“If guys don’t want me to write bad songs about them, then they shouldn’t do bad things.” That’s what Taylor Swift famously quipped to a reporter back in 2010. Over the years, she’s had her fair share of flak for penning tunes about ex-beaus, but Swift doesn’t just target her exes; her lyrics have a wide array of other targets too.

Recognizing the Targets

Swift has a knack for lyrical sharpness, leaving fans on a quest to decode who’s on the receiving end. While she rarely confirms the subject of her songs, she has been known to drop a hint or two. Take “thanK you aIMee,” where the creative use of capitalization nods to none other than Kim Kardashian, a well-documented adversary since 2016.

11. Actually Romantic

Featured lyric: “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave”
Burn level: Singe

In her latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” Swift appears to take a jab at Charli XCX. The tracks seem to be a lyrical back-and-forth, with Charli’s “Sympathy is a knife” hinting at Swift during the era Swift was seeing Matty Healy. Who doesn’t love a bit of musical drama?

10. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived

Featured lyric: “You deserve prison but you won’t get time”
Burn level: Singe

Geo-guessers point to this tune potentially being about Matty Healy too, with his known candor about drug use. Swift’s line “You deserve prison but you won’t get time” might be the ultimate dig, turning what could be anger into poignant sadness.

Midnights and Karma

With “Midnights,” she delivers another catchy anthem. The track “Karma” has a breezy feel, yet it subtly points a finger at Scooter Braun. The beef about rights over her catalog was big news, making it all the more enjoyable to sing—toasty melodies with a splash of side-eye sass.

9. This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things

Featured lyric: “This is why we can’t have nice things, darling / Because you break them, I have to take them away”
Burn level: Flame

Rumor mills link this track to Kim K and Kanye. While the condescending tone is noted, in my view, this song doesn’t quite make the top tier for Swift’s disses.

Old Flames and New Triumphs

Let’s hop back to the era of her debut album. “Picture to Burn” is a tune that lets Swift showcase her early country style while brewing fierce lyrics about a heartthrob with a penchant for fibbing about his truck.

8. Mr. Perfectly Fine

Featured lyric: “Mr. Never Told Me Why, Mr. Never Had to See Me Cry / Mr. Insincere Apology so He Doesn’t Look Like the Bad Guy”
Burn level: Flame

Resurfacing from the past, this cheeky tune from “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” broods over breakups and rumors hinting at Joe Jonas. It’s like unearthing a hidden gem that turns up loud and clear in pop culture discussions.