said I would love to play a game of scrabble with her. I would get my ass kicked but it would be such fun...

[@hilarytoffler5636]

​@@Veditz287 Well done you! What an interesting subject. I bet your professor was impressed with you not going for the obvious. I'm sure you aced it! I am old and Miss Swift is c

[@emanderson5453]

@@Veditz287have you seen the English professor (don’t think his specialty was Shakespeare but not certain) do the guess is it’s Shakespeare or Taylor Swift lyrics- he’s only about 50% accurate unless they’re really famous Shakespeare lines

[@czwie001]

She was born on December 13th, so she looks at 13 as her lucky number. During the speak now tour she wrote 13s on her hands for shows. The writing on her arms are song lyrics. She picked different ones for each show. But I don’t think they’re her song lyrics like poignant pieces of other artists’ music. I remember her having Eminem lyrics on her arm in Detroit.

[@Hey_Jamie]

There are wayyyy more reasons 13 is her lucky number.

[@melindatintle9728]

@@Hey_JamieI know. I wanted to go find that video clip from that interview and comment that

[@clarkbarrett6274]

Yes to all this. My oldest dressed exactly like Taylor in this video when we went to the Eras tour. And I wrote lyrics from "Long Live" down her arm. T Swift is amazing, and not to be messed with.

[@ebjade02]

For me, the nail in the coffin is that Taylor was not the first way younger girl he dated and she wasn't the last. He learned nothing and he doesn't think it was wrong at all and he continues to defend himself about it.

[@alyzzzzard5089]

the correct reaction to this song lol. would’ve could’ve should’ve next‼️

[@Crisa-bn6jv]

omg yesss, it should be a standard double feature

[@tee272]

This song eviscerated him in the best way. I love how sassy she is in this live performance.

[@relent-lass7510]

And WCS finished it off

[@biggyziggy5777]

I’ll look back in regret when they said to run as fast you can !!! … that line is so absolutely deeply painful !!! … and you know there was probably a lot of people telling her that !

[@_FruityPebble]

I never, ever, ever beg, but I'm BEGGING you guys to do Would've Could've Should've next. Next as in 15 minutes ago. You guys are in Colorado so it might be a good idea for Evan & Jake to smoke first if possible lol. But it really is important to understand the aftermath of what Dear John details if you want a better understanding of Taylor as both a person and songwriter. Either way, I appreciate you guys and your reaction to this song, her story is the same story so many of us have lived. Your daughters are lucky to have you as their dads.

[@Hey_Jamie]

Then dono for it

[@gillianrae4242]

i second this 💖😭

[@eddycastello6307]

I dated this guy who was 57yo when I was 20 at the time, and let me tell you... I've never been so gaslit in my life than in that four year relationship. This song is such a tear jerker because it connected so close to what I was going through mentally, but leaving him behind I realized how emotionally manipulative a power-imbalanced relationship can get.

[@amberguck5418]

There's a reason she didn't perform this for roughly a decade. It's a very painful song. But this song is like therapy to her fans and she finally started singing it again. It's a devastating masterpiece. A portrait of emotional warfare encapsulated by a poet with a nuclear quill.

[@SybillT]

Yes, if I understand correctly, the first time she performed it since the Speak Now days was just last year (2023) during the surprise songs in Minneapolis on her Eras Tour. The crowd lost their minds because they understood what a big deal it was that she was finally singing it again.

[@Katertot8895]

@@SybillT Yes I was in that crowd and I screamed so aggressively I pulled a muscle or something and had to sit for the rest of the concert

[@sharimacdonald7280]

You've heard this song before because she roasted John Mayer in his own writing/playing style. Genius

[@psychobetha]

the lyrics on her arm in this video are “for what it’s worth, it was worth all the while” from Good Riddance by Green Day 💜

[@helloheyo4ever]

Love that!!!!

[@tonielia9050]

There are Swifties who still listen to John Mayer because his music is good. However, I know several Swifties who have not listened to John since Would've, Could've, Should've. This is a song from the Midnight's 3am edition.

[@CareBareTwinkell]

Me. I'm one of those swifties 😅 after midnights, I put his music on DO NOT PLAY, on Spotify.

[@ashliekinsler1160]

It’s a rough song to listen to but the ending makes me so proud of her. I have heard this so many times and no doubt will get chills and tears every single time she hits that “shining like fireworks” line! Perfect reaction to this giant song of hers!

[@jackielehman8945]

Just keep being their for your daughters and constantly show then how they should be treated and she will build up that confidence.

[@lacysnake]

Tell your daughters a grown man trying to date you is disgusting! Tell them what the grown man really wants and play this song for them. ❤

[@lmex70]

her arm says "for what it's worth, it was worth all the while" from greenday's song good riddance. she wrote her own lyrics or lyrics of songs that inspired her down her arm on this tour. she recreates the look in the "i can see you" music video.

[@AllTheArtsy]

This version, in context, is so much more raw and emotional. But the new version is unbelievable. The amount of work and refining Taylor has done with her instrument is immense 💜

[@antuanbeard6090]

This song is a track 5. If you're familiar with Taylor's work, you might notice that on every Taylor Swift album, track five has a very specific meaning. It's usually a particularly personal song, with some sort of vulnerable revelation involving Taylor's past, reflecting either a relationship or a particular emotion.

[@TopNotchWatcher87]

Dear John was my surprise song last year at the Eras tour. She hadn’t played it in over a decade, and even talked to the crowd before about extending our kindness to the internet, and her exes. This song hits hard, but man seeing it live was a whole different ballgame.

[@lashaundrawolf634]

It was amazing and I am thankful everyday that I was there that night the hear it 😊

[@TopNotchWatcher87]

Meeeeee too. I still think we won that night :)

[@lashaundrawolf634]

@@TopNotchWatcher87 highly agree. I honestly never even thought it was an option

[@alyssafinke8573]

SAME I WAS THERE TOO

[@TopNotchWatcher87]

Right, I never thought she’d play it live honestly, that and you’re losing me. Just gives me hope that she’s moved on and is truly happy with who she’s with :) time will tell though I guess. She performed it perfectly too, she’s just so good.

[@kerricoghill4824]

Evan’s facial expressions made this video. He just looked like he was fed up with John.

[@MsClarissa29]

If you like John Mayer you might've heard of Paper Doll which is rumoured to be about Taylor as a 'response' to this song. You might also note that some of the guitar rifs on Dear John purposely sound like a John Mayer "guitar"

[@jenjin9492]

Im a John Mayet super fan and I know this song. I can separate his musical genius to his private life. But of course I understand how people are upset ab the age gap at that time. She had stars in her eyes at that time and very young and John was a full grown adult. I can acknowledge the imbalance. Yeah the paperdoll song..

[@josefinasoderholm6488]

Last year John Mayer actually reveled during one of his concerts that Paper doll is about Taylor.

[@josefinasoderholm6488]

@@jenjin9492 it’s not “just” the age gap… John has a history of being toxic/abusive to his girlfriends. Several of his exes has talked about this openly. He pretty much destroyed Jessica Simpson’s career after they broke up by going on the radio bashing their sex-life, speaking about really private moments, slut-shaming her. This was all during the purity culture era and Jessica was one of the artists who was portrayed as a virgin up until she married. She went on to have a lot of problems after the relationship with John. Taylor was obviously also greatly effected by her relationship with John. After John she went on to be with several partners who didn’t treat her right. When you are in a relationship with someone who is toxic/abusive or you grow up in a family where there is toxic behavior/abuse your inner compass and your self worth gets damaged. And often you find yourself in new relationships that has the same kind of toxicity/abuse. After John, Taylor actually thought that Jake Gyllenhaal was a catch.. that says a lot. The last couple of years there has been numerous scandals where male artists has been revealed for their toxic/abusive behavior towards women and girls. And yes. You can like the music even if the artist himself is an abuser/rapist. But. If you are buying/streaming their music you are supporting them financially and you are giving them support, Now think about the symbolic value. What message is it giving?! What message is it giving to the women/girls who was a victim of this man?! What message is it giving to the music industry, that if you do good music we don’t care if an artist is an abuser/rapist/wife-beater, what message are we sending to young girls, and to young boys when we keep supporting male artists even after they are exposed for being toxic/abusive to the women in their lives and to girls/women they meet because of their music…

[@tammyboon6259]

​​@@josefinasoderholm6488Yea, that is sick and twisted!!!! And I've been a Jon Mayer fan. But I've never heard that song. The last album I've really listened to of his, is "Battle Studies." I think that's what it is called. It had their duet on it. And songs that were obviously about him & Jennifer Aniston. I was kinda of sad for Jennifer Aniston tbh!!! She was a grown woman, but she has such a big & sensitive heart.

[@TiffanyTeaLeaves]

Thank you, Evan 🫶🏼 I appreciate you standing up for our honor 💪🏼

[@UnholyKat]

I was 17 and he was 30...I understand this song

[@Mugdha6__]

Now you gotta do Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve. It’s like part 2 of this song.

[@elizabethjulia20]

I really appreciate your guys' reaction to this, super honest and respectful, and very genuine. Something that always gets me in this song is so simple, it's one lyric switch. For the entire song, every chorus, she sings "I should've known", and by the end finally says "You should've known". This is a 19 year old's self-written song with no co-writers and it's so insightful, she isn't just tearing him apart, she spends the entire song considering how much of the blame is on her, reflecting on his actions and her mindset "I lived in your chess game but you changed the rules everyday", knowing he'll add her to his "long list of traitor's who don't understand" etc. But she finally ends like... NO "Don't you think I was too young? You should've known." And I think that's significant to think of going into "would've could've should've" (emphasis on "should've") written by Taylor at the age John was when he dated her for her "midnights" album. I think what also sucks is that she was a *huge* fan of his, as a singer songwriter, and it felt like he took her under his wing in interviews at the time... and to know he let that become something else is so shitty.

[@elizabethjulia20]

Although, recently before releasing her Speak Now(Taylor's Version) rerecording, live on the Eras tour she made a speech asking fans not to hate on anyone they suspect her songs are about, that she doesn't want that... and then immediately played "Dear John". Which I really respect. SO, I'll never look at him the same, and "Would've Could've Should've" makes it clear all is not forgiven, but I do think separating the art of from the artist is ok.

[@lettymosquera910]

She wrote this close to the time when it happened (speak now album) ... and recently at 32, she revisited /reflected on this time of her life and wrote Would've Could've Should've for her midnights album) - ITS A MUST LISTEN!!

[@soulfireonfire6423]

But wasn’t that also a clap back because Mayer was stupid enough to open his mouth again and wrote a response song so she wrote Could’ve… ? He needs to follow JG lead and just shut it!!! He keeps trying to get people to think this fire she started was arson,! But he’s simultaneously pouring gasoline on it and revealing he was the one who actually threw the match and started the fire! He has no concept of “ You would be smart if you would just shut up! You were a grown axx man , end of conversation!” See that’s the problem. He doesn’t realize when he opens his mouth to try and justify it in anyway he’s basically telling the world , he doesn’t see ANYTHING AT ALL, wrong with dating young women with no life experience who are 10 or more years younger then he is. He’s enraging a lot of fathers out there who have daughters who are seniors in high school or in college that liked his music! That won’t any longer. Let him keep pouring gasoline on himself. He will be complete ashes soon!!! Oh and JG , he’s quiet as a mouse isn’t he. He’s smart! He knows he screwed up! He doesn’t want his current 26-27 year old girlfriend, who he has been dating for 5-6 years to ask any questions. 26-5= 21 when they started dating ! Lol

[@tammyboon6259]

I actually heard Jake Gyllenhaal talk in interview about a movie he was making just a couple of yrs later. Somehow he brought up the word regret & shame. He didn't say anything about or related to Taylor Swift but I couldn't help but think, he was talking about the times he's felt ashamed, experienced shame on sum level. BUT...that is pretty cool 😎 ALL THE MORE that she wrote another song!!!

[@plantdiva8472]

This is one of my favorite live performances of Taylor!

[@danameyer9198]

Guys, the BIGGEST job you have as dad’s of daughters is to adore them and shower them with respect. You have to love them and show them the kind of man you want for them so they never allow this type of crap. I’m not saying Taylor’s dad failed. I’m saying as the mom of 4 grown women it is vital to their mental and emotion health that you learn to express sincere emotions with them so they grow up knowing what to look for. Of course there is an element out of your control but control what you can while you have them. ❤

[@orphanedhanyou]

It's different when your kids is a celebrity and surrounded by older adults all the time. A someone that slap dates an older man when I was young, 19 IS OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW FOR YOURSELF.

[@paularivera4529]

@@orphanedhanyou He was older and should have known that dating a teenager at 19 was wrong. What's HIS excuse?

[@korneliamadsen4502]

@@orphanedhanyou she was literally groomed.. gain some perspective

[@MSerrada1]

And Mayer was a star while she was coming up in the business, so she was undoubtedly starstruck by an idol choosing her. They collaborated on a song together & performed together a handful of times. (FYI: Dec. 13th is her birthday, so it's her favorite number)

[@helloheyo4ever]

I forgot about the duet and after reading some of these comments went back to see the video of it - and it corresponds to imagery of church stained glass windows (which I think are in should’ve could’ve would’ve if I’m not mistaken) but the part that made me cringe is how a lot of the video has a focus on this little innocent flower girl, and it’s not just once it’s throughout the video ….. knowing the whole story it makes it even sicker symbolically whether he consciously did it or not ugh gross 😑

[@tammyboon6259]

I agree Jon Mayer was maybe more established, BUT I don't think he had won Album of the year at the Grammys!!! Whereas already Taylor Swift had won Album of the year for "Fearless." I know his 1st song that won him a grammy was the 1 called "Your Body is Wonderland." It may be called, "Wonderland."

[@BinksBear]

As the other commenters are saying, Would've, Could've, Should've from Midnights is essentially the sequel to this song. It's very impactful because Taylor wrote WCS around the time she was 32 so she has the full perspective now and that song is very reflective. Her repetition of "I should've known" in Dear John gets completely erased in WCS because she understands that was not her responsibility she is giving 19 year old Taylor grace by forgiving herself and reassessing blame where blame is due aka John. Also as an aside, he threatened to sue her over this song so... yea bad dude.

[@lek116]

As a lot of people are saying in the comments- Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve is the “grown up” song that’s about John Mayer and it’s *chef’s kiss*

[@mluna4107]

I know talking during the bad feelings is hard but it’s very nice to hear you guys push through the difficult stuff. It’s very heart warming and validating to hear from your guys’ perspective that you also care and get upset. Thanks for the video!

[@butonasidenote]

I loved that she used classic Mayer cords with the guitar at the beginning n

[@jupiterose]

Evan ❤ omg! Love how immediately you were like, Nope. No. This is not ok. Now, how do i donate to junp a song to the front of the line because yall absolutely have to listen to Wouldve Couldve Shouldve next. Its her looking back on this relationship from like a decade in the future. It is phenomenal.

[@IvyCowboy]

The link to their paypal is in the description above. 😉

[@chanel3316]

John Mayer is a great musician; I listen to his albums all the time and especially when driving distances. John the man, well, he was exposed by an 18-year-old. In Dear John, her lyrics reflect the hurt of a 19-year-old adolescent. Now listen to “Would've Could've Should've”, the "grown woman" speak her peace.

[@SwiftieXinfinity]

The biggest issue is that when he was in 30’s, he was already a self described “playboy” and he was damn proud of it. Meanwhile, she was barely even an adult and didn’t have ability to see through the games he was playing with her heart and mind. John Mayer and Jake Gyllenhaal are the two most devastating characters that came into her thoughts and bedroom, they both got called out for being players in her less than a handful of songs about negative experiences about relationships. This is for two reasons, they took a very young and impressionable girl who up until John Mayer darkened her doorstep, was saving herself (virginity) for the right time and person. He gave zero shits and turned on all his almost middle-aged “charm” on a girl he had zero intentions of marrying or the long haul. “Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda” is about that part exactly. She would’ve stayed the course (stayed on her knees praying) if he didn’t lure her in on false pretenses. Second, they were her first two examples of what “true love” was supposed to be like, her being a hopeless romantic and all. They took advantage of her naïveté then threw her out like trash when they got what they wanted. They are both very sick minded people when it comes to taking no consideration for the girls and women they threw away. However, FYI: when she announced to the public she was releasing the re-recorded “Taylor’s Version” of this song, she asked us fans to let the sleeping dog(s) lay. Please don’t take the initiative of saying, “… so she wrote a song about him for the world to hear”… He needed to be called out, he needed to have other beautiful girls and women think twice before getting involved with this playboy. He honestly deserved worse imho. He needed to be put in check and he broke just the wrong girl’s spirit and heart with Taylor.

[@tammyboon6259]

Yea, I'm not sure how Jon Mayer does not feel regret and shame!!!

[@SwiftieXinfinity]

@@tammyboon6259 same 🤯🤦‍♀️ he just said that Dear John humiliated him. Nothing about what he put her and other girls through. I highly doubt he ever even apologized to her or any of the others.

[@mwoods8988]

Great reaction guys! 👍 I subscribed. I thought it was humorous that, as John Mayer fans, you said you were approaching this with a little dread. I know "Dear John" well, so just hearing the John-Mayer-esque guitar riff at the beginning gets me tearing up 😢 and then I just get more emotional 😭 through the end. It's a tough one, but I'm thankful that she was able to perform it and filmed it, because it's epic. I'm glad you reacted to it. She stopped performing "Dear John" for like 10 years, and I doubted that she would ever perform it live again. But, during The Eras Tour, she made it one night's surprise song. Maybe writing "Would've, Could've, Should've" helped get her in the frame of mind to perform it live again.

[@tammyboon6259]

And probably not having to sing it every night, helped her when suddenly she doesn't decided to include it in her acoustic set.

[@Crisa-bn6jv]

haven’t even finished the video but evan is my favorite today

[@kristentitus4946]

The sad songs help you enjoy her happier ones more in my opinion. She writes about her life. Her music is a journey and makes you feel all kinds of emotions. But through it all... her songwriting is always perfection.

[@emmavink]

I listen to reaction videos for sincerity within the responses. I keep watching your guys' reactions because I find them to be sincere. It doesn't always have to be fun or entertaining. And it's so important and so refreshing to see guys sitting and having really healthy, considerate, personal discussions about serious issues. It's such an important example for other men to see and it's really encouraging to watch as a woman too. I think we are all keen for you to hear the sad/difficult ones too because they give such a context to who Taylor is and why she resonates with so many people. Young women in particular. I can easily say that me and at LEAST half of the female friends I've had through my life dated someone over 25 when we were barely legal. It's so fked. And it's really important to have someone as famous as Taylor saying on a mega platform that this happens all the time, and it is wrong every single time. Girls need to hear that. Many young men need to hear that too.

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

John wrote a song about her in retaliation called Paper Doll. It was no where near a good song. 13 is her lucky number. She was born on the 13th. She turned 13 on Friday the 13th, a lot of connections with the number 13. Early on her career every award she won was when she was seated in the 13th row, seat 13, section 13, or row M the 13th letter, I could go on forever about the significance of 13. A lot of her release dates adds up to 13 (folklore 7/24, fearless 11/11 1+1+11, Lover 8/23, midnights 10/21, fearless TV 4/9). Some of her songs have 13 -second intros including her first #1. A lot of her albums have 13 original tracks ( fearless, 1989, midnights) all AOTY winners. The 13th track can be interesting, on Red it is the Lucky One, folklore and evermore 13th track are about her grandparents. The eras tour was released Oct 13, and extended version on Dec 13, her birthday. I could go on and on. But the best was the Super Bowl. It seems stupid but Taylor fans had no doubt in their minds that the Chiefs would win. Superbowl 58 (5+8=13), the date February 11 (2+11), 49ers (4+9), Purdy wears 13, it was her 13th game, the two seeds playing were seed #1 and #3 = 13, flight travel from Tokyo to Las Vegas was 13 hrs, I think near the end of the game Mahomes drove down to the 13th yard line. We don’t make the rules, we just know how the universe works. And it works in favor of Swift and 13.

[@tonielia9050]

In the past, Taylor has mentioned that she is into numerology. Her favorite number is 13 and quite often this number shows up in many varying situations. It boggles the mind when we sit down and see how often the number 13 rears it's head when it comes to Taylor.

[@F1Swiftie]

And the 13 year age difference probably felt like a sign of fate.

[@HannahNotMontana8]

Taylor wrote a song when she turned the age that john was when they dated(32), as a more "looking back, while still living with the wounds of those choices" type song called Would've, Could've, Should've that i recommend when you are all in the right mindset for it ♥️ I cried the first time I i heard it! She puts into words the wounds and scars that women can aquire so beautifully 💔

[@erinsmith8670]

OMG! You HAVE to hear her version of this relationship as a full grown women in WOULD’VE COULD’VE SHOULD’VE! Please!

[@Alyazyaalsuwaidi]

please react to no body no crime Taylor swift!!! ( we all love and adore ur Taylor reactions please do a lot more)

[@chrisboone8569]

Man this girl can write and sing ❤❤❤

[@butonasidenote]

“I took the matches before fire could catch them” is so damn powerful. She took back control. You can hurt her anymore then the damage you already have. You didn’t win. She did. Albeit changed and damaged but not broken.

[@Eiko286]

I wouldn't feel bad when listening to this song , as this song raises awareness to many young people, not to fall for older guys. At that time the phrase "age is only a number" was constantly reiterated to us. I too dated someone a lot older when I was young, and this song really helped me after I broke up with him. The "But I took your matches before fire could catch me so don't look now", line made me feel really great, I'm happy that once I realised this guy wasn't treating me well I was out of there. Taylor does a great job at warning young girls not to fall for a guy's sweet charm and attention, I would recommend you to listen to her song "Fifteen".

[@Ritzkid]

I always get goosebumps during the fireworks part

[@courtneyshatzer7470]

I vote for “Would’ve, Could’ve”, Should’ve for the next reaction.. Taylor was 32 years old when she wrote the song looking back on that relationship being the same age that John was at the time

[@denisegraves1422]

I love that dad anger. We have 2 kids and we're so protective of them. I could totally relate to the parent rage.

[@ER-lq1zo]

Please, please do Would've Could've Should've next week. It's almost like part two this song. She wrote it when she was 32, so from the perspective of the age that he was when he dated her.

[@Cucumberstopickles]

John is the type to publicly kiss and tell as well. He spoke about his bed partners in interviews. Taylor was super young and a big fan of his. So she was super impressionable. It had BAD written all over it. You should listen to Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve. She wrote that at 32 i believe, so the age he was when they dated. It has an adult perspective as she looks back on the relationship. Also he described her as looking like a child when she was writing songs.

[@xsilverwolfx6812]

They were 13 years apart and she probably thought that was a sign 😢

[@tammyboon6259]

OH WELL!!! I didn't pick that up.

[@avamaeoneill]

:(

[@lucila8666]

On the Speak Now tour she wrote lyrics of songs she liked on her arm each night, and the 13 is her lucky and favorite number so it appears a lot.

[@erikahernandez8685]

After their relationship ended John Mayer e mailed Taylor Swift asking her not to write a song about him. After the song came out he sued her for defamation of character and lost

[@biancatrindade9001]

I don't remember where I watched or read, an interview with him when he was asked the first time he saw Taylor he replied that she "looked like a child drawing on the other side of the room" so... yeah now you understand the anger up from him.

[@maciedixon3983]

Would’ve could’ve should’ve is the one that actually breaks me. Truly

[@heatherwilson9717]

Knowing that you were John Meyer fans first and understood the importance of this song and what happened gives hope. Thank you

[@jred9168]

Boys boys boys, you want your stomach to turn do “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve” - follow up on John. Also people accused her of “copying” John’s style with how the guitars sounded on this song.

[@sandybourdeau9300]

Has anyone else noticed how seldom this song is requested? I love that JM tried to get a restraining order against her performing it. He was denied. Like you, I’ll never hear Gravity ever the same.

[@tammyboon6259]

HE DID?!?!

[@amydarling9715]

13 is her lucky number and she was born on december 13th! At every show she wrote lyrics on her arms from any song any artist. Def need to give would've could've should've a listen off midnights its the grown up darker version of this.

[@FoxDenStitches]

For me the best part was the change from ‘I should have known’, to, ‘YOU should have known’. I’m so glad she got to a place of not blaming herself anymore.

[@jackielehman8945]

I never put together that her stage for this song looks like she is in the lobby/backstage 🤯

[@chenk03]

can’t wait for a would’ve could’ve should’ve reaction. that song hurtssss

[@ambercoyle1885]

Would've, could've, should've is a MUST

[@hnc89]

You’ve gotta listen now to Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve… she waited until she was his age (32) to write the follow up and reflect back and it’s unreal

[@elizajoisreading]

Gonna need the Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve lyric video as immediate follow up. PLEEEEEASE. Appreciate you guys.

[@emmal.kjelvik1821]

Now would've could've should've have to be next!!! Written about the same situation by 32 year old Taylor (the age Jon Mayer was while they where dating) 13 years later.

[@needsomezzz]

I’ve seen it in the comments many times already but I highly recommend that you react to Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve as a follow up to this react. It’s her reflecting on this and it’s still heart breaking to hear how she feels about it.

[@philippatanojo6392]

You guessed right - 13 is her lucky number, birthdate but also many other points and career defining moments happened on dates that are either 13th or kind of add up to 13. As for the arm writing, they were mostly lyrics from other artist's songs and occasionally her own (eyes open and long live were two songs that had lyrics), but fans felt it was often an insight to how she was kind of feeling during Speak Now tour. I also want to thank you for your very quick refuting of the emotional maturity argument, it's so important to discuss and I think especially as a man to other men point out these flawed arguments!

[@rimilchattopadhyayjee]

I remember being a swiftie when they were dating. It was chaotic. She was constantly critiqued for dating an older men but she always said 'Oh he loves me so much and we are indeed meant to be '. The whole fandom was concerned about this. She wrote a beautiful song called 'Ours' about which was on the same album as this song and that is a clear reflection how positively she felt about him. He literally slut shamed her after their breakup, talked about how good his exes were in bed and so much crazy stuff. When K*nye picked up on Taylor, he again took shots at her. But he could never deny the 'grooming' allegations and even to this day, he is daying girls that are 12-13 years younger to her.

[@gaminwithraven9520]

You guys are true gentlemen. I love this channel- it's been a great source of some positivity and I look forward to your new ones.

[@ruffboiALT]

"wrong. that is wrong. you are wrong. you are gonna get roasted for that because that is not how it works." Evan is now officially my favorite. Thank you so much, man, that is exactly how a 32yo man should respond to the idea of dating a 19yo. John Mayer should take fucking notes, you are a class act my dear.

[@marylynnadams8947]

It’s her favorite #, she was born on December 13…list goes on!

[@emanderson5453]

13 is her lucky number- she’s born on the 13th of December, the first award she won she was sitting in the 13th row of the show and just a whole bunch of good things have happened to her related to the number 13. Written on down her arms are song lyrics but I don’t know what lyrics. I also just want to point out that Speak Now is the album that she wrote the whole album solo with no co-writers (it was the follow up to her Album of the Year Grammy so for Fearless and a lot of ppl were doubting that she was really writing her own songs so she wrote the next album by herself - and so this gut wrenching song is all Taylor

[@jred9168]

Also need you guys to do “Mean”, “The Man” (music video), and “Exile” (Long Pond)

[@angiedemoncada2603]

So you've said you are 30ish, he was 32 and she was 19 - she was a fan of his, he exploited that...not his first time going after a child...he had miss a reputation for that stuff... I also think it was super badass for her to deliberately use his guitar style to call him out instead of hang her head in shame as he expected \counted on...QUEEN!

[@darsynia]

I read somewhere that he talked about how she'd come to the recording studio to spend time with him and sit in the corner coloring--now, I remember that time frame, there were adult coloring books and stuff, but she grew up like I did, in a religious household. In the song she wrote more recently about this she speaks more directly about how he essentially forced her into a different kind of adulthood and away from her faith.

[@sandybourdeau9300]

Btw this tour was 2011 - 2012. And she is 34 in 2024. And she was born in 1989. She was not much older than a child when we did this performance.

[@Augustine0899]

Yeah 13 is her favorite number. And she used to write lyrics on her arm earlier on in her career

[@Azx12345]

Also she's born on 13th of december that's also the reason

[@IvyCowboy]

@@Azx12345 There are a bunch of reasons, that being one of them

[@Azx12345]

@@IvyCowboy that's the most significant i remember atleast

[@okaytee3012]

would've could've should've next!!

[@MermaidCore_]

Also: solo writing credit in this Dear John letter… masterful❤ peak display of all that Nashville songwriter training!

[@butonasidenote]

Evan coming CORRECT!!! She was 19…… at 44 I look back at this and it BREAKS MY HEART

[@Kristin2007]

okay now someone pay for them to react to would’ve could’ve should’ve

[@TiffanyTeaLeaves]

She was born December 13, her first hit song has a 13 minute intro, she turned 13 on Friday the 13th, alllllllllllll kinda of good things happen around the number 13

[@sunniejmh]

on a similar note Demi Lovato has a song called 29 that shares parallel sentiments that may help actually express that rage (it's on her metal/rock album)

[@AllisonCox-f2j]

I definitely hope Would've Could've Should've is at the top of the list, but please please please also listen to Never Grow Up soon, it is so beautiful and is also on Speak Now. Also! 13 is her lucky number, she was born on December 13th and has become her lucky number over the years and she wrote it on her hand for shows during the Speak Now tour. The words written down her arm are song lyrics, another staple from that era. Absolutely love your reactions, you guys are the best!