Feel the tension build in “Ruin the Friendship,” track six from Taylor Swift‘s dazzling 12th studio album The Life of a Showgirl, out October 3 via Republic Records. Teased on the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast last month, this 12-song set reunites Swift with pop architects Max Martin and Shellback for the first time since Reputation, promising massive hooks and that glossy sheen fans crave. With its vibrant orange artwork and titles nodding to Shakespearean drama in “The Fate of Ophelia” or old Hollywood in “Elizabeth Taylor,” the album dives into love’s high-stakes spotlight, and “Ruin the Friendship” sits at its emotional core as a potential pop banger about crossing lines you can’t uncross.
“Ruin the Friendship” is a heartfelt track that captures the bittersweet tension between friendship and romance, a recurring theme in her songwriting. Known for her masterful storytelling and emotional honesty, Taylor Swift weaves a narrative here about missed chances, longing, and the complex aftermath of unspoken feelings. This song vividly recounts moments of hesitation and regret, illustrating how the fear of disrupting a friendship can sometimes overshadow the desire to take a chance on love.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of youthful memories, from rainy September days to prom nights, where small, poignant details evoke strong nostalgia. Taylor reflects on a pivotal moment that was “not an invitation,” yet filled with an unspoken urge to cross the line. The chorus and refrain highlight the internal conflict between playing it safe and embracing vulnerability, with the repeated mantra “should’ve kissed you anyway” underscoring the regret that lingers. The blend of candid confessions and universal emotions resonates deeply with listeners navigating similar dilemmas.
Clocking in amid cuts like the vulnerable “Eldest Daughter” and the cheeky “Actually Romantic,” it fits the record’s arc of spectacle and sincerity, with a feature from Sabrina Carpenter on the title track adding extra star power. Dive into the Ruin the Friendship lyrics below and unpack its risky spark. Don’t miss other The Life of a Showgirl tracks like The Fate of Ophelia for more of Swift’s pop theater magic.
| Lead Vocals | Taylor Swift |
| Songwriter | Taylor Swift, Max Martin & Shellback |
| Music Producer | Taylor Swift, Max Martin & Shellback |
| Composer | Taylor Swift, Max Martin & Shellback |
| Produced At | MXM Studios (Stockholm, Sweden) & Shellback Studios (Stockholm, Sweden) |
| Recording Engineer | Max Martin, Shellback & Lasse Mårtén |
| Mastering Engineer | Randy Merrill & Ryan Smith |
| Mixing Engineer | Șerban Ghenea |
| Distributor | Universal Music Group |
| Label | Republic Records |
| Release Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Song Language | English |
| Copyright © | Taylor Swift |
| Recorded At | Shellback Studios (Stockholm, Sweden) |
Lyrics of Ruin the Friendship by Taylor Swift
[Verse 1]
Glistening Grass From September Rain
Gray Overpass Full Of Neon Names
You Drive (Mm-mm), 85 (Mm-mm)
Gallatin Road And The Lakeside Beach
Watching The Game From Your Brother’s Jeep
Your Smile (Mm-mm), Miles Wide
[Chorus]
And It Was Not An Invitation
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway
And It Was Not Convenient, No
But Your Girlfriend Was Away
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway, Hey
[Verse 2]
Shiny Wood Floors Underneath My Feet
Disco Ball Makes Everything Look Cheap
Have Fun (Mm-mm), It’s Prom (Mm-mm)
Wilted Corsage Dangles From My Wrist
Over His Shoulder, I Catch A Glimpse
And See (Mm-mm)
You Looking At Me
[Chorus]
And It Was Not An Invitation
But As The 50 Cent Song Played (Song Played)
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway (Anyway)
And It Was Not Convenient, No (It Was Not, Convenient)
Would’ve Been The Best Mistake
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway, Hey
[Refrain]
Don’t Make It Awkward In Second Period
Might Piss Your Ex Off, Lately We’ve Been Good
Staying Friends Is Safe, Doesn’t Mean You Should
Don’t Make It Awkward In Second Period
Might Piss Your Ex Off, Lately We’ve Been Good
Staying Friends Is Safe, Doesn’t Mean You Should
[Bridge]
When I Left School, I Lost Track Of You
Abigail Called Me With The Bad News
Goodbye, And We’ll Never Know Why
It Was Not An Invitation
But I Flew Home Anyway
With So Much Left To Say
It Was Not Convenient, No
But I Whispered At The Grave
“Should’ve Kissed You Anyway”
[Chorus]
Oh, And It Was Not An Invitation (It Was Not, An Invitation)
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway (Anyway)
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway, Anyway (Anyway)
[Post-Chorus]
And It Was Not—
My Advice Is Always Ruin The Friendship
Better That Than Regret It For All Time
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway
And My Advice Is Always Answer The Question
Better That Than To Ask It All Your Life
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway
Should’ve Kissed You Anyway
