"Picture to Burn" is a country music song recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was co-written by Swift and Liz Rose, and produced by Nathan Chapman. It was released on January 29, 2008 by Big Machine Records as the fourth single from Swift's eponymous studio album, Taylor Swift (2006). It was inspired by the narcissistic and cocky nature of a male who Swift never established a formal relationship with. In retrospect, Swift has stated she has evolved on a personal level and as a songwriter, claiming she processed emotions differently since "Picture to Burn". The song was chosen as a single based on the audience's reaction to it in concert. Musically, the track is of the country rock genre with prominent usage of guitar, banjo, and drums. The lyrics concern igniting flames on photographs of a former boyfriend.
"Picture to Burn" was praised by music critics, some who supported the feminist message. The single was commercially successful, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number three on the country-genre chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over one million downloads. In Canada, it charted within the top 50 and was certified gold. The music video for "Picture to Burn" was directed by Trey Fanjoy and features Swift fantasizing about seeking revenge on her ex-boyfriend, after she discovers him with another woman. The video also has Swift and her band performing with pyrotechnics as a backdrop. Swift promoted "Picture to Burn" via live performances, including numerous while supporting as opening act for various country artists' concert tours. It was also performed on her first headlining tour, the Fearless Tour (2009–10).
Read more about Picture To Burn: Background, Composition, Critical Reception, Chart Performance, Music Video, Live Performances, Track Listings
Famous quotes containing the words picture and/or burn:
“The motion picture is like a picture of a lady in a half- piece bathing suit. If she wore a few more clothes, you might be intrigued. If she wore no clothes at all, you might be shocked. But the way it is, you are occupied with noticing that her knees are too bony and that her toenails are too large. The modern film tries too hard to be real. Its techniques of illusion are so perfect that it requires no contribution from the audience but a mouthful of popcorn.”
—Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)
“English history is all about men liking their fathers, and American history is all about men hating their fathers and trying to burn down everything they ever did.”
—Malcolm Bradbury (b. 1932)