"Hey Stephen" is the fourth track from American singer and songwriter Taylor Swift's second studio album, Fearless, released on November 11, 2008, through Big Machine Records. It is also the fourth track from her debut re-recorded album, Fearless (Taylor's Version), released on April 9, 2021, through Republic Records.
Background[]
“Hey Stephen” was written for a guy who opened a few shows for her while she was on tour, that she had a crush on, but who never knew she liked him. She sent him a text message when the album came out, saying “Hey, Track 4.” He then sent her a long e-mail saying, “Oh, my God!”[1]
Hidden message[]
Hidden message: Love and theft.
This confirms this song is about Stephen Barker-Liles from the duo called "Love & Theft", who Taylor toured with in 2008.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
Hey, Stephen, I know looks can be deceiving but I know I saw a light in you
As we walked, we were talking and I didn't say half the things I wanted to
Of all the girls tossing rocks at your window
I'll be the one waiting there, even when it's cold
Hey, Stephen, boy, you might have me believing I don't always have to be alone
[Chorus]
'Cause I can't help it if you look like an angel
Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain, so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
I can't help myself
[Verse 2]
Hey, Stephen, I've been holding back this feeling
So I've got some things to say to you
I seen it all, so I thought, but I never seen nobody shine the way you do
The way you walk, way you talk, way you say my name
It's beautiful, wonderful, don't you ever change
Hey, Stephen, why are people always leaving?
I think you and I should stay the same
[Chorus]
'Cause I can't help it if you look like an angel
Can't help I if I wanna kiss you in the rain, so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
I can't help myself
[Bridge]
They're dimming the street lights
You're perfect for me, why aren't you here tonight?
I'm waiting alone, now, so come on and come out and pull me near
Shine, shine, shine
Hey, Stephen, I could give you fifty reasons why I should be the one you choose
All those other girls, well, they're beautiful, but would they write a song for you?
[Chorus]
'Cause I can't help it if you look like an angel
Can't help I if I wanna kiss you in the rain, so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
I can't help myself
If you look like an angel
Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain, so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
[Outro]
I can't help myself
Myself, can't help myself
I can't help myself
Lyric video[]
Audio[]
Taymoji pack[]
 Of all the girls tossing rocks at your window...  My head is spinning!  Can you find the key to my heart?  They’re dimming the street lights...  Bundle up!  Come feel this magic I’ve been feeling since I met you.  Cause I can’t help it if you look like an angel.  Can’t help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain...  Box |
Live performances[]
This song was performed acoustically as a part of the setlist for her first tour, the Fearless Tour. It was performed during a live set for Z100 Radio, and it was a surprise song during the Red Tour and the Reputation Stadium Tour.
It was performed as The Eras Tour surprise song three times: once on May 14, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a second time on May 11, 2024, in Paris, France, and a third time on Gelsenkirchen, Germany, mashed-up with "Speak Now".
References[]
| Fearless | ||
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| "Fearless" • "Fifteen" • "Love Story" • "Hey Stephen" • "White Horse" • "You Belong With Me" • "Breathe" • "Tell Me Why" • "You're Not Sorry" • "The Way I Loved You" • "Forever & Always" • "The Best Day" • "Change" | ||
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