Taylor Swift has been surprising fans on her record-breaking “Eras” tour with different “surprise songs” at each concert, adding an element of excitement to her setlists. During her recent Seattle performance, she delivered an acoustic rendition of “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things,” a track from her “Reputation” album widely speculated to be about her public feud with Kanye West, which began with his infamous interruption at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
The song choice has sparked curiosity among Swifties, hinting at the potential themes that might resurface in the upcoming “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” album. While several tracks from the 2017 album are regularly featured during the “Eras” tour, the inclusion of “Nice Things” serves as a poignant reminder of the underlying narratives that may resurface upon the album’s release.
Videos from the concert capture Swift’s spirited performance, notably her hearty laughter during the song’s bridge, emphasizing the lyrics, “and here’s to you, because forgiveness is a nice thing to do… I can’t even say it with a straight face,” suggesting her lighthearted approach to the material. This laughter is a part of the original recording and adds an extra layer of depth to her live rendition.
Despite the ongoing dynamics of Swift’s public disputes, particularly with West, “Reputation” represented a significant turning point in her career, allowing her to reclaim her narrative and assert control over her public image. As she previously emphasized the importance of “kindness” during the “Eras” tour, coinciding with the release of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” it raises questions about how she will address the resurfacing storylines and manage the potential resurgence of past controversies with the upcoming “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” album.