Taylor Swift’s “It’s Time to Go” Lyrics Meaning

This song is about reaching a point in a relationship when you feel “it’s time to go”, i.e. separate yourself from the other person involved – or put into layman’s terms quit the relationship. This is a sensation which, as Swift explained in her own words, emanates from the “gut”. Or stated differently, it would be akin to one’s conscious telling him or her to terminate an association even if said individual has his or her own reasons – i.e. familiarity – to stay in it.

And to illustrate this point, Tay Tay mentions a number of different types of relationships, all of which have, in her eyes, run their course. Moreover analysts believe that featured illustrations are all based on her personal life.

Verse 1

In the first verse she talks about a friend who stabbed her in the back and as such, she doesn’t want to deal with anymore. This is believed to be an allusion to fashion model Karlie Kloss, whom Swift was BFFs with until somewhat inexplicably she wasn’t.

Verse 2

In the second verse, the songstress sings about a couple who wants to divorce but don’t for the sake of their children. Said narrative is said to center on the separation Swift’s own parents went through about a decade before this song was released.

Verse 3

Then finally in the third verse, she alludes to being taken advantage of financially by a ‘greedy’ person she trusted. And if this is in fact about Taylors’s real life, considering the lyrics and all she would be speaking of her relationship with her former label boss Scott Borchetta (and by extension record exec Scooter Braun).  These were the individuals who, much to her disapproval, sold the masters of her early recordings.

Conclusion

So yes, it can be ascertained that the singer has gone through a lot in her life.  But the lyrics aren’t relayed from a hardcore first-person perspective and as such do not evoke sympathy for Taylor Swift.  Rather it is more like a lesson she is trying to put forth.  And once again that would be that when you feel in your heart it’s time to end a relationship, regardless of the nature of the union, your gut feeling is probably correct.  And yes, she knows that doing so isn’t easy, being an act of faith if you will.  But the singer puts forth that it is better to do the “strong” and “brave thing” and walk away as oppose to perpetually exposing yourself to a toxic relationship.

Release Date of “It’s Time to Go”

This song is from the deluxe edition of Taylor Swift’s album Evermore, which Republic Records released on 7 January 2021.

Writing Credits

Taylor did in fact write this song, being assisted in that regard by the track’s producer, Aaron Dessner.