He summarized the content of the lyrics, writing "[i]t starts in the past, at the start of a relationship, and then lets us know it’s a flashback. It then jumps back to the beginning and steps us through the couple’s years together, but all the while shifting perspective, jumping between their separate memories." The song received mostly positive reviews by music critics.Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone praised Swift's lyrical craftsmanship, calling the song's couplets "You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter" as a "brilliant throwaway detail." Bobby Peacock of Roughstock gave the song three-and-a-half stars out of five, lauding its catchy yet melodious hook.She also co-produced the song with Nathan Chapman, who co-produced all of Swift's studio albums.

The song was commercially successful, as well; it became a top ten hit in Australia, Canada and Japan.

After some time of dating, he proposes to her on a rowboat and she cheerfully accepts.

Later, the two are seen arguing, resulting in Swift running away from the house, crying, just like she did when she was younger as she saw her parents arguing.

The single was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

In the United States, the song entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number three, making Swift the second female artist in the history of the Hot 100 to debut multiple tracks in the top five during a calendar year after Mariah Carey did so in 1995.