<P> "Back to December" received acclaim reviews from critics, who regarded it as one of the highlights of Speak Now . Critics have praised the song for its lyrics, melody, and vocals . The song enjoyed commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and at number seven in Canada . It also peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart . The song received moderate success internationally, peaking at number 24 in New Zealand, and number 26 in Australia . </P> <P> The song's accompanying music video, directed by Yoann Lemoine, laments the aftermath of a break - up between Swift and her boyfriend . The music video garnered mixed to positive reviews from critics; some praised the spectacular visual sense in portraying the somber mood while others criticized its inadequate narrative . Swift has performed "Back to December" in several live appearances, notably at the 44th annual Country Music Association Awards and at the 38th American Music Awards . </P> <P> According to Swift, "Back to December" is an apology to a past lover in the form of a song, something that she has never done before . She continued, "I've never felt the need to apologize in a song before . But in the last two years I've experienced a lot, (including) a lot of different kinds of learning lessons . And sometimes you learn a lesson too late and at that point you need to apologize because you were careless ." Critics have speculated that the song is Swift's apology to her ex-boyfriend, The Twilight Saga actor Taylor Lautner, due, in part, to the lyrics "your tan skin, your sweet smile", as well as the hidden lyrics in the booklet, which spelled out "TAY ." Lautner confirmed these rumors while promoting the TV series Scream Queens in 2016 . "Back to December" was first released as a promotional single from Speak Now on October 12, 2010 as a part of the exclusive campaign by the iTunes Store leading up to the album's release . On November 15, 2010, the song was released as the second single from Speak Now . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> "Back to December" A 30 - second sample of "Back to December". The song features orchestral arrangement, and the lyrics speak of an apology . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Problems playing this file? See media help . </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Meaning of back to december by taylor swift