“Teardrops on My Guitar” is a song by Taylor Swift from her self-titled debut album, Taylor Swift, released in 2006. It was the album’s second single and became one of Swift’s first major hits, helping to establish her as a rising star in country music.
Background and Theme
The song is about unrequited love and was inspired by Swift’s real-life experience with a high school crush named Drew Hardwick, who did not reciprocate her feelings. The lyrics detail Swift’s feelings of sadness and longing as she watches Drew with another girl.
Lyrics
Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won’t seeThat I want and I’m needing everything that we should beI’ll bet she’s beautiful, that girl he talks aboutAnd she’s got everything that I have to live without
Drew talks to me, I laugh ’cause it’s just so funnyBut I can’t even see anyone when he’s with meHe says he’s so in love, he’s finally got it rightI wonder if he knows he’s all I think about at night
He’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitarThe only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing starHe’s the song in the car I keep singing, don’t know why I do
Drew walks by me, can he tell that I can’t breathe?And there he goes, so perfectlyThe kind of flawless I wish I could beShe’d better hold him tight, give him all her loveLook in those beautiful eyes and know she’s lucky ’cause
He’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitarThe only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing starHe’s the song in the car I keep singing, don’t know why I do
So I drive home alone, as I turn out the lightI’ll put his picture down and maybe get some sleep tonight
‘Cause he’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitarThe only one who’s got enough of me to break my heartHe’s the song in the car I keep singing, don’t know why I doHe’s the time taken up, but there’s never enoughAnd he’s all that I need to fall into
Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won’t see