Taylor Swift - Dear John

About "Dear John"

"Dear John" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). The title references the Dear John letter, which is a letter written to a man by his romantic partner to inform him that their relationship is over. The lyrics describe a 19-year-old's toxic and inappropriate relationship with an older man. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Dear John" is a slow-burning power ballad combining soft rock, electric blues, and country pop; the production incorporates electric guitar licks.

In Speak Now album reviews, many critics praised "Dear John" for its emotional impact and unconventional subject matter, though some criticized the accusatory nature of the lyrics as shallow and shortsighted. In retrospect, critics have universally acclaimed the song and regarded it as one of Swift's best in her catalog for its songwriting and emotional impact. "Dear John" peaked at number 54 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at number 66 on the Canadian Hot 100. Swift included the song in the set list to her Speak Now World Tour (2010–2011). A re-recorded version, titled Dear John (Taylor's Version)", was released as part of her third re-recorded album Speak Now (Taylor's Version) on July 7, 2023.