the song was released in the united states on november 14, 2010. it was the second single from "speak now". according to swift, "back to december" is the first time she ever apologizes to someone in a song. the song is about breakup and wanting to go back to former times. its lyrics are a remorseful plea for forgiveness for breaking up with a former lover. this single got very high reviews from the critics. it was a hit in the united states in 2010. it peaked at #3 on the "billboard" hot country songs chart and at #6 on the hot 100 chart.