Every song from Taylor’s Swift new album #folklore explained: a thread. 
the 1
a nostalgic song that revolves around the “what if” of a past relationship. The subject wonders about the life they could have had if nothing had gone wrong with their ex-lover, how they could have been “the one”, their relationship lasting for the rest of their lives.
a nostalgic song that revolves around the “what if” of a past relationship. The subject wonders about the life they could have had if nothing had gone wrong with their ex-lover, how they could have been “the one”, their relationship lasting for the rest of their lives.
cardigan
first song from “The Teenage Love Triangle”. Told from the point of view of Betty once she’s older, she recalls her feelings after her boyfriend James cheated on her. But even when she knew how he was going to act, he was able to make her feel especial.
first song from “The Teenage Love Triangle”. Told from the point of view of Betty once she’s older, she recalls her feelings after her boyfriend James cheated on her. But even when she knew how he was going to act, he was able to make her feel especial.
the last great american dynasty
it follows the story of Rebekah Harkness, a patron of the arts and target of criticism and gossiping. Swift traces a parallel between Rebekah and herself, both linked through the singer house in Rhode Island, previously owned by Rebekah.
it follows the story of Rebekah Harkness, a patron of the arts and target of criticism and gossiping. Swift traces a parallel between Rebekah and herself, both linked through the singer house in Rhode Island, previously owned by Rebekah.
exile
one of the saddest songs in the album, “exile” depicts the different point of views of a couple after their breakup. While the man is confused about how things turned out because he never saw it coming, the women offers a perspective of repeated “warning signs”.
one of the saddest songs in the album, “exile” depicts the different point of views of a couple after their breakup. While the man is confused about how things turned out because he never saw it coming, the women offers a perspective of repeated “warning signs”.
my tears ricochet
this song can be understood in two levels. First, a tempestuous relationship that ended with one of the parts dying, while the other partner appears at the funeral. Secondly, the feelings of betrayal Taylor experienced by the loss of her masters.
this song can be understood in two levels. First, a tempestuous relationship that ended with one of the parts dying, while the other partner appears at the funeral. Secondly, the feelings of betrayal Taylor experienced by the loss of her masters.
“mirrorball”
one of the few “personal songs” that the album includes, Swift compares her life: she entertains the those around her and shows them her best face; but when all this façade falls, she’s just shattered on the inside.
one of the few “personal songs” that the album includes, Swift compares her life: she entertains the those around her and shows them her best face; but when all this façade falls, she’s just shattered on the inside.
seven
a song about a childhood friendship in Pennsylvania (Taylor’s birthplace), told by one of the subjects several years later. One of the characters in the song lives in an abusive household so they and their friend plan on running away together and living adventures.
a song about a childhood friendship in Pennsylvania (Taylor’s birthplace), told by one of the subjects several years later. One of the characters in the song lives in an abusive household so they and their friend plan on running away together and living adventures.
august
second song from “The Teenage Love Triangle”, this time told by the person James had an affair with during the summer (probably Inez). This person was in love with James, but they knew what they had wasn’t going to last, because James was still in love with Betty.
second song from “The Teenage Love Triangle”, this time told by the person James had an affair with during the summer (probably Inez). This person was in love with James, but they knew what they had wasn’t going to last, because James was still in love with Betty.
this is my trying
in this song, Taylor accepts her fault for past issues that deeply affected her relationship, to the point that it had to end. In the lyrics, she confides her problems to her lover, overcomes her pride and makes an effort to repair the relationship.
in this song, Taylor accepts her fault for past issues that deeply affected her relationship, to the point that it had to end. In the lyrics, she confides her problems to her lover, overcomes her pride and makes an effort to repair the relationship.
illicit affairs
a song about the evolution of an extramarital relationship told from the point of view of the “mistress”. They remember how their relationship started beautifully but ended up with the protagonist falling in love with the other person and getting deeply hurt.
a song about the evolution of an extramarital relationship told from the point of view of the “mistress”. They remember how their relationship started beautifully but ended up with the protagonist falling in love with the other person and getting deeply hurt.
invisible string
the song shows the parallels and coincidences in Taylor and Joe’s lives, like the fact that “Bad Blood” was sounding in the taxi he took in his first trip to LA. The motive of the string portrays the idea that they have always been meant to be.
the song shows the parallels and coincidences in Taylor and Joe’s lives, like the fact that “Bad Blood” was sounding in the taxi he took in his first trip to LA. The motive of the string portrays the idea that they have always been meant to be.
mad woman
here, Taylor depicts a recurring topic of hers (seen in Blank Space and Look What You Made Me Do): the delusional woman, casted out by the public. This can be connected to her personal life, especially to the subject of her stolen masters.
here, Taylor depicts a recurring topic of hers (seen in Blank Space and Look What You Made Me Do): the delusional woman, casted out by the public. This can be connected to her personal life, especially to the subject of her stolen masters.
epiphany
epiphany describes the feelings of people fighting (literally and metaphorically) and living experiences no one should live. This can be related to Taylor’s grandfather but also the current situation with COVID-19.
epiphany describes the feelings of people fighting (literally and metaphorically) and living experiences no one should live. This can be related to Taylor’s grandfather but also the current situation with COVID-19.
betty
the last song in “The Teenage Love Triangle”, this time from James’ point of view, explained at the time the events happened (when they are 17). James knows what he did was wrong, but he wants to get Betty back.
the last song in “The Teenage Love Triangle”, this time from James’ point of view, explained at the time the events happened (when they are 17). James knows what he did was wrong, but he wants to get Betty back.
peace
the third clearly personal song in the album, shows a habitual topic from Taylor’s past two albums: her inability to live a “normal life”. She wonders how someone would want live (and endure) this kind of life by her side.
the third clearly personal song in the album, shows a habitual topic from Taylor’s past two albums: her inability to live a “normal life”. She wonders how someone would want live (and endure) this kind of life by her side.
hoax
in the closing track, Taylor presents a haunting relationship. Though the lover is clearly toxic, they are unable to let go of their past and their memories together, being addicted to that feeling.
in the closing track, Taylor presents a haunting relationship. Though the lover is clearly toxic, they are unable to let go of their past and their memories together, being addicted to that feeling.
End of the thread, I hope it helped you understand the masterpiece that #Folklore is.
A HUGE thank you to @swiftmantic_13 for the edits, check them out!
A HUGE thank you to @swiftmantic_13 for the edits, check them out!
