| "Back to December" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Taylor Swift | ||||
| from the album Speak Now | ||||
| Released | November 15, 2010 | |||
| Genre | Country pop | |||
| Length | 4:53 (album version) 4:09 (radio edit) | |||
| Label | Big Machine | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Taylor Swift | |||
| Producer(s) |
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| Taylor Swift singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Back to December" on YouTube | ||||
"Back to December" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Big Machine Records released it as the album's second single on November 15, 2010. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Back to December" is a country pop power ballad that incorporates a string section. Inspired by Swift's relationship with the actor Taylor Lautner, the lyrics are about a remorseful plea for forgiveness from a former lover.
In contemporary reviews, music critics praised "Back to December" for its production and the mature lyrics expressing regret over lost love. Several critics have considered it one of Swift's best songs. In the United States, the single peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Hot Country Songs chart, and the Recording Industry Association of America certified it triple platinum. Elsewhere, "Back to December" peaked at number seven in Canada and received certifications in Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The song's accompanying music video, directed by Yoann Lemoine, depicts the aftermath of a breakup between Swift and her boyfriend. Swift performed "Back to December" at the Country Music Association Awards and the American Music Awards. On the Speak Now World Tour (2011–12), she performed the song as part of a mashup with OneRepublic's "Apologize" and her own song "You're Not Sorry". A re-recorded version, titled "Back to December (Taylor's Version)", was released as part of Swift's third re-recorded album Speak Now (Taylor's Version) on July 7, 2023. The re-recorded song topped the Philippines Songs chart.