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"...Ready for It?"
Black and white photo of Taylor Swift with the song's title printed over one side of her face
BloodPop remix artwork
Single by Taylor Swift
from the album Reputation
ReleasedOctober 24, 2017 (2017-10-24)
StudioMXM (Stockholm)
Genre
Length3:28
LabelBig Machine
Songwriters
Producers
  • Max Martin
  • Shellback
  • Ali Payami
Taylor Swift singles chronology
"Look What You Made Me Do"
(2017) 		"...Ready for It?"
(2017) 		"End Game"
(2017)
Music video
"...Ready for It?" on YouTube

"...Ready for It?" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her sixth studio album, Reputation (2017). She wrote the song with its producers: Max Martin, Shellback, and Ali Payami. An electro, electropop and industrial pop song, "...Ready for It?" incorporates elements of dancehall, tropical house, hip-hop, and trap. It features Swift rapping and singing over heavy synthesizers, bass drops, and programmed drums. Lyrically, the track uses criminal imagery such as a bank heist and ransom to depict lust and infatuation in a newfound romantic connection.

Swift premiered "...Ready for It?" during an ESPN college football match on September 2, 2017; the following day, Big Machine Records released the song for digital download. The single was released to US radio as the second single from Reputation on October 24, 2017. Music critics generally described the production of "...Ready for It?" as anthemic and considered it a better single choice than Reputation's lead single "Look What You Made Me Do". While most reviews praised the production elements, several regarded the track as generic and indiscernible from mainstream trends.

The single both peaked within the top 10 and received platinum certifications in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The accompanying music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, features a dark, futuristic aesthetic and references sci-fi franchises. It depicts two versions of Swift dueling each other: a black-hooded human version and a mechanized, robotic version. Swift performed "...Ready for It?" live as the opener on the Reputation Stadium Tour (2018) and the first song of the Reputation act on the Eras Tour (2023–2024).

Background and release

[edit]

Taylor Swift's fifth studio album, 1989, was released in October 2014. Its synth-pop sound and commercial success transformed Swift's status from a country music artist to a global pop star.[1][2] Her fame was accompanied by tabloid gossip on her celebrity disputes and short-lived relationships, which blemished her "America's Sweetheart" reputation.[3][4][5] During a self-imposed hiatus, she secluded from public appearances and conceived her sixth studio album, Reputation, as an answer to the media commotion surrounding her celebrity.[6][7]

On September 2, 2017, Swift premiered a snippet of "...Ready for It?" during a teaser leading to ABC's Saturday Night Football broadcast of ESPN's Florida State vs. Alabama college football game.[8][9] A day after the snippet premiered, the track was released for digital download by Big Machine Records, as part of Reputation's pre-order.[10][11] It was the second song released from Reputation, after the lead single "Look What You Made Me Do".[12][13] In the United States, although the track initially was not actively promoted to radio, pop radio stations proactively aired it, thus making it gain traction on airplay throughout September and October 2017.[14][15] It was officially promoted to US rhythmic contemporary radio on October 24, 2017, as the album's second single,[16] by Big Machine Records.[17] A remix by BloodPop was released in December 2017, accompanied by a lyric video.[18][19]

Music and lyrics

[edit]

Swift wrote "...Ready for It?" with its producers: Max Martin, Shellback, and Ali Payami. Martin and Shellback recorded the track at MXM Studios in Stockholm, Sweden. All three producers programmed the song and played keyboards on it. "...Ready for It?" was mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City.[20]

"...Ready for It?"
A sample of the second chorus and instrumental break of "...Ready for It?", depicting Swift's vocals over the heavy electronic production with dense synthesizers and dubstep drops
Problems playing this file? See media help.

A genre-blending song,[21] "...Ready for It?" is a maximalist[22] electro,[23][24] electropop,[25][26] and industrial pop track[25][27] with elements of dancehall,[28][29] reggae,[30] hip-hop,[30] and trap music.[31] The song is written in the key of E minor with a tempo of 80 beats per minute, and Swift's vocals span from G3 to E5.[32] It is driven by heavy synths,[27][33] a tropical house chorus,[34] dubstep bass drops,[28][33] EDM and trap beats,[23][21] programmed drum machines, and Swift's rapping-singing.[25][35][36] The track has dynamic shifts through each part:[37] it begins with abrasive dubstep bass beats and Swift clearing her throat, the verses feature her rapping, and the chorus has a less dense arrangement to make room for her breathy vocals.[28][29][38] The production elements received comparisons to the music of Kanye West, particularly his 2013 album Yeezus,[25][27][31][39] and Rihanna.[40][41][42]

Black and white shot of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the film Cleopatra
The lyrics liken Swift's romance to that of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Swift wrote "...Ready for It?" about finding a "partner in crime". She was influenced by the novel Crime and Punishment (1866) by Fyodor Dostoevsky to use criminal imagery such as bank robbers, thieves, and heists, finding it an interesting way to write songs about finding love.[43] The lyrics of "...Ready for It?" are about excitement, lust, and infatuation in a burgeoning romance. The opening lines see Swift's narrator being attracted by a man whom she describes as a "killer" the moment she sees him. This man is "younger than [her] exes" but "acts like such a man".[44][45] In turn, she confesses that she herself is a "robber" who has stolen other men's hearts "never saying sorry".[41] She dreams about "[keeping] him forever" and keeping this relationship private so that nobody can know about it.[27] She compares her romance to that of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, implying the complications of stardom and privacy.[28][36][46]

Critical reception

[edit]

Upon its release, "...Ready for It?" was seen by many critics as an improvement from Reputation's lead single "Look What You Made Me Do";[28][47][35] The Music's Uppy Chatterjee opined that it should have been the lead single.[48] Favorable reviews considered the song anthemic and catchy. Mary Wang of Vogue described the track as both a love song and a stadium anthem,[49] Patrick Ryan of USA Today lauded the "sparkling, anthemic" chorus,[35] and Shahzaib Hussain of Clash deemed the sound defiant.[50] Tom Breihan of Stereogum was impressed by the musical elements that were new to Swift such as rapping, tropical house, and sudden dynamic changes, writing that she "rides a beat better than anyone could've reasonably expected".[28] In the views of Jon Caramanica of The New York Times, the maximalist pop of "...Ready for It?" represented a new musical direction for Swift, with "harsh sounds and urgent buildup segments to theatrical, bruising effect".[51] Slant Magazine's Alexa Camp thought that the song was carefully constructed with catchy pop melodies and rapping cadences.[30] Kristen He from Billboard wrote that "...Ready for It?" showcased how Swift successfully used her voice as an instrument, in line with mainstream pop production choices, and hailed the chorus for featuring "one of the prettiest melodies of her career".[41]

Less enthusiastic reviews considered the production of "...Ready for It?" generic and the songwriting subpar. In Spin, Jordan Sargent acknowledged that the song is "melodically rich" but considered the metaphors clunky and ineffective and wrote that the song showcased Swift in a "mask" that lost her distinctiveness.[29] Craig Jenkins of Vulture similarly lamented that the track was an effort to keep up with mainstream trends and criticized Swift's experimentation with rapping and hip-hop as a cynical move for her artistic reinvention.[47] According to Frank Guan, also from Vulture, the song sounded too similar to other popular songs on radio.[31] The Daily Telegraph described the lyrics as "wonderfully cringeworthy".[27] The New Zealand Herald's George Fenwick considered "...Ready for It?" one of the worst tracks off the album.[52]

Retrospective reviews have considered "...Ready for It?" an effective opener for Reputation. According to Billboard's Joe Lynch, when the song was first released, "casual listeners were confused, Swifties were challenged, and haters were given a bounty of fresh ammo".[22] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian thought that Swift's rapping was "better than you might expect" and highlighted the "impeccable hook" that had been absent in the lead single "Look What You Made Me Do".[53] Vulture's Nate Jones wrote that he disliked Swift's flow "borrowed from Jay-Z" but regarded the chorus as undeniable.[54] Stereogum ranked "...Ready for It?" among the 40 best pop songs of 2017,[55] and Variety's Chris Willman placed it at number 38 on his 2024 ranking of Swift's 75 best songs.[56] Less complimentary comments were from NME's Hannah Mylrea, who described the song as a messy combination of genres,[21] and Paste's Jane Song, who considered Swift's "vaguely Bahamian accent" in the song "unsettling".[57]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In the United States, "...Ready for It?" debuted and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated September 23, 2017, becoming Swift's 22nd top 10-song and 14th top 10-debut.[58][59] It also became her 13th number-one song on the Digital Songs chart and opened at 35 on the Pop Songs chart,[59] where it eventually peaked at number 12.[60] On other Billboard charts, "...Ready for It?" peaked at number 10 on Adult Pop Songs,[61] number 26 on Adult Contemporary,[62] and number 37 on Rhythmic.[63] In July 2018, the Recording Industry Association of America awarded the single a double-platinum certification in recognition of two million units sold in the United States.[64]

Elsewhere, "...Ready for It?" entered the top 10 on charts of Australia (number three),[65] Hungary (four),[66] Malaysia (six),[67] Canada (seven),[68] the United Kingdom (seven),[69] Greece (nine),[70] and New Zealand (nine).[71] The single reached the top 20 in Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Lebanon;[a] and top 40 in Austria, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden.[b] It has been certified six-times platinum in Australia,[79] and double platinum in Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.[c]

Music video

[edit]
Screenshot of the video showing Swift being emblazoned by lightning while being hunted by black-clad mysterious creatures
The video features two versions of Swift dueling with each other: a cyborg Swift (left) and a human Swift (right). The bodysuit that she wears as a cyborg received backlash for making her appear naked.

The music video was directed by Joseph Kahn.[84] On October 23, 2017, Swift released a teaser of the music video for the song.[85] The teaser received backlash from online commentators and audience, who claimed that Swift appears naked in the teaser. Subsequently, Swift posted an Instagram story denouncing the nudity claims alongside a selfie of her wearing a bodysuit, captioned "It truly warms my heart that ppl had so much to say about this bodysuit."[86][87][88] The full video premiered on October 26. It features homage references to sci-fi films like Blade Runner (1982), Tron (1982), Westworld (1973), and Ex Machina (2014); and 1990s manga franchises like Ghost in the Shell and Sailor Moon.[84][89][90]

The video's central narrative is a battle between two versions of Swift: a human one and a cyborg one.[91] In this narrative, an imprisoned female robot is eager to break out and avenge her captors.[89] It starts with the human Swift, dressed in a black cloak. She walks through a dark alley and enters a room where the cyborg Swift is held captive in a force field cage. The cyborg Swift mutates into various forms trying to escape, and she eventually breaks through the cell walls, with shards of glass cutting the cloaked Swift across the face, revealing she is a cyborg as well. The cyborg guards try to contain both of them to no avail, and the video ends with the white cyborg Swift walking away from her demolished cell and moving up an escalator.[92][93]

Live performances

[edit]
Taylor Swift singing on a mic, dressed in a black catsuit
Swift performed "...Ready for It?" on the Eras Tour in 2023 and 2024.

Swift performed "...Ready for It?" for the first time during an episode of the 43rd season of Saturday Night Live on November 11, 2017;[94] she sang the track donning a cropped black sweatshirt and black shorts, backed by a quartet of backing vocalists and dancers.[95] In December 2017, she included "...Ready for It?" in the set lists of several concerts that she participated in, including KIIS-FM's Jingle Ball on December 1, in Inglewood, California,[96] 99.7 Now!'s Poptopia on December 3, in San Jose, California,[97] B96 Chicago and Pepsi's Jingle Bash on December 7, in Chicago,[98] the Z100 Jingle Ball on December 8, in New York City,[99] and the Jingle Bell Ball on December 10, in London, England.[100] On May 27, 2018, Swift performed "...Ready for It?" as the opening number to her set as part of BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend in Swansea, Wales.[101]

"...Ready for It?" was the opening number of Swift's 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour.[102] Before the performance began, the intro included news snippets discussing Swift's reputation. The screens onstage then parted, and Swift emerged through the smoke,[103][104] wearing a black hoodie[105] before revealing herself in a sparkling black bodysuit and knee-high black boots.[106] On the Eras Tour (2023–2024), Swift performed "...Ready for It?" as the opening number for the Reputation segment,[107] which began with stage screens showing imagery of snakes. Swift appeared onstage in a one-legged black catsuit embroidered with snakes motifs.[108][109]

Personnel

[edit]

Adapted from the liner notes of Reputation[20]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "...Ready for It?"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[79] 6× Platinum 420,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[80] 2× Platinum 120,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[81] 2× Platinum 160,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[138] Gold 45,000‡
France (SNEP)[139] Gold 100,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[140] Gold 300,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[141] Gold 50,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[82] 2× Platinum 60,000‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)[142] Gold 30,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[143] Gold 10,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[144] Gold 20,000‡
Sweden (GLF)[145] Gold 20,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[83] 2× Platinum 1,200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[64] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "...Ready for It?"
Region Date Format(s) Version Label Ref.
Various September 3, 2017[d]
Original Big Machine [146]
United States October 24, 2017 Rhythmic radio [17]
Various December 1, 2017
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 BloodPop remix [147]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

...Ready for It?

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"…Ready for It?" is a by American , serving as the opening track and first promotional single from her sixth studio , Reputation, released on November 10, 2017, through . The track, co-written and co-produced by Swift alongside , Shellback, and , is an and EDM incorporating hip-hop and trap elements, characterized by heavy synthesizers, bass drops, and Swift's verses. It debuted at number four on the chart dated September 23, 2017, marking Swift's 12th top-five entry on the ranking and spending a total of 12 weeks on the chart. The of "...Ready for It?" explore the thrill and intensity of a burgeoning romance, with references to fantasy and escape widely interpreted as allusions to Swift's then-new relationship with British actor , whom she began dating in late 2016. The song was first previewed during an ABC broadcast of a game on September 2, 2017, and made available for digital download the following day. A music video directed by Joseph Kahn premiered on October 26, 2017, depicting Swift as a breaking free from captivity in a dystopian, futuristic prison, earning praise for its high-concept visuals and thematic ties to the album's narrative of rebirth amid public scrutiny. Critically, "...Ready for It?" received generally positive reviews for its bold production and energetic shift from Swift's prior work, though some critics noted its reliance on prevailing pop trends. The New York Times highlighted its "harsh sounds and urgent buildup segments to theatrical, bruising effect," positioning it as a key example of Reputation's darker, more aggressive sonic palette. Rolling Stone described it as featuring an "island-breeze bass blast," serving as a vibrant rebound from the album's lead single. The song's commercial success contributed to Reputation's strong debut, underscoring Swift's continued dominance in the pop landscape during a period of intense media attention on her personal life.

Background and development

Conception and songwriting

Following the complete pivot to pop on her 2014 album , Taylor Swift sought to incorporate a darker, edgier aesthetic into , driven by her experiences with intense media backlash and a desire to subvert expectations of her public image. This shift marked a deliberate evolution, allowing her to explore themes of resilience and reinvention amid personal and professional turmoil. The song's conception drew heavily from Swift's burgeoning relationship with actor , which began in late 2016 and emphasized a low-key, private romance contrasting her high-profile past. She employed metaphors of criminals and phantoms to portray the electric, secretive intensity of this new love, framing it as a thrilling escape from scrutiny. Swift collaborated on the songwriting with producers , Shellback, and during sessions in 2016 and 2017, channeling broader motifs of love under siege and societal judgment. A key lyrical motif referenced the stormy, scandal-plagued romance of and , likening Swift's partnership to their passionate, headline-dominating dynamic as a symbol of defiant, all-consuming affection. Ultimately, Swift selected "...Ready for It?" as the album opener to establish an immediate, anthemic declaration of her transformed persona, signaling the era's confrontational energy from the outset.

Recording and production

The recording of "...Ready for It?" took place primarily at MXM Studios in , , during sessions in 2017. The track was engineered by and Shellback, with additional assistance from Sam Holland and Michael Ilbert, while provided the lead vocals. Swift co-produced the song alongside , Shellback, and , who also contributed to the programming and instrumentation. Production choices emphasized an electro-hip-hop fusion, incorporating heavy synthesizers, bass drops, and industrial elements to drive the track's energetic sound. Keyboards and programming by Martin and Shellback formed the backbone, creating layered electronic textures that built tension through progressive builds and drops. The song was finalized in the key of at a of 80 beats per minute, resulting in a duration of 3:28. Mixing was handled by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia, ensuring a polished balance of the dense electronic and rhythmic components. Mastering followed at Sterling Sound in New York City by Randy Merrill, refining the overall dynamics for release.

Release and promotion

Commercial release

"...Ready for It?" premiered during an ESPN college football broadcast on September 2, 2017, ahead of its full release. The following day, September 3, 2017, Big Machine Records issued the track as a promotional digital single, available for worldwide digital download and bundled with pre-orders of Taylor Swift's sixth studio album, Reputation, which helped drive its early availability to fans. On October 24, 2017, the song was officially released to rhythmic radio formats as the second single from . It served as the opening track on the , which distributed on November 10, 2017, across various physical and digital formats. A by producer was later released as a promotional single on December 6, 2017, exclusively for streaming platforms, featuring an altered electronic production.

Promotional activities

The promotional campaign for "...Ready for It?" was intricately tied to the broader rollout of Taylor Swift's sixth studio album, , which began with cryptic hints in August 2017. On , Swift initiated a complete blackout of her profiles, erasing all previous posts and profile pictures, followed by the posting of enigmatic snake imagery videos that fueled speculation about her next project. These hints built anticipation for the album's thematic shift toward resilience and reinvention, with "...Ready for It?" positioned as a key track embodying that narrative. Further integration occurred through Swift's "secret sessions," intimate album listening parties held in October 2017 across locations including , , and , where select fans previewed Reputation tracks like "...Ready for It?" in a controlled, media-free environment. These events, attended by around 500 handpicked fans, generated organic buzz via personal shares from attendees, amplifying excitement without traditional press involvement. A teaser for the song aired during ABC's fall TV preview on September 3, 2017, featuring a one-minute clip that showcased its energetic production and lyrics, instantly sparking widespread online discussion and trends. This broadcast placement exposed the track to a broad television audience, contributing to its immediate viral momentum ahead of the full digital release later that day. To drive radio exposure, the song received a targeted airplay push in October 2017, with official promotion to U.S. radio on as Reputation's second single, alongside ongoing plays on pop formats that had begun earlier in the month. This strategy aimed at rhythmic and pop stations helped sustain momentum post-release, with stations like those monitored by reporting increased spins that bolstered its chart positioning. Streaming platforms played a role in early accessibility, with "...Ready for It?" made available on and upon its September 3 release, featured in editorial playlists such as Spotify's New Music Friday and Apple Music's Today's Hits to encourage immediate streams among digital listeners. The track's premiere was notably tied to 's sports broadcasting, debuting via a promotional spot during the network's coverage of the vs. State college game on September 2, 2017, which reached millions of viewers and extended its visibility to a sports-oriented demographic beyond typical audiences. This integration, aired on ABC, marked a strategic crossover that heightened the song's cultural buzz during the weekend.

Composition and lyrics

Musical structure and style

"...Ready for It?" is classified as an song incorporating hip-hop and industrial influences, characterized by trap beats and synth-heavy production. The song runs for 3 minutes and 28 seconds, is composed in the key of , and has a of 160 beats per minute. The track features deep synths and stuttering trap percussion, creating a maximalist pop sound with electronic elements reminiscent of EDM. The song follows a conventional verse-chorus structure, beginning with an intro of sparse, atmospheric synths that build tension through a pre-chorus into the explosive chorus marked by a hair-raising bass drop. This progression continues with alternating verses and choruses, leading to a bridge and outro that maintain the dynamic intensity. includes pulsing bass lines, electronic , and vacuum-cleaner-like synths, evoking a dark, futuristic vibe akin to a sci-fi thriller. Swift's vocal delivery shifts from a cool, conversational rap-like cadence in the verses—emphasizing rhythm over melody—to soaring, melodic hooks in the choruses, conveying a sense of urgency through layered processing and commanding presence. This approach blends industrial aggression with pop accessibility, drawing parallels to contemporary electropop styles while retaining Swift's melodic core.

Themes and interpretation

The song "...Ready for It?" centers on a theme of defiant romance pursued amid relentless media scrutiny, portraying the relationship as a high-stakes adventure with imagery of a "killer" lover whose presence leaves others "haunted" and the narrator as a elusive "phantom" who holds him "for ransom." This criminal motif underscores the dangerous allure of the romance, framing it as a mutual "heist" where the couple defies external judgments to claim their connection. Swift's lyrics further examine her "reputation" as a dual force—a media-imposed burden of being a serial heartbreaker, yet also an empowering identity she reclaims through bold self-assertion, as in the line "Knew he was a killer first time that I saw him," which flips past criticisms of her dating history into a of intentional, unapologetic passion. The track subtly alludes to her post-2016 personal struggles with relationship privacy, following controversies like the feud that intensified public invasion of her private life, evoking a desire for in lines about escaping to an "island breeze" where "no one has to know." Within the Reputation album's broader narrative of resilience, the song highlights love as a defiant act of reclamation amid adversity. Fan interpretations often identify British actor —Swift's partner starting in late 2016—as the subject, with criminal metaphors like "robber" and "thief" symbolizing the pair's tactics to dodge and shield their low-profile romance from tabloid exposure.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in September 2017 as the first promotional single from Taylor Swift's sixth studio album , "...Ready for It?" received generally positive contemporary reviews for its role as an energetic album opener. critic Rob Sheffield praised the track as kicking off the album with an "anthemic punch," noting its thumping beat and futuristic synths that recall the dystopian edge of the lead single "Look What You Made Me Do." Similarly, Billboard's review of the album noted its energetic start as the opener, setting a dynamic tone for the record. Critics also commended Swift's vocal performance and the track's production vigor. described "...Ready for It?" as one of the album's "glittering monsters," held together by Swift’s presence at their center, amid hair-raising bass drops and stuttering trap percussion. The Guardian pointed to the album's "fizzing, pugilistic energy" in tracks like the opener, likening the overall sound to a puzzle of dramatic references that invigorated Swift's pop style. However, some outlets critiqued the song for adhering to a formulaic electro-pop structure. NME's labeled it a "steely electro stomp" within the album's aggressive singles sequence. These mixed responses contributed to 's aggregate score of 71 out of 100, reflecting an average around 7/10 across 28 reviews that often highlighted the opener's role in the project's bold pivot. The track generated significant media buzz as a symbol of Swift's image reclamation following high-profile feuds, particularly with and , through its dystopian visuals that tied into the album's narrative. Outlets like analyzed these elements as nods to personal adversaries and a new romantic interest, framing the song as Swift's defiant return to public discourse.

Retrospective analysis

In the years following its release, "...Ready for It?" has been reevaluated as a harbinger of Taylor Swift's artistic boldness in subsequent albums. Retrospective analyses from the highlight how the track's aggressive electro-rap energy and themes of defiance foreshadowed the unapologetic vulnerability in Lover (2019) and the introspective reinvention of (2020), marking a transition from 's defensive posture to more liberated explorations of love and self. For instance, a retrospective on Lover notes the foreshadowing embedded in 's darker aesthetic, shifting from motifs to vibrant, inclusive expressions of joy. Similarly, a 2023 rediscovery of positions the album as an underrated pivot that bridged her mainstream pop dominance with experimental edges seen in her folk-infused work. Academic scholarship has increasingly examined the song's role within Reputation's broader feminist framework, focusing on Swift's reclamation of her public narrative through "bad girl" archetypes. In a 2021 analysis, scholars Mary Fogarty and Gina Arnold argue that the era transforms media-driven stereotypes of Swift as a victim of misogyny into an empowered, rebellious persona, using vengeful lyrics and staging to assert agency without commodifying her sexuality—elements resonant in "...Ready for It?"'s heist metaphors and confrontational delivery. This approach prompts discussions of feminism in popular music, where Swift balances traditional femininity with subversive power, influencing how female artists navigate scrutiny in the industry. The track's integration of such imagery underscores Reputation's status as an underrated reclamation project, as noted in a 2020 critique labeling the album "criminally underrated" for its innovative electro-pop shift and thematic depth. Retrospectives have solidified "...Ready for It?"'s place in 's canon, with the track frequently appearing in 2020s rankings of the album's highlights despite initial mixed reception. Outlets like Vulture's 2024 comprehensive ranking of Swift's discography include it among key entries, acknowledging its hook-driven chorus as a standout amid critiques of its rap elements, while affirming the album's enduring impact on her oeuvre. A 2023 ranking of songs positions the track as a bold opener that exemplifies the record's hybrid vigor. Furthermore, the song's electropop-rap fusion has rippled into the pop landscape, inspiring artists blending electronic beats with hip-hop inflections, as evidenced by Swift's broader influence on experimentation documented in analyses of her discography's evolution; its high-energy performance as the Reputation set opener during (2023–2024) has further cemented its live legacy in recent critiques.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"...Ready for It?" debuted at number 4 on the US chart dated September 23, 2017, marking Taylor Swift's 22nd top-10 entry and her 14th top-10 debut on the ranking. The track held a position within the top 10 for eight consecutive weeks before descending further down the chart. It maintained a presence on the Hot 100 for a total of 12 weeks, with its performance bolstered by robust digital sales and streaming activity. Internationally, the song achieved strong placements across multiple territories. It peaked at number 3 on Australia's ARIA Singles Chart, number 7 on both Canada's Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and the UK's Official Singles Chart, and entered the top 10 in (peaking at number 9), , and several other countries including and the . On year-end tallies, "...Ready for It?" ranked number 75 on the 2017 US Digital Song Sales chart, reflecting its initial commercial momentum. The following year, it placed number 45 on the 2018 US Adult Pop Songs year-end chart, underscoring its enduring radio airplay among adult contemporary audiences.

Sales and certifications

In the United States, "...Ready for It?" was certified double platinum by the (RIAA) on July 23, 2018, denoting 2,000,000 units sold or streamed. This certification encompasses a combination of digital downloads, physical sales, and on-demand audio and video streams, reflecting the song's strong initial performance following its release as the lead promotional single from . Estimates indicate over 7 million total units in the as of October 2025. By November 2025, the track had accumulated over 960 million streams on , underscoring its sustained digital footprint amid renewed interest from Taylor Swift's performances. Internationally, the song earned multi-platinum status in several markets, including 6× Platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 420,000 units as of 2023. It also received 2× Platinum awards from (160,000 units) and (60,000 units), alongside Platinum certification from the (BPI) for 600,000 units. Gold certifications were awarded in , , , , and by 2023, with no major updates reported by late 2025 despite continued streaming growth. Globally, estimates place cumulative sales and equivalent units for "...Ready for It?" at over 5 million by 2024, propelled by re-listens to Reputation tracks during the Eras Tour, which featured the song prominently in its setlist. The track generated approximately 500,000 pure sales in its first week worldwide, bolstered by robust radio airplay and music video views on platforms like YouTube, where it exceeded 380 million views by November 2025. These figures highlight the song's role in driving Reputation's overall commercial dominance, with streaming now accounting for the majority of ongoing consumption.

Music video

Concept and filming

The music video for "...Ready for It?" was directed by longtime collaborator Joseph Kahn and primarily filmed at the abandoned Hawthorne Plaza shopping mall in , on August 21, 2017. The creative vision centered on a dystopian science-fiction depicting two iterations of Swift—one as a hooded human figure and the other as a sleek —engaged in a confrontation that probes notions of identity, duplication, and . Drawing influences from classics like and , the concept underscored the album 's exploration of fame's isolating and objectifying impact on personal identity. Filming incorporated green-screen elements for dynamic action sequences, alongside heavy reliance on (CGI) to construct neon-lit futuristic sets and enhance the otherworldly atmosphere. A full-body 3D scan of Swift, captured in , facilitated the creation of her digital double, while LiDAR scans of the Hawthorne Plaza location supported precise camera tracking and visual effects integration. emphasized the characters' duality through mirrored poses, synchronized dances, and stylized , performed by Swift and her stunt double. Prior to the video's release, a teaser clip posted on October 23, 2017, showed Swift in a skin-toned simulating , which drew criticism for its provocative imagery and prompted minor alterations to the footage for select broadcast outlets.

Release and visual elements

A teaser for the "...Ready for It?" music video was released on October 23, 2017, via Taylor Swift's official Instagram account, building anticipation ahead of the full premiere. The complete video debuted simultaneously on Vevo and YouTube on October 26, 2017, marking the second visual from Swift's Reputation era. The video opens with a robotic, version of Swift awakening in a sterile laboratory, her eyes glowing blue as she rises from a pod, intercut with footage of the human Swift commanding a stage in a glittering, metallic amid cheering crowds. Neon-drenched alleyways and futuristic cityscapes dominate the visuals, punctuated by explosive , high-octane pursuits through rainy streets, and dynamic fight sequences involving armed guards. A recurring duality motif appears through cloned iterations of Swift, some armored and others vulnerable, clashing in slow-motion combat that escalates into chaos with shattering glass and fiery bursts. The narrative builds to a climactic rebellion, where Swift overpowers her captors, escapes a confining cage, and rides off into the night on a , arms outstretched in defiance. Stylistic elements emphasize a high-contrast palette of deep blacks, vibrant , and stark whites, evoking influences with glitchy digital effects and rapid editing to mirror the song's pulsating electronic beats. Slow-motion shots heighten the drama of key actions, such as Swift's fluid moves and debris flying from explosions, while the overall electronic aesthetic aligns with the track's trap and EDM production, creating a cohesive sensory experience. By November 2025, the video has surpassed 380 million views on , sustaining popularity through fan-created edits, reaction videos, and meme adaptations that amplify its sci-fi imagery across social platforms.

Live performances

Debut and television appearances

debuted "...Ready for It?" live on the November 11, 2017, episode of , marking the song's world premiere the day after the release of her sixth studio album, . She performed the track as her first musical number of the night, accompanied by four backup dancers and singers, while singing over a pre-recorded electronic backing track. The staging featured a minimalist electro setup with red lasers, smoke effects, and choreographed movements emphasizing the song's high-energy trap beat, aligning with the album's themes of media scrutiny and reinvention. Following the SNL appearance, Swift brought "...Ready for It?" to promotional events in late 2017, including her performance at iHeartRadio's KIIS-FM Jingle Ball on December 1, 2017, at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The set opened with the song, where she strutted across the stage in a sparkling black mini-dress, joined by a team of dancers amid LED screens displaying snake motifs that reinforced the Reputation aesthetic. This rendition was later broadcast as part of the event's television special on The CW on December 14, 2017, highlighting the track's elaborate staging with synchronized choreography and pulsating visuals. Swift also performed "...Ready for It?" at other Jingle Ball concerts that month, such as iHeartRadio's Z100 event on December 8, 2017, in , and Capital FM's on December 10, 2017, in , adapting the electro-infused production to arena settings with consistent use of thematic LED projections and dancer ensembles. These early outings served as key promotional platforms before the launch of her in May 2018, showcasing the song's dynamic live potential through its blend of minimalistic production and immersive visuals.

Concert tours

"...Ready for It?" served as the opening number for Taylor Swift's , which ran from May to November across 53 stadium shows worldwide. The performance featured dramatic staging with Swift emerging on an elevated platform amid glitchy video projections, including , and prominent snake motifs symbolizing the album's themes of media scrutiny and reinvention. The song was prominently featured in the Reputation segment of Swift's The Eras Tour from March 2023 to December 2024, where it again opened the act with updated visuals and choreography. Swift performed it in a black sequined initially, later evolving to a gold version with snake embroidery, accompanied by confetti cannons at the climax. Over the course of The Eras Tour's 149 shows, "...Ready for It?" was performed 149 times, marking its consistent inclusion as a staple opener for the Reputation era. Highlights from the 2018 tour included the immersive glitch effects in the introductory visuals, while 2024 performances emphasized fan interactions, such as Swift engaging with crowd energy during the build-up. No major tours featuring the song occurred in 2025 following the Eras Tour's conclusion. However, the performance was captured in the 2023 Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, preserving the segment for wider audiences. As part of these tours, "...Ready for It?" contributed to combined grosses exceeding $1 billion, with the Reputation Stadium Tour earning $345.7 million and The Eras Tour achieving a record $2.07 billion in ticket sales.

Credits and personnel

Songwriters and producers

"...Ready for It?" was written by Taylor Swift, Max Martin, Shellback (Johan Schuster), and Ali Payami, who are credited for both the lyrics and composition. The track was produced by Max Martin, Shellback, and Ali Payami, who also provided keyboards and programming. Swift served as executive producer for the album Reputation, on which the song appears, and provided lead and backing vocals while maintaining hands-on creative direction throughout the process. The songwriting credits are exclusively held by these four collaborators, underscoring Swift's direct involvement in crafting the track's narrative and sound.

Additional contributors

The track "...Ready for It?" features on lead and background vocals. Recording was conducted by and Shellback. Mixing duties were performed by , assisted by engineer John Hanes. The song was mastered by .

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