august Lyrics | folklore | Taylor Swift

august Lyrics | folklore | Taylor Swift

About the Song: A Hazy Summer Memory "august" is a dreamy, melancholic track from Taylor Swift's eighth studio album, folklore. Written by Swift and her long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff, the song stands out for its lush, layered production featuring reverb-heavy guitars and soft vocals, creating a hazy, nostalgic atmosphere. Lyrically, "august" tells the story of a short-lived summer affair from the perspective of an unnamed girl. It is the second song in the 'Teenage Love Triangle' fictional narrative on the album, which also includes "cardigan" and "betty." The song perfectly captures the feeling of looking back on a romance that was intense and real for one person, but ultimately fleeting and unowned—encapsulated in the line, "'Cause you were never mine." The Teenage Love Triangle One of the most celebrated aspects of the folklore album is the interconnected story told across three songs: "cardigan": Told from the perspective of Betty, looking back on her relationship with James. "august": Told from the perspective of the unnamed 'other woman', reminiscing about her summer affair with James. "betty": Told from the perspective of a 17-year-old James, as he apologizes to Betty for his summer mistake. This narrative device was praised by critics for its depth and clever songwriting, showcasing Swift's prowess as a fictional storyteller. Creative Collaboration The lush sound of "august" was crafted by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff. While much of folklore was made with Aaron Dessner, Swift continued her fruitful partnership with Antonoff on several tracks, including this one. Antonoff's production gives the song its signature dream-pop quality, distinguishing it from the more folk-oriented tracks on the album. Find their credits on IMDb: Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff. About the Album: folklore (2020) Released as a surprise during the COVID-19 pandemic, folklore saw Taylor Swift pivot from stadium pop to a more intimate, indie-folk, and alternative sound. The album was co-produced mainly with Aaron Dessner of The National. It was a massive critical and commercial success, praised for its mature songwriting and cohesive aesthetic. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Swift's third win in that category.
willow Lyrics | evermore | Taylor Swift

willow Lyrics | evermore | Taylor Swift

About the Song: A Magical Ode to Devotion "willow" is the lead single from Taylor Swift's ninth studio album, evermore, released in December 2020 just five months after its predecessor, folklore. The song continues the indie-folk and chamber pop soundscape developed with collaborator Aaron Dessner. Lyrically, "willow" is a love song that uses imagery of witchcraft, magic, and destiny to portray a deep, fated connection. The central metaphor of a willow tree bending to the wind represents the singer's life being shaped by her lover's influence. Upon its release, "willow" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing a record-breaking year for Swift. The Music Video Written and directed by Taylor Swift, the music video for "willow" is a direct sequel to the video for "cardigan." It begins where the previous video ended, with Swift sitting at her piano. A magical golden thread leads her back into the piano, taking her on a whimsical journey through different scenes, including a forest coven and a vintage circus, before she is finally reunited with her lover (played by her frequent tour dancer, Taeok Lee). The video beautifully captures the song's enchanting and mystical themes. Director: Taylor Swift Starring: Taylor Swift and Taeok Lee Release Date: December 11, 2020 Where to Watch: The official music video can be found on YouTube. About the Album: evermore (2020) Described by Swift as the "sister record" to folklore, evermore delves deeper into the rustic, narrative-driven world established by its predecessor. Swift explained that she and her collaborators, primarily Aaron Dessner, "just couldn't stop writing songs." The album expands on the fictional storytelling, featuring tales of mismatched lovers, vengeful ghosts, and grand heists. It received widespread critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and musical maturity, and, like folklore, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Creative Artists Learn more about the artists on IMDb: Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner.
Cruel Summer Lyrics | Lover | Taylor Swift

Cruel Summer Lyrics | Lover | Taylor Swift

About the Song: The Viral Fan-Favorite "Cruel Summer" has one of the most unique success stories in Taylor Swift's career. Originally released as an album track on 2019's Lover, the song was an immediate favorite among fans, who praised its infectious energy and phenomenal bridge. Co-written by Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Annie Clark (St. Vincent), it's a quintessential synth-pop banger about the thrilling anxiety of a new, secret romance. Despite its initial status as a non-single, the song exploded in popularity in the summer of 2023, fueled by its inclusion in The Eras Tour setlist and viral TikTok trends. This groundswell of support led to its official release as a single four years after the album's debut, eventually hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The Powerhouse Songwriting Trio "Cruel Summer" was born from a collaboration between three of modern music's most influential artists. Taylor Swift brought her signature melodic and narrative sensibilities. Jack Antonoff provided his driving, 80s-inspired synth production. Annie Clark, known professionally as St. Vincent, is an acclaimed indie-rock musician and artist who contributed to the song's musical and lyrical texture, including its distinctive guitar riffs. Explore their work on IMDb: Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Annie Clark (St. Vincent). The Bridge The bridge of "Cruel Summer" is widely considered by fans and critics to be one of the best in pop music. Its frantic, shouted delivery and raw, emotional lyrics create a moment of pure catharsis that has become a highlight of Swift's live shows. "I'm drunk in the back of the carAnd I cried like a baby coming home from the barSaid, 'I'm fine,' but it wasn't trueI don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you..." About the Album: Lover (2019) Lover is Taylor Swift's seventh studio album and her first after departing from her previous record label. In contrast to the dark, defensive tone of its predecessor, reputation, Lover is a bright, colorful, and romantic album that explores all facets of love. The record is primarily a synth-pop and electropop project, featuring some of Swift's most joyful and upbeat songs alongside vulnerable ballads. It received positive reviews and was a global commercial success, becoming the world's best-selling studio album of 2019.
cardigan Lyrics | folklore | Taylor Swift

cardigan Lyrics | folklore | Taylor Swift

About the Song: A Folk Storytelling Masterpiece "Cardigan" served as the lead single for Taylor Swift's eighth studio album, folklore, a record that marked a significant sonic and thematic shift for the artist. Released as a surprise in July 2020, the song is a wistful, piano-driven ballad about a romance remembered with nostalgia and a hint of sorrow. Co-written and produced with Aaron Dessner (of the band The National), "Cardigan" showcases Swift's evolution into a mature, fictional storyteller. The song is one of three tracks on the album (along with "august" and "betty") that explore the same teenage love triangle from different perspectives, with "Cardigan" being told from the viewpoint of the character Betty, years later. The Creative Team Taylor Swift & Aaron Dessner The collaboration between Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner was the cornerstone of the folklore and evermore albums. Working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dessner would send Swift instrumental tracks, and she would write lyrics and melodies to them. This creative process resulted in an indie-folk sound that was a departure from Swift's previous pop work, earning her some of the best critical reviews of her career and a Grammy for Album of the Year for folklore. Explore their IMDb pages: Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner. The Music Video & Film The enchanting music video for "Cardigan" was written, directed, and styled by Taylor Swift. Filmed with strict safety protocols during the pandemic, it depicts Swift being magically transported through her piano to fantastical settings—a moss-covered forest, a stormy sea, and finally back to a cozy cabin, where she finds comfort in an old cardigan. The video's escapist and rustic aesthetic defined the entire visual identity of the folklore era. Release Date: July 24, 2020 Director: Taylor Swift Where to Watch: The official video is on YouTube. The accompanying concert film, Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, which details the making of the album, is available on Disney+. About the Album: folklore (2020) Folklore was a surprise album released in July 2020. Moving away from pop spectacle, Swift crafted a stripped-back, alternative record filled with character-driven narratives and intricate storytelling. The album was praised for its lyrical maturity, sonic cohesion, and emotional depth. It broke numerous records and became the best-selling album of 2020 in the US. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making Swift the first woman to win the top prize three times.
Anti-Hero Lyrics | Midnights | Taylor Swift

Anti-Hero Lyrics | Midnights | Taylor Swift

About the Song: "I'm the problem, it's me" "Anti-Hero" was released as the lead single from Taylor Swift's tenth studio album, Midnights (2022), and it instantly became a global phenomenon. Co-written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, the song is a candid and surprisingly upbeat exploration of self-loathing, anxiety, and the pressures of fame. With its synth-pop beat and brutally honest lyrics, "Anti-Hero" finds Swift confronting her own insecurities head-on, declaring herself the "problem" and the titular anti-hero. The track was praised by critics for its vulnerability and clever songwriting, and it broke numerous streaming records upon its release, topping charts worldwide. The Creative Team Taylor Swift & Jack Antonoff The collaboration between Taylor Swift and producer/musician Jack Antonoff has defined a significant era of her career. Starting with the album 1989, they have co-created some of Swift's most acclaimed work, including the albums reputation, Lover, folklore, evermore, and Midnights. Antonoff is known for his signature production style that blends vintage synths with modern pop sensibilities, which is on full display in "Anti-Hero." For more on the artists, see their IMDb pages: Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff. The Music Video Written and directed by Taylor Swift herself, the music video for "Anti-Hero" is a surreal and comedic visualization of the song's themes. It portrays Swift being haunted by her own doppelgängers, attending her own funeral where her future children squabble over her will, and being depicted as a giant, misunderstood monster. The video was lauded for its creativity and humor in tackling such personal subject matter. Release Date: October 21, 2022 Written & Directed By: Taylor Swift Starring: Taylor Swift, Mike Birbiglia, John Early, and Mary Elizabeth Ellis. Where to Watch: The official music video is available on YouTube. About the Album: Midnights (2022) Midnights is a concept album described by Swift as "the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life." It marked a return to a more direct pop sound after the folk-inspired records folklore and evermore. The album explores themes of self-reflection, insecurity, fantasy, and falling in love. Midnights was a massive commercial success, breaking numerous records and receiving widespread critical acclaim, ultimately winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making Swift the first artist to win the award four times.
All Too Well (10 Minute Version) Lyrics | Red (Taylor’s Version) | Taylor Swift

All Too Well (10 Minute Version) Lyrics | Red (Taylor’s Version) | Taylor Swift

About the Song: The Legendary Full Story "All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) [From The Vault]" is more than a song; it's a cultural event. For years, fans speculated about a longer, unabridged version of the original 2012 track from the album Red. In 2021, with the release of Red (Taylor's Version), Taylor Swift finally unveiled the mythical 10-minute version, and it exceeded all expectations. Penned entirely by Swift, the song is a raw, sprawling, and incredibly detailed narrative of a short-lived but impactful romance. Its vivid imagery and devastatingly specific lyrics have led critics and fans to hail it as her magnum opus and one of the greatest breakup songs ever written. The Artist and the Re-recordings Taylor Swift: A Songwriting Powerhouse Taylor Swift is one of the most successful and influential musicians of her generation. Her career is defined by her narrative songwriting, which often draws from personal experiences. The "Taylor's Version" re-recording project was initiated by Swift to regain artistic and financial control of her master recordings from her first six studio albums. These new recordings have been celebrated for their vocal maturity and for the inclusion of previously unreleased "From The Vault" tracks, like this one. You can see her extensive credits on her IMDb page. All Too Well: The Short Film To accompany the song's release, Taylor Swift wrote and directed a short film titled All Too Well: The Short Film. The film vividly brings the song's narrative to life, chronicling the relationship's beautiful beginnings and painful end. Release Date: November 12, 2021 Written & Directed By: Taylor Swift Starring: Sadie Sink, Dylan O'Brien, and Taylor Swift Synopsis: The film follows the intoxicating and ultimately volatile romance between 'Her' (Sink) and 'Him' (O'Brien), visually translating key lyrics and moments from the song. It was acclaimed for its direction and powerful performances. Where to Watch: The short film is available to watch on YouTube. Meet the Cast Sadie Sink is an American actress best known for her role as Max Mayfield in the Netflix series Stranger Things. Her emotional performance in the short film received widespread praise. View her profile on IMDb. Dylan O'Brien is an American actor famous for his roles in the Maze Runner series and the TV show Teen Wolf. He portrays the charismatic but ultimately heartbreaking older boyfriend in the film. Check out his work on IMDb. About the Album: Red (Taylor's Version) Red (Taylor's Version) is the second re-recorded album by Taylor Swift, released in 2021. The original 2012 album was a transitional record that blended country, pop, and rock, exploring the intense and messy emotions of heartbreak. The re-recorded version includes all 30 songs originally intended for the album, including the 10-minute version of "All Too Well," allowing fans and critics to experience the full scope of the "Red" era for the first time.