Taylor Swift, the Grammy-winning artist currently on her blockbuster Eras Tour in the United States, surprised fans during her concert on Saturday night by performing her Kanye West diss track “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.” The song, which was featured on her “Reputation” album, had not been performed live since 2018. Swift couldn’t help but let out an epic cackle during the performance, as she has always done while singing this particular song. The crowd cheered as she sang, “And here’s to you, ’cause forgiveness is a nice thing to do,” before bursting into fits of laughter. After composing herself, she humorously remarked, “I can’t even say it with a straight face.”
Fans were quick to react to this surprise performance, especially considering the history behind the song. “I think when the laugh came out she wasn’t expecting it 
had to take a second to recover,” one fan wrote. Another fan expressed their love for Swift, saying, “Not the little scream after the laugh 
I love her sm.” A third fan jokingly mentioned that the laughter seemed personal, while another fan hoped that Swift had saved the song for a performance in Los Angeles, in case Kanye West’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, and their daughter North West were in attendance.
The feud between Taylor Swift and Kanye West has been ongoing for years. It began in 2009 at the MTV Video Music Awards when West famously interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Video by a Female Artist. While they appeared to make amends in the following years, their relationship soured again after West released a song called “Famous” in 2016, in which he claimed to have received Swift’s permission to refer to her as “that bitch” in the lyrics. Swift vehemently denied giving her consent, leading Kardashian to release a recording of a conversation that seemed to support West’s claims and labeling Swift a “snake.”
In response to the backlash she faced following Kardashian’s video, Swift revealed that she coped by writing new songs. In an interview with Vogue in 2019, she explained, “A mass public shaming, with millions of people saying you are quote-unquote canceled, is a very isolating experience. When you say someone is canceled, it’s not a TV show. It’s a human being. You’re sending mass amounts of messaging to this person to either shut up, disappear, or it could also be perceived as, ‘Kill yourself.’” Swift felt compelled to create music about her experiences as a way to preserve her mental health and share the story of her humiliation.
Along with “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things,” fans also believe that Swift’s song “Look What You Made Me Do” was inspired by her feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. These tracks have become anthems for those who have experienced public scrutiny and the consequences of cancel culture. Swift’s ability to confront and overcome these challenges through her music has resonated with her dedicated fan base.
Taylor Swift’s recent performance of “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” not only showcased her talent and showmanship but also served as a reminder of her resilience in the face of adversity. As she continues her tour, fans eagerly anticipate what surprises she has in store and how she will continue to captivate audiences with her music.
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