These lyrics, while not actually written by Taylor Swift, capture the essence of her songwriting style and the themes she often explores. Here's a breakdown of the potential thoughts and background behind them:

Theme: The song delves into the experience of carrying on with life despite heartbreak. It's about putting on a brave face for the world while internally grappling with deep pain and longing.

Verse 1:

• "I can read your mind": This establishes the internal struggle of the narrator. She knows others perceive her as happy and successful, but she's aware of the reality hidden behind the facade.
• "Glittering prime": This emphasizes the external glamour and success, likely within the context of a music career, mirroring the life of Taylor Swift herself.
• "Lies": The narrator acknowledges the act of deception, implying that she's faking a happy image.

Pre-Chorus:

• "Real tough kid": This highlights the common portrayal of Taylor Swift as a resilient and strong individual.
• "Fake it 'til you make it": This is a popular mantra often used to encourage pushing through difficult situations, a concept Taylor Swift has embraced in her career.
• "Lights, camera, bitch, smile": The cynical tone evokes the pressures of fame and the constant performance required.
• "Breaking down": This reveals the vulnerability beneath the surface, contrasting with the exterior strength.
• "Grinnin' like I'm winnin':" This emphasizes the act of faking happiness and success, highlighting the disconnect between internal and external realities.

Chorus:

• "So depressed, I act like it's my birthday every day": This uses a dark humor approach to depict the emotional state of the narrator.
• "Obsessed with him... avoids me like the plague": This emphasizes the unrequited love and the emotional distance from the object of affection.
• "Productive, it's an art": This connects the act of achieving success with managing emotional pain.

Verse 2:

• "Hold my breath... since he left": This symbolizes the lingering pain and difficulty of moving on.
• "Finding his things in drawers": This suggests the struggle to let go of the past and the physical reminders of the lost relationship.
• "Sure I can pass this test": This reveals the continued effort to maintain a façade of success despite emotional turmoil.

Outro:

• "You know you're good when you can do it with a broken heart": This is the core message of the song, emphasizing the ability to function and succeed despite inner pain.
• "Misérable, and nobody even knows": This adds a layer of irony and self-awareness, acknowledging the inner struggle despite the public image.

Overall, this song evokes the sense of emotional resilience and determination that Taylor Swift often portrays in her work. It captures the duality of being a successful artist and a heartbroken individual. While not explicitly about her own experiences, it resonates with the themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the pressures of fame that often run through her music.