Released in 2017 as part of Taylor Swift’s Reputation album, “…Ready for It?” explores intense attraction, infatuation, and a craving for secrecy in a relationship. The song blends elements of pop, hip-hop, and dancehall to convey a sense of thrill and danger. The song’s meaning centers on exploring the darker, more secretive side of love and obsession.
In this article, we’ll explore the song’s lyrics to uncover the deeper themes and emotions beneath its catchy beat.
“…Ready for It?” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Verse 1: A Dangerous First Encounter
I knew he was a killer the first time that I saw him
Wondered how many girls he had loved and left haunted
She immediately senses danger and intrigue in the person she’s meeting, labeling him a “killer.” Not literally, but as someone who leaves a trail of broken hearts behind.
Her curiosity grows, wondering how many women have fallen for him, only to be left hurt or confused.
There’s an attraction to his mysterious past.
But if he’s a ghost, then I can be a phantom
Holdin’ him for ransom, some
Here, she embraces the danger, imagining herself as a “phantom,” a figure who is also haunting and elusive.
She compares herself to a ghost, hinting at her own secretive desires.
The “ransom” line suggests she’s ready to claim him, in a sense, taking him captive in her own way. This adds a thrilling and perhaps unhealthy edge to their attraction.
Some boys are tryin’ too hard, he don’t try at all, though
Younger than my exes, but he acts like such a man, so
She contrasts him with previous lovers, noting that while other men might put on an effort to win her over, this one doesn’t need to.
His age doesn’t matter because his maturity shines through. Something is appealing about his laid-back, confident demeanor.
I see nothin’ better, I keep him forever
Like a vendetta
The idea of keeping him forever connects to a sense of obsession.
Her feelings for him feel like a deep, unrelenting pursuit. It’s something like a vendetta, where the stakes are high, and there’s no turning back.
Pre-Chorus: A Game of Desire
I see how this is gon’ go
Touch me and you’ll never be alone
This section shows that she knows exactly how this relationship will unfold.
There’s a bold confidence in her words, as if she’s already anticipating the passionate connection they will share.
She’s ready to take the next step, no matter what it might bring.
Island breeze and lights down low
No one has to know
Here, the scene shifts to an isolated fantasy.
She imagines a private world where they can escape together, like an island, away from prying eyes, where no one can judge their actions.
This could symbolize her desire for secrecy in this connection, keeping things hidden from the public eye.
Chorus: Dreaming of the Relationship
In the middle of the night, in my dreams
You should see the things we do, baby
In the chorus, she reflects on the fantasies she’s having while dreaming.
These dreams aren’t just simple thoughts. They are vivid and intense, with a longing to be with him in every sense.
The vividness of these dreams adds weight to her desire.
In the middle of the night, in my dreams
I know I’m gonna be with you, so I take my time
Are you ready for it?
These lines show her certainty in the relationship’s outcome, as if she’s already imagined being with him forever.
The mention of “taking my time” suggests she’s in no rush to act on her feelings but is playing the long game.
The question “Are you ready for it?” could be a challenge, asking if he’s as prepared as she is to dive into this intense connection.
🎶 Find out if Taylor Swift is coming to your area!
Verse 2: A Playful Approach to Love
Knew I was a robber first time that he saw me
Stealin’ hearts and runnin’ off and never sayin’ sorry
In this verse, she flips the role and becomes the “robber,” someone who steals hearts but never feels guilty.
She’s aware of the power she has over him and her ability to walk away unscathed.
There’s no remorse, just the thrill of the chase.
But if I’m a thief, then he can join the heist and
We’ll move to an island and
She imagines them as partners in crime, joining forces in an adventurous life.
This fantasy of running away together reflects both the dangerous allure of their connection and the escapism she craves.
And he can be my jailer, Burton to this Taylor
Every love I’ve known in comparison is a failure
She references the iconic love story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, where the love was passionate but often complicated.
She sees herself in the same position, trapped by love in a way that’s intense and hard to escape.
She also suggests that every previous relationship she’s had doesn’t compare to this one.
I forget their names now, I’m so very tame now
Never be the same now, now
Her past relationships seem distant now, as if she’s changed.
The repetition of “now” emphasizes how she feels she’s a different person because of this new, overwhelming connection.
Refrain: The Start of Something Wild
Baby, let the games begin
Let the games begin
The refrain marks a new chapter in their relationship, one that’s playful but also full of intrigue.
The “games” she refers to could be the unpredictable nature of their bond. It’s part thrill, part uncertainty, but all captivating.
“…Ready for It?” Song Meaning: Desire and Escape
“…Ready for It?” is a song about intense attraction and the fantasy of running away with someone, leaving behind all the baggage and complications of previous relationships.
The imagery of being a “robber” and “killer” portrays the thrilling, risky nature of love when it feels like an exciting game.
Swift’s use of secrets, heists, and private islands reflects the desire to keep this love hidden from the world, away from the judgment and scrutiny of others.
At its core, the song captures the raw energy of infatuation. It’s about seizing the moment and embracing the unknown.
Songs Like “…Ready for It?”
1. “Bad Liar” by Selena Gomez
“Bad Liar” features a similar mix of intrigue and attraction, with the narrator playing games in a relationship while hiding the truth from others. The song’s playful yet tense mood mirrors the energy in “…Ready for It?”
2. “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna
Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain” brings a sense of emotional turmoil and attraction, much like the passion and complication found in “…Ready for It?”. Both songs explore deep, raw emotions that come with love and desire.
3. “Toxic” by Britney Spears
With its themes of irresistible attraction and the consequences of giving in to desire, “Toxic” has a similar energy to Swift’s song. Both tracks describe dangerous, alluring relationships that blur the line between love and obsession.
Conclusion: The Thrill of Unlikely Love
“…Ready for It?” is about the thrill of meeting someone who pulls you into an intense, almost reckless relationship. Taylor Swift uses playful criminal imagery to add to the excitement and danger of the song, giving it a sense of both mystery and lust.
“…Ready for It?” is a captivating look at the desire to escape into love without worrying about the consequences.
You can listen to “…Ready for It?” on Spotify and Amazon.
Be sure to check out more of our Song Meanings articles!