Why Taylor Swift’s “My Tears Ricochet” Is Used in It Ends with Us

Why Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with Us

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  • Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s Friendship
  • The Meaning of Taylor Swift’s Song “My Tears Ricochet”
  • How Does “My Tears Ricochet” Relate to the Movie?
  • “My Tears Ricochet” Comes in at a Pivotal Moment

As a woman who has faced her fair share of heartache and struggle, I can deeply resonate with Taylor Swift’s “My Tears Ricochet” and its poignant portrayal in the movie “It Ends with Us.” The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics strike a chord with anyone who has ever found themselves trapped in a toxic relationship, desperately seeking a way out.


Currently, Blake Lively is captivating audiences everywhere with her latest role in the romantic drama film “It Ends With Us,” directed by Justin Baldoni. This movie, based on the 2016 best-selling novel of the same name written by social media sensation Colleen Hoover, follows the story of Lily Bloom, a flower shop owner, as she grapples with past traumas and overcomes an abusive relationship. Now playing in cinemas near you!

Even before the movie was released on August 9, its trailer already summoned an entire fan group. In this short, first impression, the relationship dynamic between the central characters Lily and Ryle (played by Bladoni) is hinted at. But, significantly, our mothers, Taylor and Blake, have joined forces, as Swift’s “My Tears Ricochet” from her dreamy Folklore album overscores the trailer and provides a deeper insight into the relationship. Let’s take a look at why Taylor Swift’s “My Tears Ricochet” is used in It Ends With Us.

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Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s Friendship

Why Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with UsWhy Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with Us

It’s well-known that Blake Lively and Taylor Swift have a strong friendship that has lasted nearly ten years. They frequently appear together in public, which indicates their mutual affection for each other, not just within the whirlwind of fame but also beyond it. In fact, their relationship extends further, as evidenced by Lively’s family connections.

In a unique turn of events, the mother of four children picked Taylor Swift as the godmother for James, Betty, Inez, and Olin. Delighted by this choice, Swift accepted the role and has continued to be there for them. In fact, Swift acknowledged Lively’s three older children in her Folklore album and mentioned their names during a concert that the family attended. It is evident that these two accomplished and inspiring figures share a deep bond, making their mutual support during projects all the more meaningful.

The Meaning of Taylor Swift’s Song “My Tears Ricochet”

Why Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with UsWhy Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with UsWhy Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with Us

“My Tears Ricochet” was unveiled during a particularly challenging period in Taylor Swift’s life. Unlike her usual themes of ex-lovers and heartaches, this song touches upon a distinct separation. In her poignant words, Swift alludes to her departure from Big Machine Records. Faced with the decision, she chose to distance herself from the label due to Scott Borchetta, its owner, intending to sell it, which would mean he would retain control over her musical creations. True to his plans, Borchetta eventually sold his company, igniting a dispute between him and Swift. The new owner, Scooter Braun, now stands to benefit from Swift’s efforts, a situation that was exacerbated by his past public criticisms of her.

The sequence that unfolded was a heated public dispute, where Swift asserted her ownership rights over her work, but her former record label resisted firmly. This predicament eventually led Swift to re-record her songs in order to regain control over them, thereby concluding the prolonged disagreement.

How Does “My Tears Ricochet” Relate to the Movie?

Why Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with UsWhy Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with UsWhy Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with Us

Taylor Swift’s music continues to resonate with people due to her knack for composing songs that seem tailor-made for various life situations. Interestingly, “My Tears Ricochet,” penned in 2020, seems strikingly appropriate for the character of Lily Bloom from the movie ‘It Ends with Us.’ However, it’s important to note that Swift released her Folklore album before the film was produced, so there’s no direct connection. Nonetheless, the song’s message aligns almost uncannily with the movie’s narrative.

At the outset of her song, Swift sets a somber tone with an ethereal, choral prelude that echoes a funeral, and then poses the question: Was all the torment inflicted on her justified, even on her most challenging days? This resonates strongly with Lily, who experiences both physical and emotional abuse. Her husband, Ryle, repeatedly doubts her allegiance, and despite her tireless efforts, he betrays her, leaving her feeling like she’s fallen short once more.

As Taylor Swift’s song progresses, her raw emotions resonate deeply with Lily’s predicament. The lyrics portray how she was unable to abandon him, despite knowing it would lead to further suffering and peril. The singer also sings about a “hero trying to salvage his reputation,” which mirrors Ryle’s actions in the novel, ‘It Ends with Us.’

As a renowned physician known for tackling complex surgeries and being a lifesaver, I’ve found myself in a heroic role, vowing to safeguard Lily and our child. However, the truth is, I’m putting up a front, given that I’ve unwittingly been the source of my wife’s suffering. My tender side may appear sincere at times, but it’s frequently a mask hiding the real me.

“My Tears Ricochet” Comes in at a Pivotal Moment

Why Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with UsWhy Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with UsWhy Taylor Swift's "My Tears Ricochet" Is Used in It Ends with Us

Given all these profound links, it’s not unexpected that “My Tears Ricochet” was selected for inclusion in Lively’s film. What makes this even more fitting is that the song isn’t just featured, but it intensifies a crucial scene in Lily’s life and the movie. Following her realization that her husband was abusive, Lily decides to leave him and return to her mother’s home. During a montage depicting her dealing with the traumatic experiences, “My Tears Ricochet” begins to play. At this stage of her pregnancy, Lily is walking through the city, recalling the joyful moments she had with Ryle, only to be reminded abruptly of why she chose to depart initially.

The woman confides deeply with her mother, who too had endured domestic violence but chose to stay due to love for her husband, much like Lily. This conversation, filled with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and affection, is particularly resonant. The song’s message strikes a chord when Ryle arrives to assist Lily in setting up the nursery for her upcoming daughter. Realizing that her trust and loyalty were betrayed, Lily understands she must prioritize herself and her child. In that moment, she resolves that the cycle of abuse will be broken with her, and that Ryle will never harm her again.

In Swift’s song “My Tears Ricochet,” she reinforces an already challenging yet inspiring scenario by portraying Lily as reclaiming her power, consciously breaking free from a harmful cycle in her marriage. Despite constant fear being a companion throughout her relationship, Lily found the courage to seek help and extricate herself from a potentially perilous situation. Swift’s lyrics in this case resonate deeply with listeners, encapsulating themes of empowerment, survival, and healing. Be sure to watch the trailer below for a glimpse into how “My Tears Ricochet” mirrors Lily’s experiences.

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2024-08-13 00:01