A month back, Jack Antonoff and his ensemble Bleachers revealed that their fifth studio record, everyone for ten minutes, would debut on May 22. They also shared the project’s initial single, “you and forever,” accompanied by a music video featuring Antonoff’s spouse, Margaret Qualley. Today, they return with another track, “dirty wedding dress,” which again includes a nod to Qualley, as the verses mention Jack and Margaret’s nuptials from August 2023.

Crafted and produced by Antonoff, “dirty wedding dress” blends a touch of country flair (courtesy of banjo and violin accents) with classic Springsteen-inspired rock (highlighted by sax lines and that signature Jersey Shore atmosphere), true to his typical sound. In the opening segment, Antonoff establishes a narrative about intrusive individuals disrupting his personal life and dampening his spirits.

Listen here, I’ve got something weighing on my mind
And I feel it’s the right moment for us to chat
There are far too many strangers popping up
And some deserve a second look at their actions

During the chorus, Antonoff seemingly touches on the commotion that erupted around his wedding ceremony held in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Reports indicate that a swarm of enthusiastic Taylor Swift fans crowded the area, as Taylor Swift was present for the event.

The worn wedding gown is a vow
I was certain of it that night by the sea
And I felt it that evening on the roof
I realized she was from long ago
So we exchanged vows that August
And the local residents were completely overwhelmed
We had to secure the windows and fend off the cameras
We shook off the gloom from that Saturday night, oh

In the post-chorus, Antonoff expresses relief after clearing out the uninvited attendees. He refers to these intruders as “Herbs,” a label he has employed in various instances, such as when he denounced music industry figures who were skeptical that the 10-minute rendition of “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift would find success. He also utilized the term to criticize Damon Albarn after the Blur/Gorillaz leader questioned Taylor’s songwriting talents back in 2022.

From now on, only my circle sees me
Only my people are allowed inside
Everyone on the outside claims to have the scoop
But they haven't got a clue
They don't understand what they believe
Or what they imagined they heard
What time is it where they are?
What's the buzz? It's all just nonsense
No, they don't grasp these intimate details

Within the third verse, Antonoff dismisses a couple of media members who might also fall into the category of "Herbs."

So, touring with the group, there's this backstage gathering
And this writer approaches me across the room
She quizzes me about my past, laughs and calls it a legend
She wonders if I'll check out her newest article
Oh, good grief, they're crowding me from every angle
And a reviewer has moved into the neighborhood
Joking about wanting fame because I mentioned him once
And I’m just thinking, “What on earth?”

You can check out the complete lyrics for “dirty wedding dress” on Genius right now.