"Dear John" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). The title references the Dear John letter, which is a letter written to a man by his romantic partner to inform him that their relationship is over. Inspired by one of Swift's former partners, the lyrics are about a 19-year-old woman's tumultuous relationship with an older man. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Dear John" is a slow-burning power ballad combining soft rock, electric blues, and country pop; the production incorporates electric guitar licks. In Speak Now album reviews, many critics praised "Dear John" for its emotional impact and vivid lyrics about heartbreak; some criticized the lyrics as shallow and shortsighted. In retrospect, critics have regarded the track as one of Swift's best in her catalog because of its songwriting. "Dear John" peaked at number 54 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at number 66 on the Canadian Hot 100. Swift included the song in the set list to her Speak Now World Tour (2010–2011).
