The long-awaited Speak Now (Taylor's Version) is out – and listeners finally have confirmation that Taylor Swift has changed the lyrics to one of her more controversial songs.

One of the hottest topics of speculation among Taylor Swift fans and observers was whether Swift might change a specific line in 'Better Than Revenge' that many felt had not dated well since it's original 2010 release.

The singer removed one line which accused an unnamed woman of being "better known for the things that she does on the mattress".

The new lyrics in Speak Now (Taylor's Version) read: "He was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches."

STREETS ARE SAYING TAYLOR CHANGED BETTER THAN REVENGE LYRICS ?! pic.twitter.com/219OGkWbRU

— julia ♡🕊️|| ERAS 8/3 (@maroonswiftieee) July 5, 2023

“Matches” is a less than perfect rhyme to replace “mattress” following the preceding line “She’s an actress” - which was thought to be the real-life profession of the woman Swift wrote the song about. The substituted line is however a better match for her feminist credentials as an adult, since Swift has often spoken in subsequent years about how women’s dating lives, including her own, should not be up for judgment.

The song 'Better than Revenge' has long been thought to be about Camilla Belle, an actress who briefly dated Joe Jonas after appearing in the music video for the Jonas Brothers' song 'Lovebug'. According to Taylor's lyrics, Camilla "stole" Joe from the superstar and in retaliation Taylor wrote an entire song about how "stealing other people's toys on the playground won't make you many friends".

Other lyrics that hint at it being about Camilla include the line: "But no amount of vintage dresses gives you dignity." In the Jonas Brothers' 'Lovebug' music video, Camilla wore vintage fifties dresses as the video was set during that time period.

The lyric change has received a mix reaction from Swifties, with many taking to social media to voice their disapproval of the new lyrics.

hour 1 of dealing with the better than revenge lyric change pic.twitter.com/GvR3DTEWHc

— doyouncé (@revelindefeat) July 6, 2023

Listen to Speak Now (Taylor's Version) below.