False God (song)

"False God"
Song by Taylor Swift
from the album Lover
ReleasedAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
StudioElectric Lady (New York City)
Genre
Length3:20
LabelRepublic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Taylor Swift
  • Jack Antonoff
Audio video
"False God" on YouTube

"False God" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her seventh studio album, Lover (2019). Written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, the song is an atmospheric slow jam combining R&B, neo soul, smooth jazz, sophisti-pop, and influences of jazz; it consists of a saxophone riff, trap beats, and hiccuping vocal samples. The lyrics use religious imagery to depict hardships and intimacy in a long-distance romantic relationship, mentioning New York City and its neighborhood West Village.

Music critics highlighted the sexually provocative lyrics and the sultry production. Some regarded "False God" as an album highlight, but a few otherwise found it unremarkable. Commercially, the song peaked at number 59 on the ARIA Singles Chart and number 77 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100. It received certifications in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Swift performed the song on a 2019 episode of Saturday Night Live, assisted by the show's musical director Lenny Pickett on saxophone. She sang it live four times on the Eras Tour (2023–2024). The song has been covered by the English singer-songwriter James Bay and the American country singer Ryan Hurd.