The Archer

"The Archer" is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her upcoming seventh studio album Lover (2019). It was written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff. The song was released as the first promotional single from the album, on July 23, 2019. "The Archer" is a synth-pop and dream pop ballad that features heavy synthesizers, minimalistic sounds and a slow groove. Praised for its artful lyrics, the song documents the highs and lows of Swift's relationships. It received acclaim from music critics, who compared it to "All Too Well" (2012).

[Verse 1] Combat, I'm ready for combat I say I don't want that, but what if I do? 'Cause cruelty wins in the movies I've got a hundred thrown-out speeches I almost said to you [Pre-Chorus] Easy they come, easy they go I jump from the train, I ride off alone I never grew up, it's getting so old Help me hold on to you [Chorus] I've been the archer, I've been the prey Who could ever leave me, darling But who could stay? [Verse 2] Dark side, I search for your dark side But what if I'm alright, right, right, right here? And I cut off my nose just to spite my face Then I hate my reflection for years and years [Pre-Chorus] I wake in the night, I pace like a ghost The room is on fire, invisible smoke And all of my heroes die all alone Help me hold on to you [Chorus] I've been the archer, I've been the prey Screaming, who could ever leave me, darling But who could stay? (I see right through me, I see right through me) [Bridge] 'Cause they see right through me They see right through me They see right through Can you see right through me? They see right through They see right through me I see right through me I see right through me [Pre-Chorus] All the king's horses, all the king's men Couldn't put me together again 'Cause all of my enemies started out friends Help me hold on to you [Chorus] I've been the archer, I've been the prey Who could ever leave me, darling But who could stay? (I see right through me, I see right through me) Who could stay? Who could stay? Who could stay? You could stay You could stay [Outro] Combat, I'm ready for combat