Taylor Swift Surprises Fans with First Performance of ‘Dear John’

It’s true that since the launch of her Eras tour in March 2022, Taylor Swift has been adding surprise songs to her setlist during her performances. These bonus songs have included some of her classic hits, as well as lesser-known tracks and covers of other artists’ songs.

Among the surprise selections that Swift has performed during her tour is “Dear John,” a six-plus minute ballad from her 2010 album “Speak Now.” The song is widely believed to be a response to her brief relationship with musician John Mayer in 2009, and features biting lyrics that express Swift’s regret for ignoring the warnings of those who advised her to stay away from Mayer.

Swift had not performed “Dear John” since a concert in Auckland, New Zealand in 2012, so its inclusion in her setlist during her Minneapolis performance was a big surprise for fans who were in attendance. Many fans were overjoyed to hear the song live, while others expressed disappointment that they had not been able to witness the moment in person.

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Taylor Swift has announced that she will be releasing a re-recorded version of her 2010 album “Speak Now” on July 7, 2023. The new version, titled “Taylor’s Version,” is part of a larger project by Swift to regain ownership and control of her earlier albums.

In November 2020, Swift publicly criticized her former record label, Big Machine, for selling the rights to her first six albums without her approval. As a result, she announced that she would re-record her early catalog in order to gain control of her own music.

Swift has been vocal about her belief that artists should have the right to own their music and control how it is used and distributed. The release of “Taylor’s Version” of “Speak Now” is part of her effort to exercise that right and take control of her artistic legacy.