Or the dichotomy between James saying he hates the crowds so he wasn't dancing with Betty yet August describes them dancing and going to downtown bars (the most crowded places ever)
Feels like James are making a lot of excuses also to me it's the committed person who cheats the one who has promised stuff and that is their choice...
I recently saw a reaction which called Betty, the "villian" for 1)Making shy James go to the dance, 2)Trying to force James to do something he wasn't comfortable with, and 3) Dancing with the other guy instead of checking up on James. I hope their comments were a joke, but I couldn't listen to the BS anymore, so I guess I'll never know.
I think the “Peter lost his Wendy” line is interesting because it’s not just a reference to young love that doesn’t last or leaving the daydream, it’s also an accusation. She’s saying he needs to grow up.
It’s interesting in the way too that he depends on his youth as an excuse for why he cheated, meanwhile she explains to us that just because she’s young she’s not stupid. As you say, he needs to grow up and take responsibility if he wants it to work.
I kinda see it as the whole “im only 17. I don’t know anything…… I knew everything when I was young” and Peter losing Wendy. “Peter”/james was immature and stayed a child. While “Wendy”/betty got older and wiser and grew up.
In addition to the lyical parallels throughout all 3 songs, Taylor is such a genius that the times in which she says certain lines within the songs also line up. Betty is the song that is in the moment and is the frame of reference for cardigan and august. For example, in cardigan the line "And you'd be standing in my front porch light" is sung at 3:14 on the track which directly parallels the line "Betty, I'm here on your doorstep" which she sings at 3:14 on betty. And on august the line (the first time she says it because she says this particular line multiple times in august) "And said "Get in the car"" is sung at 2:46 which reflects the line "She said "James, get in, let's drive"" in betty which is also sung at 2:46. This is why I think she's one of the best songwriters of all time.
Thank you for saying this. I always add it to reactions if I don't see it mentioned yet. It's one of my favorite things about the trilogy. The amount of thought they put into these songs is incredible
She is very clever and constructed but while I enjoy her music I think music is more than just wordplay and sometimes it feels like that since she's so good at that people don't see anything else.
@@orphanedhanyou This is why I love reactions that look at production, specific musical/instrumental choices. Because her stuff is sooooo layered. I like to think most of us Swifties see that since we adore her and her work so much.
betty at 2:47 " she said james get in " and in august at the exact time 2:47 , augustine said " get in the car" in betty at 3:14 " betty im here at your door step " and in cardigan at 3:14 " and you'd be standing in my front porch light " taylor really is a mastermind fr ... Genius
Fun fact, Taylor is friends with Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, their 3 daughters are, James, Inez, and Betty. This song is when everyone found out their 3rd daughter's name. They had kept it a secret, and now they are keeping the 4th daughter's name secret.
@@megandunell399 I wouldn't think so, but there is a song on her Midnights album that mentions a name "so long Daisy May" YOYOK. Not sure, although Katy had already named her baby Daisy I think.
@@Violet316I've thought that as well. I think that may be the name of their 4th child. I'm just waiting patiently to see if that theory pans out to be true.
Haha if you’re impressed by that rhyme scheme can I tempt you with some rap? Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 59, Eminem just some examples of amazing word technicians who can literally make 14 syllable line by line rhymes happen
I remember when I first heard that line I was like, "How has no one thought to rhyme those before? Brilliant. @Knox, excellent rap recommendations. And thank you for another excellent Taylor reaction!
@@KnoxHillI teach 5th grade and whenever I teach poetry I always show them the 60mins with Eminem rhymes orange with a bunch of words because of how he elongates the vowels to make it more syllables. It’s my hook to get them to like poetry haha
I'd like. to add Mac Miller to that list! @@KnoxHill as both a rap and swift fan - your videos are the most in-depth and well done I've seen on here. You actually dig into the lyrics and the meanings. I love it.
@@KnoxHill Cardigan is part poetry and part marketing. Right after the song Cardigan came out Taylor sold cardigans on her website in multiple colors. Taylor didn't become the first musician to become a billionaire almost solely on their music by accident. She is a MAJOR CAPITALIST. 😊
cardigan: bettys pov many years later basically reflecting on everything. Betty: james pov on wanting to get betty back and that the summer with 'Augustine' was a mistake August: 'Augustine' on really just wanting to have a good guy and thinking that was James to only realize that James never really cared abt her but only abt Betty. Taylor talked about August saying that she really wanted to show that the 'other woman' isnt always the evil person ppl portray her to be and that its often just a women/girl wanting love also fun fact: all the characters (james, betty, inez) are named after her good friends blake livley and ryan reynolds children!
Taylor's dad has always been and continues to be a huge part of her life and is very present and supportive. He is even in her 'The Man' music video as a Tennis. referee LOL. Swifites call him "Papa Swift" The father she mentions in 'Cardigan', we all assume it is about Betty's father.
and what about in mine? "You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter" "You say we'll never make my parents' mistakes" "Brace myself for the goodbye, cause that's all I've ever known"
@@Beautifulstars12 you can have a difference of opinion with a family member when it comes to politics, religion etc. that doesn't mean they are unsupportive of you.
@Beautifulstars12 yet he dad was right about talking about politics. Swift later admitted she too "soft for all of it" & apologized that she can't be some public figure for you to place your beliefs on - shes just a singer.
You my friend absolutely NAILED IT! You picked up on basically all of the little things that make Taylor Swift songs so special. And on the FIRST LISTEN!!!
just gotta say i love how you never fail to give your undivided attention to whatever it is you react to, because you actually pick up on small things that people wouldnt notice and make the connections to. It shows you genuinely have an interest in what you're watching, love it. You should react to her eras tour movie!
Please please please consider doing Dear John(written when she was 19 & dating john mayer 32) LIVE from speak now tour is amazing, THEN Wouldve couldve shouldve, written about same relationship from a different perspective of actually being 32. the second song is one of her most amazing imagery wise.
Amazing job, Knox. I think you "get" TS, because you are a lot like her. Well-read (obvious in your analyses), emotionally intelligent, musically knowledgeable. And a stellar speaking voice. You are "Trina Certified" 😉😁
I love how he "gets" her, too. and really appreciates her writing and the level of intention in it. I did find it curiously interesting that he briefly broke character and questioned what she sees in Travis..
@@summermccoy9598her and Travis are alike in many ways that people don't just see. They just have different natures. I think people underestimate Travis abilities to understand her music
You should checkout "'Tis the Damn Season" and "Dorothea", from Evermore (Folklore's sister album), both featuring different perspectives on the same romantic relationship. Whereas the former is from Dorothea's perspective, the latter is from the unnamed former lover's and addressed to Dorothea.
Yesss! I was just thinking how i never see people reacting to or really talking about these songs. It's such a great story and i would love for him to react to it.
the timestamps are the same for the lines "remember when i pulled up and said 'get in the car'" from August and "she said 'james get in, lets drive'" from Betty. Taylor is insane lmao
betty (who sings cardigan) is known in our fandom that she had daddy issues from the line "leaving like a father" 😂 august is the from augustines perspective the summer fling of james amd honestly she was never the problem imo 😂 also she wrote this whole album with some collaboration from her ex boyfriend joe (before travis) and trust me he's as deep and poetic as taylor. and theorically betty and james get back together thats what taylor said in the long pond studio sessions of these songs
The chorus of cardigan is always bittersweet to me. That feeling of being special because someone says you’re their favorite, but also knowing that you’ll end up under the bed again like the old cardigan they discarded and forgot was important to them. Intended or not it reminds me so much of loving a narcissist because they always try to pull you back in.
God, August gets me every single time. The nostalgic feeling of a 1960s summer love, very hazy and languid and new age. It sounds exactly like I feel looking back to my summer romances in the 1990s with it's contrast of Oasis and The Prodigy. Goosebumps hit me when the tone changes for the bridge and outro. Taylor Swift's genius is unmatched.
If I were a professor of a Taylor Swift course, and the final was to listen to these songs and give an analysis, I would give you a 98% lol it was so perfect. I love reactions and I have never seen anything so spot on! You did a great job thanks for this.
I always love watching your Taylor Swift reactions, you break down her songs flawlessly! You were spot on with the love triangle and the explanations of each character. Augustine is the third character, the “summer fling”. You hear in betty that Augustine picks James up from the dance where James saw Betty dancing with another guy. “She pulled up like a figment of my worst intentions, she said James get in, let’s drive” I love these songs a lot because the storytelling is done so well as well as the production, it sets the tone of the song and each characters feelings perfectly.
people always misjudge her music, because they've only heard songs like 'Shake it off' or 'ME!' but she actually has alot of cool and amazing songs! i would recommend 'Haunted' and 'Better than revenge' they kinda give off some rock vibes!
not gonna lie i was a little nervous when you started with cardigan, as it's the one that happens last chronologically, but you actually picked up on the whole story even when starting at the end and it was actually so fun watching you piece the details together, a lot more so than it would've been if you'd just started with betty and had it laid out. great reaction as usual!
You're supposed to start with Cardigan. It's the first of the three on the album. It's also why Betty is last because it's the big reveal that Cardigan is from Betty's perspective with the "standing in your cardigan" line.
It comes first on the album. He did them the order they appear on the album and that's the order 99% of people have heard the songs in and were able to pick it up.
Its the order it should be listened to imo, the opposite way just feeds it to you. In this flow youre along for a story, and youre invested by the time it comes to James and all his confessions.
i think the most painful line to me was augustine referring to the affair as a summer love and james then referring to it as a summer thing. i also have always been obsessed with interpreting 'meet me behind the mall' as 'meet me behind them all' because the affair happens behind closed doors and the backs of others.
Ps please know Willow is the song that finished off the folklore trilogy on evermore of how it ended & the videos are directly linked. willow starts where cardigan ends
I did too at first but then I read an article about him saying that he's been writing stories, poems, etc. ever since he was a child so like he actually loves literature/writing I guess??😅
@@pattie5408 Yep! there's a reason Taylor Swift has a lot of admiration for rappers and rap music. The lyrical analysis is a big part of that space, as is the writing, so it doesn't surprise me he hits it a lot more thoroughly than some! Just depends on what you listen for
Knox is this deep with every single reaction he does. He completely breaks everything down, explains it (from what he gets or if he knows some history on the artist he will explain what those lines might mean) he’s a really honest reactor on YT. But also he’s a lyricist just like Taylor that’s why he can break things down so well.
I found your channel when you did your detailed analysis of Hamilton. I really appreciate and enjoy your insight on the storytelling and lyrics choices that artists make.
omg his hamilton reactions are also how i found him and as a theater kid i was FASCINATED by such a fresh perspective on it from someone in the rap world still some of the best reactions to this day i think
one thing that i love about august is that "meet me behind the mall" verse could also be "meet me behind them all" which is soooo clever of her lol. if you liked this trilogy, youd also love the duo in tis the damn season x dorothea, really beautiful songwriting
what wrecks me about august is the way she says "meet me behind the mall" which can also be read as "meet me behind them all" because it was an affair and nobody was supposed to know...
I think with Travis Kelce, it’s been hinted at by fellow players on his team that he had a crush on her for years and so I’m sure that’s super endearing and from watching his podcast he’s super funny. I think she’s tried super serious dramatic guys in the past and it has never worked out for her so it seems like this is more fitting for her because he doesn’t mind being in the spotlight and enjoys entertaining people as well. So she can be out in public with him and he’s not a snob about it and then she can come and go as she pleases at the same time since he does a lot of traveling with football so he also understands her having to travel a lot. Plus he respects her independence in regards to her writing and recording and with having a crush on her for a long time he’s probably more willing to give her space to do what she loves instead of being somewhat selfish and keeping her just to himself ya know?
My first real relationship was (unbeknownst to me for a long time) a “love triangle”. I of course was young and so unaware of differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships. I learned my lesson the hard way and it was quite a hard lesson to learn. It really messed me up mentally and it took over three years before I even considered going on a date much less anything else. Again, I was young and thankfully my next relationship led to my marriage of 32 years this month. I’m the mother of two sons, no daughters, and I’ve spent their lives teaching them honesty and integrity because I never want one of mine to do to someone what was done to me. Cardigan brings back lots of unpleasant memories.
🖤 I love your reviews, Knox! Some fun facts about this trilogy: - I’ve seen other people comment this, but Taylor not only references the 3 songs in the lyrics but it’s also brilliantly done in the same time stamps - In august when Taylor sings “meet me behind the mall”, it could be read as “behind them all” as well, because they had to hide as it was a case of infidelity. I think you’ll appreciate this as it’s a genius wordplay - Also in august, she sing “summer love” and in betty, James says it was just a “summer thing”, confirming what you noticed that she was way more invested than him - It’s important to notice how there are lots of details in cardigan but in august she repeats the same things, and it’s on purpose because they didn’t have much time together in comparison I hope you read this because these 3 songs are sooo good and there’s so much us swifties had to uncover when folklore was released, it was sort of like a game for us during the pandemic 😂
In the documentary Long pond studio sessions, TS said that Cardigan is written fm Betty's perspective in the future as an adult looking back when James cheated on her and she really suffered, but she decided to forgive him when he came back and ended up together. August is written fm Augustine POV who was the summer fling but she fell in love with James. He went back to Betty at the end of the summer and ask for forgiveness when he showed at her party. Betty is written fm James perspective asking for forgiveness and though it ends open-ended we know from Betty that they are together as adults, so she did forgive him.
I just want to say that you really do impress me a lot. How creative you are and how you pick up on what Taylor and other writers mean so easily and highlight it so effortlessly, whereas I can hear a song 10 times and completely let it slide. I am a fan of Taylor but also a big fan of you. Thanks for all these videos, really entertaining.
I didn't see where anyone explained the trilogy to you. "Betty" is from the point of view of James, the "player". "August" is from the perspective of the girl he spent the summer with instead of Betty. "Cardigan" is from Betty's perspective, years later. But you got it!!! Congrats! Very impressed! Love the reactions as always. How about "False God" from SNL? (Taylor of course!)
Perhaps Taylor doesn’t necessarily need another poet to love her. Perhaps she just needs her forever person to understand the poetic heart she reveals in her music. Perhaps she needs an emotionally evolved but strong, secure MAN who wants her to shine and will always protect her completely. As a 75 yo woman I can say deep trust in your partner and a true sense of safety in sharing your life with them is the thing that only deepens your love and commitment as the years pass. That is what we all want. I hope she has found it in Travis and he in her.
Taylor has dated a whole range of creative artsy men and it's never been quite what she needed. Maybe she wants a guy who is content to let her be the artist while he's confident in his own completely different skill set and path.
I LOVE HOW YOU CAUGHT ALL THAT JUST BY LISTENING AND PAYING ATTENTION TO THE LYRICS! Also, proof that Taylor is a lyrical genius - notice how Cardigan is changing the lyrics in the chorus all the time, there are only two lines that are repeated: "when you are young they assume you know nothing" and "when I felt like a was an old cardigan (...)" - it basically shows it's written from Betty's perspective, she has many memories with James, so she has a lot to say about him, about them, she is the one that was supposed to be in a stable relationship with him. It also shows how involved they were with each other, possibly knew each other since childhood. Meanwhile August keeps repeating the same thing over and over, the same memories replaying continuously, cause this girl knew James only over the summer - it was just a fling. Clever representation of who is who based on the construction of the songs. Thank you so much for the reaction, YOU'RE FINALLY REACHING FOLKLORE ERA! You're gonna love this journey, I highly recommend listening to the rest of the album and watching the explanations from the long pong studio session! Sending lots of love and support! 💜🖤💜
Cardigan: “To kiss in cars and downtown bars” Betty: “Kissing in my car again” Cardigan: “High heels on cobblestones” Betty: “I was walking home on broken cobblestones” Cardigan: “When you are young they assume you know nothing/I knew everything when I was young” Betty: “I’m only 17, I don’t know anything” Cardigan: “You’d be standing in my front porch light” Betty: “I’m here on your doorstep/Would you kiss me on the porch” Betty: “She said James get in” August: “Remember when I pulled up and said get in the car?” Betty: “It was just a summer thing” August: “So much for summer love” Betty: “Chase two girls, lose the one” August: “You weren’t mine to lose” There’s probably so many others that I missed but the way she weaved these three songs together was so smart. Also, the inclusion of the Peter Pan reference is genius because James never fully takes accountability for what he did, he just blames it on being young and stupid, Peter Pan is the boy who never grows up and because of that he loses Wendy
I always took the whole cardigan under the bed, you picked me up and said I was your favorite to reference how she felt when she found out he cheated (discarded), and then when he came back (his favorite)
*********Time stamps for each song not this video********** August @ 2:47 : "Get In The Car" Betty @ 2:47: "James Get In" ------------------------------------------ Betty @ 3:13: "I'm here on your doorstep" Cardigan @ 3:13: "And you'd be standing in my front porch light"
During Grammys in '21 she did Cardigan, August & Willow together. Betty was done for the country music awards I think. August context made me think of White Horse & Babe- love triangle.
Here are some of my picks you should react to 1. Willow( it is related to cardigan) 2. Champagne problems (it is quite lyrical and one of may favs from taylor)
Probably one of the best analysis of the triangle from a non-swiftie that I’ve seen!! Definitely the Tis the damn season and Dorothea but also Dear John then would’ve could’ve should’ve is a great one to analyze next!!
Matty Healy also started his band at age 13 (she became a song writer that young) so she talks about him being her twin a lot in her new album. Her fans didn’t know until recently that so many of her songs were about him because she was dating Joe Alwyn at the time.
You really are SO good at this Knox. I’ve been a subscriber for years, have watched all ur Eminem reactions + EZ Mil + Hamilton plus others I’m not remembering. You are perceptive and smart and you always pay attention to both lyrics & production and you do it all with an incredible amount of charm. Never ever thought you’d focus ur analytical talents on Taylor Swift but I’m so glad you are looking at her discography. I’m a huge TS & Eminem fan, maybe because they both pour their emotions into their art, tell incredible stories and their grasp of the English language is unparalleled. I wouldn’t want to get on Eminem OR Taylor’s bad side cuz they could both eviscerate me with their clever pen games 🔥🤘
I think “Meet me behind the mall” is such a slept on line. Obviously it depicts them meeting in a mall parking lot, but it can also be read as “meet me behind them all” because they’re meeting in secret behind everybody else’s backs.
If you want to revisit this storyline- try “Peter” from her new album. More Peter Pan metaphors. Some see it as another song from Betty’s point of view. It’s possible that one of her past relationships that is featured in her new album might have inspired some of Cardigan. From how this person is described in her music- it makes sense she would see him as a Peter Pan type of boy, as well as reflecting on the immaturity/ naivety of that relationship It’s not my favorite song on the new album, but it does give you a lot of context for the album as a whole
I laughed when you said what does she see in Travis Kelce? I’ve wondered that as well. I think just that he has a big heart, he’s a good person, very attractive, and he makes her feel great. They like celebrating each other’s accomplishments, they’re both at the top of their respective games. He also sought her out which we find attractive ha.
You NAILED IT!!! Taylor does talk about the trilogy in the Long Pond Studio sessions. She said she would believe that Betty does take James back after he cheated on her with Augustine and Cardigan is actually based on years later and her reflecting.
I’m addicted to your videos! You have a captivating way of describing what you understood but more than that, it’s the first time I’ve seen a “non swiftie” understanding her writing so well and the depth of everything. Even if you don’t know the context or the little Easter eggs and clues that she gives, you’re on point and interprets everything in an amazing way
It's addictive watching an intelligent man just "get it'. I was nodding along and saying "yep" so many times that my son came in and asked who I was talking to. Your comprehension skills are super sharp. Side note: I saw another reactor kinda chuckle over the "meet me behind the mall" line as it really does sound a little teen-agey (I may have noticed a tiny smirk from you too) but someone in the comments pointed out that it also sounds like , "meet me behind them all".which totally fits the theme of a secret affair. I have no idea if that was intentional but it's a fun realisation.
This is one of the best reaction/breakdowns iv seen of this trilogy 😭 many go into it already having an idea of what the trilogy is about but for you to be piecing it together as you listen is amazing!!! Fascinating to see you connect the dots❤
I like your reaction videos because you know enough to be able to catch the origins of various metaphors as opposed to others who can’t seem to grasp even the most modern references.
As a writer myself, her "ore" albums are my faves. So much great storytelling and it's genius the way she ties these together. Also, Cardigan is Betty, but if you listen close, it's in the future, when she's older. Each song is from a different POV but also a different place in time. BRILLIANT!
You are definitely the smartest new listener to catch onto these songs. You are excellent at breaking them down for someone that doesn't know backstories.
I love how adept you are at dissecting her lyrics. It's fun watching you put things together and pick up on tiny nuances in each song. You do her lyrics justice. Idk if you're into live performances, but Cardigan/August/Willow at the Grammys is both sonically and visually beautiful.
Damn Knox!! You seriously are the GOAT at breakdowns, analysis & appreciation of lyrics, production, word play, hidden meanings & musical composition - just when I think I’ve caught everything you blow my mind open to so much more - thank you for this gift 💝
One interpretation of the music video is that the 4 scenes represent her rise to fame/career. The first scene is her writing songs in her childhood, the forest scene was the success that came early in her career, only to be followed by the stormy waters of her public disagreements and negative media perception, around 2016. The ending scene could represent her going back to get creative storytelling roots. I love how much she left up to interpretation in this MV. It's one of my favorites.
taylor actually wrote another song from the perspective of 'the other woman' called "illicit affairs" that is so good! i love the way she finds unique ways to show different sides of a coin we're already familiar with (i would rank it just below sugarland's really emotional "stay", a great song even if you're not a country fan).
Can I just say I don't think I've ever watched another reactor who had you level of attention to detail and its so fantastic to watch! I love these videos!!
I always love when you do breakdowns of Taylor Swift songs . You definitely are a musician so you do listen to the lyrics and put them all together. But there's so much that's missed at least for me until you actually sit there and break it all down and I'm like wow all these songs do all come together and make a story. I just really appreciate the way that you break it down it's always an amazing video when it's a Taylor Swift song or songs video that you put out
Your reaction was perfect. Three key lyrics for me are... In Cardigan her lyrics (sung by Betty) "chose 2 girls lose one"....in August her lyrics (sung by Augustine) "you were never mine to lose". In Betty her last lyrics (sung by James) "in my cardigan, in my car again". Those lyrics put the story together for me. Taylor spoke about her perspective of these songs, which made me believe I had come to the right conclusions... while singing Cardigan, Betty reminiscing while wearing James's old Cardigan, which indicates time has passed, and she's remembering when she was young that she loved James. So Betty forgave James, and they are still together, while she's singing, Cardigan. Anyone have differing perspectives to share?
4 months later… need to react to Peter from TTPD. The conclusion to the trilogy! And, in my opinion, one of the more under-appreciated songs on her new album!
All about Matty Healy which she worked with/knew the past 10 years then dated early last year. He wore her vintage tshirt. She said on stage this was about him.
All 3 are absolute masterpieces. Taylor's writing just doesn't seem to have any ceiling on its improvement year over year. She's really found the magic when it comes to crafting profound depth of her lyricism & storytelling skills. This is the foundation of her appeal for me personally. I love a great ear worm built on an undeniably catchy rift or song structure, but making listeners feel the breadth and width of the world her songs exist within is why she's deservedly become the biggest music star on Earth.
As another quick side note, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are very close friends with Taylor. The couple have 3 daughters, named James, Betty, and Ines ❤😂 Taylor’s song “Gorgeous” has a little girl saying “Gorgeous” at the beginning of the song. It was their daughter, James, who voiced that intro. ❤
The first lines of "vintage tee, brand new phone/high heels on cobblestones" reflects back to the idea that she is looking for the old type of love (first kiss usually became your husband) contrasted to today's love which is fake and shallow, but she is forced to live in this modern world. She is saying that the world tells her that the vintage tea love that she is looking for is "childish" and she is suffering meaninglessly because she is young. She realizes that she only loved this player boy because he made her feel like a new cardigan not used like an old sweater but it was not sincere. It is a reflection of learning that love has to be earn first by yourself and then by a boy. I know this because Taylor wrote this song for me.
Just an add on, august has less lyrics compared to the other two as she doesn't know about her fling for much. But both james and betty know each other for ling time and have so much to write about it.
After August.. IT IS A MUST to listen next to ILLICIT AFFAIRS - it is Augustine's POV, she reflects on her experience during the summer fling with James.
What else should we react to? 🤔 Comment below! Also if you want to support the channel directly join our Patreon community 🖤 www.patreon.com/knoxhill
Dear reader by Taylor Swift next please 🥲
Tolerate It from the eras tour!!! or This is me trying or exile (Long Pond Studio)
Here are a few of Taylor's songs I feel you would really gain a reaction from,
Peace
Champagne Problems
Idilic Affairs
I bet you think about me
@@NaomiMisora1000 OMG YESSSSS 💯💯💯💯
Please react to 'Willow' 😊
I love the dichotomy between James who says "I'm only 17, I don't know anything" and Betty saying "I knew everything when I was young".
and "when you are young they assume you know nothing"
Also "So much for summer love" & "It was just a summer thing"
That one hurts my heart lol.💔
Or the dichotomy between James saying he hates the crowds so he wasn't dancing with Betty yet August describes them dancing and going to downtown bars (the most crowded places ever)
Feels like James are making a lot of excuses also to me it's the committed person who cheats the one who has promised stuff and that is their choice...
I recently saw a reaction which called Betty, the "villian" for 1)Making shy James go to the dance, 2)Trying to force James to do something he wasn't comfortable with, and 3) Dancing with the other guy instead of checking up on James.
I hope their comments were a joke, but I couldn't listen to the BS anymore, so I guess I'll never know.
The fact August called him SUMMER LOVE but he said she's just a SUMMER THING 😢
The real victim here was Agust(ine), she was used by a player.
Yes
@@JoseManuelRinconOchoaAugust and Betty
I think the “Peter lost his Wendy” line is interesting because it’s not just a reference to young love that doesn’t last or leaving the daydream, it’s also an accusation. She’s saying he needs to grow up.
It’s interesting in the way too that he depends on his youth as an excuse for why he cheated, meanwhile she explains to us that just because she’s young she’s not stupid. As you say, he needs to grow up and take responsibility if he wants it to work.
I kinda see it as the whole “im only 17. I don’t know anything…… I knew everything when I was young” and Peter losing Wendy. “Peter”/james was immature and stayed a child. While “Wendy”/betty got older and wiser and grew up.
And it now makes the song Peter on TTPD even more intense, the girl waited for him to grow up but she's turned off the light. He lost her.
and now the song Peter from TTPD literally saying 'you said you were gonna grow up'
Definitely!
In addition to the lyical parallels throughout all 3 songs, Taylor is such a genius that the times in which she says certain lines within the songs also line up. Betty is the song that is in the moment and is the frame of reference for cardigan and august. For example, in cardigan the line "And you'd be standing in my front porch light" is sung at 3:14 on the track which directly parallels the line "Betty, I'm here on your doorstep" which she sings at 3:14 on betty. And on august the line (the first time she says it because she says this particular line multiple times in august) "And said "Get in the car"" is sung at 2:46 which reflects the line "She said "James, get in, let's drive"" in betty which is also sung at 2:46. This is why I think she's one of the best songwriters of all time.
Thank you for saying this. I always add it to reactions if I don't see it mentioned yet. It's one of my favorite things about the trilogy. The amount of thought they put into these songs is incredible
Thank you for commenting that, I wouldn't have noticed...it's beautiful
Taylor is the only artist that intentionally puts lyrics at certain time markers on certain songs. She really is a genius.
She is very clever and constructed but while I enjoy her music I think music is more than just wordplay and sometimes it feels like that since she's so good at that people don't see anything else.
@@orphanedhanyou This is why I love reactions that look at production, specific musical/instrumental choices. Because her stuff is sooooo layered. I like to think most of us Swifties see that since we adore her and her work so much.
betty at 2:47 " she said james get in " and in august at the exact time 2:47 , augustine said " get in the car"
in betty at 3:14 " betty im here at your door step " and in cardigan at 3:14 " and you'd be standing in my front porch light "
taylor really is a mastermind fr ... Genius
That’s crazy I never noticed that
2:47 also 2 + 4 + 7 = 13
James, Betty and Inez are the name of Ryan Ryendolds and Blake Livelys daughters. They are really good friends with each other.
WOW🤯
Fun fact, Taylor is friends with Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, their 3 daughters are, James, Inez, and Betty. This song is when everyone found out their 3rd daughter's name. They had kept it a secret, and now they are keeping the 4th daughter's name secret.
Augustine?
@@megandunell399 No. But Inez was mentioned in Betty a couple times.
@@megandunell399 I wouldn't think so, but there is a song on her Midnights album that mentions a name "so long Daisy May" YOYOK. Not sure, although Katy had already named her baby Daisy I think.
@@Violet316I've thought that as well. I think that may be the name of their 4th child. I'm just waiting patiently to see if that theory pans out to be true.
@@roxannehill3600 daisy mae is a reference to the character in the Li L Abnerr comic strip most likely, her plot ties into the theme of the song
The fact that she rhymed "cardigan" with "car again" is insane to me. She's a true genius.
Haha if you’re impressed by that rhyme scheme can I tempt you with some rap? Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 59, Eminem just some examples of amazing word technicians who can literally make 14 syllable line by line rhymes happen
I remember when I first heard that line I was like, "How has no one thought to rhyme those before? Brilliant.
@Knox, excellent rap recommendations. And thank you for another excellent Taylor reaction!
@@KnoxHillI teach 5th grade and whenever I teach poetry I always show them the 60mins with Eminem rhymes orange with a bunch of words because of how he elongates the vowels to make it more syllables. It’s my hook to get them to like poetry haha
I'd like. to add Mac Miller to that list! @@KnoxHill as both a rap and swift fan - your videos are the most in-depth and well done I've seen on here. You actually dig into the lyrics and the meanings. I love it.
@@KnoxHill Cardigan is part poetry and part marketing. Right after the song Cardigan came out Taylor sold cardigans on her website in multiple colors. Taylor didn't become the first musician to become a billionaire almost solely on their music by accident. She is a MAJOR CAPITALIST. 😊
cardigan: bettys pov many years later basically reflecting on everything.
Betty: james pov on wanting to get betty back and that the summer with 'Augustine' was a mistake
August: 'Augustine' on really just wanting to have a good guy and thinking that was James to only realize that James never really cared abt her but only abt Betty.
Taylor talked about August saying that she really wanted to show that the 'other woman' isnt always the evil person ppl portray her to be and that its often just a women/girl wanting love
also fun fact: all the characters (james, betty, inez) are named after her good friends blake livley and ryan reynolds children!
I came here for this comment. X
Taylor's dad has always been and continues to be a huge part of her life and is very present and supportive. He is even in her 'The Man' music video as a Tennis. referee LOL. Swifites call him "Papa Swift"
The father she mentions in 'Cardigan', we all assume it is about Betty's father.
Also “I have an excellent father
His strength is making me stronger” in
“the best day”. Oh I wish I could say that about mine 🥲
and what about in mine?
"You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter"
"You say we'll never make my parents' mistakes"
"Brace myself for the goodbye, cause that's all I've ever known"
@@Beautifulstars12 you can have a difference of opinion with a family member when it comes to politics, religion etc. that doesn't mean they are unsupportive of you.
@Beautifulstars12 yet he dad was right about talking about politics. Swift later admitted she too "soft for all of it" & apologized that she can't be some public figure for you to place your beliefs on - shes just a singer.
@@orphanedhanyouwhy are you taking a line from the song peace out of context?
You my friend absolutely NAILED IT! You picked up on basically all of the little things that make Taylor Swift songs so special. And on the FIRST LISTEN!!!
he's amazing
Yes, he's incredible, the most accurated reacts I've ever seen, please keep reacting to Taylor's songs and other artists too! Your job is amazing!
“I wonder if Travis Kelce has this depth” had me choking😂
Lol me too 👏
Me too. I wonder though if he just makes her laugh & makes her feel special. Maybe that’s all she needs.
Travis: just fed a squirl some bread 😄
I think he'd be able to understand it on a basic level. If she gives more context he'd definitely understandit better@@Starbuck-dr7yl
@@courtydancesOmg. Had me laughing so hard!
just gotta say i love how you never fail to give your undivided attention to whatever it is you react to, because you actually pick up on small things that people wouldnt notice and make the connections to. It shows you genuinely have an interest in what you're watching, love it. You should react to her eras tour movie!
cardigan has a vinage feel because betty is reflectling many years later about her feelings
Please please please consider doing Dear John(written when she was 19 & dating john mayer 32) LIVE from speak now tour is amazing, THEN Wouldve couldve shouldve, written about same relationship from a different perspective of actually being 32. the second song is one of her most amazing imagery wise.
Agreed 👍
omg the religious imagery is everything i totally agree!
100% this!
@@katebainbridge it's definitely time he did these😁
I second this
It's great how Betty and Augustine have poetic songs, and James, the teenage boy, has a very literal, straightforward monolog.
Amazing job, Knox. I think you "get" TS, because you are a lot like her. Well-read (obvious in your analyses), emotionally intelligent, musically knowledgeable. And a stellar speaking voice. You are "Trina Certified" 😉😁
I love how he "gets" her, too. and really appreciates her writing and the level of intention in it. I did find it curiously interesting that he briefly broke character and questioned what she sees in Travis..
@@summermccoy9598her and Travis are alike in many ways that people don't just see. They just have different natures. I think people underestimate Travis abilities to understand her music
I love the double entendre of “choose two girls, lose the one”. You lose one out of the two but you also lose The One.
her song “1” omg
You should checkout "'Tis the Damn Season" and "Dorothea", from Evermore (Folklore's sister album), both featuring different perspectives on the same romantic relationship. Whereas the former is from Dorothea's perspective, the latter is from the unnamed former lover's and addressed to Dorothea.
by the way, “tis the damn season”, “dorothea”, “evermore”, and “folklore” are stylized all lowercase letters xx
I didn't know that. I always thought tis' the dam season was Betty's follow-up after Betty the song.
@@Vereenks3 Taylor said that Dorothea is a girl that went to school with the trio from folklore, so they are connected in a way.
Yesss! I was just thinking how i never see people reacting to or really talking about these songs. It's such a great story and i would love for him to react to it.
Wait I thought Dorothea was about Selena Gomez?
the timestamps are the same for the lines "remember when i pulled up and said 'get in the car'" from August and "she said 'james get in, lets drive'" from Betty. Taylor is insane lmao
Oh for real? Haha brilliant
Also for “i knew you’d be standing in my front porch light” and “i’m here on your doorstep” (3:15)
omg
betty (who sings cardigan) is known in our fandom that she had daddy issues from the line "leaving like a father" 😂
august is the from augustines perspective the summer fling of james amd honestly she was never the problem imo 😂
also she wrote this whole album with some collaboration from her ex boyfriend joe (before travis) and trust me he's as deep and poetic as taylor.
and theorically betty and james get back together thats what taylor said in the long pond studio sessions of these songs
The chorus of cardigan is always bittersweet to me. That feeling of being special because someone says you’re their favorite, but also knowing that you’ll end up under the bed again like the old cardigan they discarded and forgot was important to them.
Intended or not it reminds me so much of loving a narcissist because they always try to pull you back in.
And not loved for who you are, but for the familiar comfort you bring them.
I always think that she writes "Betty" in a country style because thats the type of music she was writing at 17, so it resonates with James' youth
God, August gets me every single time. The nostalgic feeling of a 1960s summer love, very hazy and languid and new age. It sounds exactly like I feel looking back to my summer romances in the 1990s with it's contrast of Oasis and The Prodigy. Goosebumps hit me when the tone changes for the bridge and outro. Taylor Swift's genius is unmatched.
If I were a professor of a Taylor Swift course, and the final was to listen to these songs and give an analysis, I would give you a 98% lol it was so perfect. I love reactions and I have never seen anything so spot on! You did a great job thanks for this.
I always love watching your Taylor Swift reactions, you break down her songs flawlessly!
You were spot on with the love triangle and the explanations of each character. Augustine is the third character, the “summer fling”. You hear in betty that Augustine picks James up from the dance where James saw Betty dancing with another guy. “She pulled up like a figment of my worst intentions, she said James get in, let’s drive”
I love these songs a lot because the storytelling is done so well as well as the production, it sets the tone of the song and each characters feelings perfectly.
people always misjudge her music, because they've only heard songs like 'Shake it off' or 'ME!' but she actually has alot of cool and amazing songs! i would recommend 'Haunted' and 'Better than revenge' they kinda give off some rock vibes!
not gonna lie i was a little nervous when you started with cardigan, as it's the one that happens last chronologically, but you actually picked up on the whole story even when starting at the end and it was actually so fun watching you piece the details together, a lot more so than it would've been if you'd just started with betty and had it laid out. great reaction as usual!
You're supposed to start with Cardigan. It's the first of the three on the album. It's also why Betty is last because it's the big reveal that Cardigan is from Betty's perspective with the "standing in your cardigan" line.
It comes first on the album. He did them the order they appear on the album and that's the order 99% of people have heard the songs in and were able to pick it up.
Its the order it should be listened to imo, the opposite way just feeds it to you. In this flow youre along for a story, and youre invested by the time it comes to James and all his confessions.
i think the most painful line to me was augustine referring to the affair as a summer love and james then referring to it as a summer thing. i also have always been obsessed with interpreting 'meet me behind the mall' as 'meet me behind them all' because the affair happens behind closed doors and the backs of others.
I think "Cardigan " is such a gorgeous piece of poetry. Some of her verses give me goosebumps. She paints pictures with her lyrics.
Ps please know Willow is the song that finished off the folklore trilogy on evermore of how it ended & the videos are directly linked. willow starts where cardigan ends
His reactions are so good that sometimes I feel they are scripted 😂😂
I did too at first but then I read an article about him saying that he's been writing stories, poems, etc. ever since he was a child so like he actually loves literature/writing I guess??😅
@@pattie5408 Yep! there's a reason Taylor Swift has a lot of admiration for rappers and rap music. The lyrical analysis is a big part of that space, as is the writing, so it doesn't surprise me he hits it a lot more thoroughly than some! Just depends on what you listen for
Knox is this deep with every single reaction he does. He completely breaks everything down, explains it (from what he gets or if he knows some history on the artist he will explain what those lines might mean) he’s a really honest reactor on YT.
But also he’s a lyricist just like Taylor that’s why he can break things down so well.
They definitely are.
I found your channel when you did your detailed analysis of Hamilton. I really appreciate and enjoy your insight on the storytelling and lyrics choices that artists make.
omg his hamilton reactions are also how i found him and as a theater kid i was FASCINATED by such a fresh perspective on it from someone in the rap world still some of the best reactions to this day i think
Omg same!! I found him too bc of Hamilton and was really really waiting for him to react to Taylor 🥹😻
one thing that i love about august is that "meet me behind the mall" verse could also be "meet me behind them all" which is soooo clever of her lol. if you liked this trilogy, youd also love the duo in tis the damn season x dorothea, really beautiful songwriting
what wrecks me about august is the way she says "meet me behind the mall" which can also be read as "meet me behind them all" because it was an affair and nobody was supposed to know...
I think with Travis Kelce, it’s been hinted at by fellow players on his team that he had a crush on her for years and so I’m sure that’s super endearing and from watching his podcast he’s super funny. I think she’s tried super serious dramatic guys in the past and it has never worked out for her so it seems like this is more fitting for her because he doesn’t mind being in the spotlight and enjoys entertaining people as well. So she can be out in public with him and he’s not a snob about it and then she can come and go as she pleases at the same time since he does a lot of traveling with football so he also understands her having to travel a lot. Plus he respects her independence in regards to her writing and recording and with having a crush on her for a long time he’s probably more willing to give her space to do what she loves instead of being somewhat selfish and keeping her just to himself ya know?
My first real relationship was (unbeknownst to me for a long time) a “love triangle”. I of course was young and so unaware of differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships. I learned my lesson the hard way and it was quite a hard lesson to learn. It really messed me up mentally and it took over three years before I even considered going on a date much less anything else.
Again, I was young and thankfully my next relationship led to my marriage of 32 years this month.
I’m the mother of two sons, no daughters, and I’ve spent their lives teaching them honesty and integrity because I never want one of mine to do to someone what was done to me.
Cardigan brings back lots of unpleasant memories.
🖤 I love your reviews, Knox! Some fun facts about this trilogy:
- I’ve seen other people comment this, but Taylor not only references the 3 songs in the lyrics but it’s also brilliantly done in the same time stamps
- In august when Taylor sings “meet me behind the mall”, it could be read as “behind them all” as well, because they had to hide as it was a case of infidelity. I think you’ll appreciate this as it’s a genius wordplay
- Also in august, she sing “summer love” and in betty, James says it was just a “summer thing”, confirming what you noticed that she was way more invested than him
- It’s important to notice how there are lots of details in cardigan but in august she repeats the same things, and it’s on purpose because they didn’t have much time together in comparison
I hope you read this because these 3 songs are sooo good and there’s so much us swifties had to uncover when folklore was released, it was sort of like a game for us during the pandemic 😂
In the documentary Long pond studio sessions, TS said that Cardigan is written fm Betty's perspective in the future as an adult looking back when James cheated on her and she really suffered, but she decided to forgive him when he came back and ended up together. August is written fm Augustine POV who was the summer fling but she fell in love with James. He went back to Betty at the end of the summer and ask for forgiveness when he showed at her party. Betty is written fm James perspective asking for forgiveness and though it ends open-ended we know from Betty that they are together as adults, so she did forgive him.
Folklore is a lyrical masterpiece and watching it performed live at the eras tour was amazing
I keep thinking about August from a winter point of view. Yes, I am Australian, I live down here and it is winter here. Summer makes a lot more sense.
I just want to say that you really do impress me a lot. How creative you are and how you pick up on what Taylor and other writers mean so easily and highlight it so effortlessly, whereas I can hear a song 10 times and completely let it slide. I am a fan of Taylor but also a big fan of you. Thanks for all these videos, really entertaining.
26 minutes in…”wow, I’m kind of sad”.
Yes.
This is the reaction.
This is what the goal is.
i'm loving the taylor swift reactions pls keep em coming 💅🏻💅🏻💅🏻
I didn't see where anyone explained the trilogy to you. "Betty" is from the point of view of James, the "player". "August" is from the perspective of the girl he spent the summer with instead of Betty. "Cardigan" is from Betty's perspective, years later. But you got it!!! Congrats! Very impressed! Love the reactions as always. How about "False God" from SNL? (Taylor of course!)
YAY!!!! I was so hoping you would cover Folklore. It's most definitely some of Taylor's deepest lyrics. You made my day ❤
Perhaps Taylor doesn’t necessarily need another poet to love her. Perhaps she just needs her forever person to understand the poetic heart she reveals in her music. Perhaps she needs an emotionally evolved but strong, secure MAN who wants her to shine and will always protect her completely. As a 75 yo woman I can say deep trust in your partner and a true sense of safety in sharing your life with them is the thing that only deepens your love and commitment as the years pass. That is what we all want. I hope she has found it in Travis and he in her.
@sheilamason 👏👏👏🫶🫶🫶
Beautifully said 💙💜💛💚
Taylor has dated a whole range of creative artsy men and it's never been quite what she needed. Maybe she wants a guy who is content to let her be the artist while he's confident in his own completely different skill set and path.
And someone who is super secure and doesn’t need her sparkle to reflect on him 😉😉
A "MAN" doesn't say that if a woman doesn't also with him after 3 dates, that makes him "question" the relationship
I LOVE HOW YOU CAUGHT ALL THAT JUST BY LISTENING AND PAYING ATTENTION TO THE LYRICS!
Also, proof that Taylor is a lyrical genius - notice how Cardigan is changing the lyrics in the chorus all the time, there are only two lines that are repeated: "when you are young they assume you know nothing" and "when I felt like a was an old cardigan (...)" - it basically shows it's written from Betty's perspective, she has many memories with James, so she has a lot to say about him, about them, she is the one that was supposed to be in a stable relationship with him. It also shows how involved they were with each other, possibly knew each other since childhood. Meanwhile August keeps repeating the same thing over and over, the same memories replaying continuously, cause this girl knew James only over the summer - it was just a fling. Clever representation of who is who based on the construction of the songs.
Thank you so much for the reaction, YOU'RE FINALLY REACHING FOLKLORE ERA! You're gonna love this journey, I highly recommend listening to the rest of the album and watching the explanations from the long pong studio session!
Sending lots of love and support! 💜🖤💜
Cardigan: “To kiss in cars and downtown bars”
Betty: “Kissing in my car again”
Cardigan: “High heels on cobblestones”
Betty: “I was walking home on broken cobblestones”
Cardigan: “When you are young they assume you know nothing/I knew everything when I was young”
Betty: “I’m only 17, I don’t know anything”
Cardigan: “You’d be standing in my front porch light”
Betty: “I’m here on your doorstep/Would you kiss me on the porch”
Betty: “She said James get in”
August: “Remember when I pulled up and said get in the car?”
Betty: “It was just a summer thing”
August: “So much for summer love”
Betty: “Chase two girls, lose the one”
August: “You weren’t mine to lose”
There’s probably so many others that I missed but the way she weaved these three songs together was so smart. Also, the inclusion of the Peter Pan reference is genius because James never fully takes accountability for what he did, he just blames it on being young and stupid, Peter Pan is the boy who never grows up and because of that he loses Wendy
I always took the whole cardigan under the bed, you picked me up and said I was your favorite to reference how she felt when she found out he cheated (discarded), and then when he came back (his favorite)
*********Time stamps for each song not this video**********
August @ 2:47 : "Get In The Car"
Betty @ 2:47: "James Get In"
------------------------------------------
Betty @ 3:13: "I'm here on your doorstep"
Cardigan @ 3:13: "And you'd be standing in my front porch light"
Genius 💜
THIS!!!!! ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE THINGS IVE SEEN DONE IN
MUSIC.
2+4+7 = 13
Then 13 seconds in the second time stamps.
Mind even further blown 🤯
😳
This trilogy is so beautiful!!! 💜💜
During Grammys in '21 she did Cardigan, August & Willow together. Betty was done for the country music awards I think. August context made me think of White Horse & Babe- love triangle.
Once again, a really analytical reaction you have an eagle-eye for lyrical interpretation!
im literally so happy to get a longer video with a deep dive
Here are some of my picks you should react to
1. Willow( it is related to cardigan)
2. Champagne problems (it is quite lyrical and one of may favs from taylor)
Probably one of the best analysis of the triangle from a non-swiftie that I’ve seen!! Definitely the Tis the damn season and Dorothea but also Dear John then would’ve could’ve should’ve is a great one to analyze next!!
Matty Healy also started his band at age 13 (she became a song writer that young) so she talks about him being her twin a lot in her new album. Her fans didn’t know until recently that so many of her songs were about him because she was dating Joe Alwyn at the time.
The sad fact when augustine was living for the hope of it all, but for James “it was just a summer thing” 💔
You really are SO good at this Knox. I’ve been a subscriber for years, have watched all ur Eminem reactions + EZ Mil + Hamilton plus others I’m not remembering. You are perceptive and smart and you always pay attention to both lyrics & production and you do it all with an incredible amount of charm. Never ever thought you’d focus ur analytical talents on Taylor Swift but I’m so glad you are looking at her discography. I’m a huge TS & Eminem fan, maybe because they both pour their emotions into their art, tell incredible stories and their grasp of the English language is unparalleled. I wouldn’t want to get on Eminem OR Taylor’s bad side cuz they could both eviscerate me with their clever pen games 🔥🤘
the whole folklore and evermore albums would blew your mind. peak lyricism
I think “Meet me behind the mall” is such a slept on line. Obviously it depicts them meeting in a mall parking lot, but it can also be read as “meet me behind them all” because they’re meeting in secret behind everybody else’s backs.
If you want to revisit this storyline- try “Peter” from her new album. More Peter Pan metaphors. Some see it as another song from Betty’s point of view.
It’s possible that one of her past relationships that is featured in her new album might have inspired some of Cardigan. From how this person is described in her music- it makes sense she would see him as a Peter Pan type of boy, as well as reflecting on the immaturity/ naivety of that relationship
It’s not my favorite song on the new album, but it does give you a lot of context for the album as a whole
I laughed when you said what does she see in Travis Kelce? I’ve wondered that as well. I think just that he has a big heart, he’s a good person, very attractive, and he makes her feel great. They like celebrating each other’s accomplishments, they’re both at the top of their respective games. He also sought her out which we find attractive ha.
The simplicity of him, being himself and not trying to be someone he's not. Just a good human being which is "rare" this day and age.
You are so good at interpreting lyrics!
You NAILED IT!!! Taylor does talk about the trilogy in the Long Pond Studio sessions. She said she would believe that Betty does take James back after he cheated on her with Augustine and Cardigan is actually based on years later and her reflecting.
You’re so good at breaking down lyrics it’s incredible to watch
I’m addicted to your videos! You have a captivating way of describing what you understood but more than that, it’s the first time I’ve seen a “non swiftie” understanding her writing so well and the depth of everything. Even if you don’t know the context or the little Easter eggs and clues that she gives, you’re on point and interprets everything in an amazing way
It's addictive watching an intelligent man just "get it'. I was nodding along and saying "yep" so many times that my son came in and asked who I was talking to. Your comprehension skills are super sharp. Side note: I saw another reactor kinda chuckle over the "meet me behind the mall" line as it really does sound a little teen-agey (I may have noticed a tiny smirk from you too) but someone in the comments pointed out that it also sounds like , "meet me behind them all".which totally fits the theme of a secret affair. I have no idea if that was intentional but it's a fun realisation.
Illicit affairs is from Augustine’s POV too. TS is such a great story teller!
You have an incredible talent to analyze lyrics!
This is one of the best reaction/breakdowns iv seen of this trilogy 😭 many go into it already having an idea of what the trilogy is about but for you to be piecing it together as you listen is amazing!!! Fascinating to see you connect the dots❤
I like your reaction videos because you know enough to be able to catch the origins of various metaphors as opposed to others who can’t seem to grasp even the most modern references.
As a writer myself, her "ore" albums are my faves. So much great storytelling and it's genius the way she ties these together. Also, Cardigan is Betty, but if you listen close, it's in the future, when she's older. Each song is from a different POV but also a different place in time. BRILLIANT!
You are definitely the smartest new listener to catch onto these songs. You are excellent at breaking them down for someone that doesn't know backstories.
This was such a nuanced, detailed reaction, Knox! Thank you for your attention to the tiny things.
You are such an intelligent person, watching you react is so refreshing. The cultural references you notice and Taylor's clever lines. It's wonderful
Taylor Inspires Me With It Comes To Writing And Storytelling
You need to listen to exile with Bon Iver- but do the Long Pond Studio Sessions version.
I love how adept you are at dissecting her lyrics. It's fun watching you put things together and pick up on tiny nuances in each song. You do her lyrics justice. Idk if you're into live performances, but Cardigan/August/Willow at the Grammys is both sonically and visually beautiful.
Damn Knox!! You seriously are the GOAT at breakdowns, analysis & appreciation of lyrics, production, word play, hidden meanings & musical composition - just when I think I’ve caught everything you blow my mind open to so much more - thank you for this gift 💝
"i wonder if Travis Kelce has this depth" kills me 😭😭
One interpretation of the music video is that the 4 scenes represent her rise to fame/career. The first scene is her writing songs in her childhood, the forest scene was the success that came early in her career, only to be followed by the stormy waters of her public disagreements and negative media perception, around 2016. The ending scene could represent her going back to get creative storytelling roots. I love how much she left up to interpretation in this MV. It's one of my favorites.
taylor actually wrote another song from the perspective of 'the other woman' called "illicit affairs" that is so good! i love the way she finds unique ways to show different sides of a coin we're already familiar with (i would rank it just below sugarland's really emotional "stay", a great song even if you're not a country fan).
Can I just say I don't think I've ever watched another reactor who had you level of attention to detail and its so fantastic to watch! I love these videos!!
Taylor playing the long game setting up film and television adaptations decades in advance.
Actually, for me, it's not too long at all. I can watch you react to Taylor Swift 24/7.😍🥰
That was so insane dude loved it and the breakdown
Love her and her music since young
I always love when you do breakdowns of Taylor Swift songs . You definitely are a musician so you do listen to the lyrics and put them all together. But there's so much that's missed at least for me until you actually sit there and break it all down and I'm like wow all these songs do all come together and make a story. I just really appreciate the way that you break it down it's always an amazing video when it's a Taylor Swift song or songs video that you put out
Your reaction was perfect. Three key lyrics for me are... In Cardigan her lyrics (sung by Betty) "chose 2 girls lose one"....in August her lyrics (sung by Augustine) "you were never mine to lose". In Betty her last lyrics (sung by James) "in my cardigan, in my car again". Those lyrics put the story together for me. Taylor spoke about her perspective of these songs, which made me believe I had come to the right conclusions... while singing Cardigan, Betty reminiscing while wearing James's old Cardigan, which indicates time has passed, and she's remembering when she was young that she loved James. So Betty forgave James, and they are still together, while she's singing, Cardigan. Anyone have differing perspectives to share?
4 months later… need to react to Peter from TTPD. The conclusion to the trilogy! And, in my opinion, one of the more under-appreciated songs on her new album!
All about Matty Healy which she worked with/knew the past 10 years then dated early last year. He wore her vintage tshirt. She said on stage this was about him.
more great songwriting from Taylor you should react to:
-tolerate it
-champagne problems
-my tears ricochet
All 3 are absolute masterpieces. Taylor's writing just doesn't seem to have any ceiling on its improvement year over year. She's really found the magic when it comes to crafting profound depth of her lyricism & storytelling skills. This is the foundation of her appeal for me personally. I love a great ear worm built on an undeniably catchy rift or song structure, but making listeners feel the breadth and width of the world her songs exist within is why she's deservedly become the biggest music star on Earth.
You dont know how refreshing is to see someone actually reacting and disecting the songs and paying real atention to the lyrics, good joob, you slayed
As another quick side note, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are very close friends with Taylor. The couple have 3 daughters, named James, Betty, and Ines ❤😂 Taylor’s song “Gorgeous” has a little girl saying “Gorgeous” at the beginning of the song. It was their daughter, James, who voiced that intro. ❤
The first lines of "vintage tee, brand new phone/high heels on cobblestones" reflects back to the idea that she is looking for the old type of love (first kiss usually became your husband) contrasted to today's love which is fake and shallow, but she is forced to live in this modern world. She is saying that the world tells her that the vintage tea love that she is looking for is "childish" and she is suffering meaninglessly because she is young. She realizes that she only loved this player boy because he made her feel like a new cardigan not used like an old sweater but it was not sincere. It is a reflection of learning that love has to be earn first by yourself and then by a boy. I know this because Taylor wrote this song for me.
This was one of your best reactions! Watching you connect them was a lot of fun. Thanks.
Would love you to do Taylor Swift Champagne problems.
I didn't understand that song and you seem to see songs in a whole new way
Just an add on, august has less lyrics compared to the other two as she doesn't know about her fling for much. But both james and betty know each other for ling time and have so much to write about it.
After August.. IT IS A MUST to listen next to ILLICIT AFFAIRS - it is Augustine's POV, she reflects on her experience during the summer fling with James.