“All You Had To Do Was Stay” discusses a crumbling relationship that falls apart due to a lover’s indecision. It’s part of Swift’s famous “track five” pattern — through the years, her fans have pointed out her tendency to make the most emotional song on the album the fifth track.

A big theme in Swift’s romantic songs is the prospect of a lover staying with her — see 2012’s “Stay Stay Stay,” 2017’s “New Year’s Day,” and 2019’s “The Archer,” another track five.

Swift gave fans a preview into the lyrics on October 18th, 2014, when she posted this picture on her Instagram: