“You’re On Your Own, Kid” recounts a young person who longs for love but eventually understands that they are on their own as the song progresses toward its conclusion. The verses take you through her younger life and the music builds as she matures through the song.

As the song builds into a frenzy, the audience receive a glimpse into Taylor’s past life: she writes a song, burns the lyrics or letters into ashes. Suddenly, she’s on her own, figuring out how to be herself.

The song utilizes a soft-pulsing percussive beat that slowly blossoms into an alt-pop soundscape. Lyrically and vocally, it sounds like something from Red, but with a darker sheen.

The song parallels Lover’s “It’s Nice To Have a Friend”, also about school kids falling in love. Musically, both have similar, short rhyming couplets.