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The line “so it goes” originates from the novel Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, written in 1969. He says the line several times in the novel whenever a death occurs, as a narrative transition to another subject.
This could be symbolic to Swift’s reputation album as a whole, since she has publicly said the “old Taylor” is dead. This album is her transition into the “new” Taylor – so it goes.
Taylor’s use of the phrase could also mean something similar to “That’s life; life goes on.” Even when they “break down a little,” she and her boyfriend are still secure in their relationship and they still keep trying.
Swift has also used the phrase “So It Goes” in the past on her 1989 album, in the song “Style”, with the lyric:
So it goes, he can’t keep his wild eyes on the road
and the song “You Are in Love”, on the deluxe version of the same album, with the lyric:
So it goes, you two are dancing in a snow globe, round and round
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
See you in the dark All eyes on you, my magician All eyes on us You make everyone disappear, and Cut me into pieces Gold cage, hostage to my feelings Back against the wall Trippin', trip-trippin' when you're gone
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause we break down a little But when you get me alone, it's so simple 'Cause baby, I know what you know We can feel it
[Chorus]
And all the pieces fall Right into place Getting caught up in a moment Lipstick on your face So it goes… I'm yours to keep And I'm yours to lose You know I'm not a bad girl, but I Do bad things with you So it goes…
[Verse 2]
Met you in a bar All eyes on me, your illusionist All eyes on us I make all your gray days clear And wear you like a necklace I'm so chill, but you make me jealous But I got your heart Skippin', skip-skippin' when I'm gone
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause we break down a little But when I get you alone, it's so simple 'Cause baby, I know what you know We can feel it
[Chorus]
And all the pieces fall Right into place Getting caught up in a moment Lipstick on your face So it goes… I'm yours to keep And I'm yours to lose You know I'm not a bad girl, but I Do bad things with you So it goes…
[Refrain]
Come here, dressed in black now So, so, so it goes Scratches down your back now So, so, so it goes
[Bridge]
You did a number on me But, honestly, baby, who's counting? I did a number on you But, honestly, baby, who's counting? You did a number on me But, honestly, baby, who's counting? Who's counting? (1, 2, 3)
[Chorus]
And all the pieces fall (Pieces fall) Right into place Getting caught up in a moment (Caught up, caught up) Lipstick on your face So it goes… I'm yours to keep (Oh) And I'm yours to lose (Baby) You know I'm not a bad girl, but I I do bad things with you So it goes…
[Refrain]
Come here, dressed in black now So, so, so it goes Scratches down your back now So, so, so it goes Come here, dressed in black now So, so, so it goes Scratches down your back now So, so, so it goes
