LOVE

The song was a critical success with critics complimenting Swift's writing style and the song's plot. It was also a commercial success, selling over 8 million copies worldwide, therefore establishing itself among the best-selling singles of all time. In the United States, the song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 5.9 million paid digital downloads, becoming Swift's best-selling single to date and the best-selling download by a female country solo artist. It is also one of the best-selling singles in the United States and was once the best-selling digital country single of all time there. The single was certified 8× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Internationally, "Love Story" became Swift's first number one single in Australia, followed by "Shake It Off" in 2014. The song has been certified triple platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association(ARIA). The song is one of the best-selling singles worldwide, with worldwide sales of more than 6.5 millions of units (according to the IFPI).^[3]

The song's accompanying music video was directed by Trey Fanjoy, who directed the majority of Swift's prior videos. The video is a period piece that drew influences from the Medieval, Renaissance, and British Regency(1813) eras. It follows Swift and model Justin Gaston as they meet in a university campus and imagine themselves in a prior era. "Love Story" was promoted through numerous live performances. The song was included on Swift's first, second, third, and fourth headlining tours, the Fearless Tour (2009–10), the Speak Now World Tour (2011–12), the Red Tour (2013–14), and the 1989 World Tour(2015) respectively. "Love Story" has been covered by several artists, including Joe McElderry and Forever the Sickest Kids.

Writing and inspiration