Taylor Swift

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Vintage tee, brand new phone
High heels on cobblestones
When you are young, they assume you know nothing
Sequin smile, black lipstick
Sensual politics
When you are young, they assume you know nothing

[Chorus]
But I knew you
Dancin' in your Levi's
Drunk under a streetlight, I
I knew you
Hand under my sweatshirt
Baby, kiss it better, I

[Refrain]
And when I felt like I was an old cardigan
Under someone's bed
You put me on and said I was your favorite

[Verse 2]
A friend to all is a friend to none
Chase two girls, lose the one
When you are young, they assume you know nothing
[Chorus]
But I knew you
Playing hide-and-seek and
Giving me your weekends, I
I knew you
Your heartbeat on the High Line
Once in twenty lifetimes, I

[Refrain]
And when I felt like I was an old cardigan
Under someone's bed
You put me on and said I was your favorite

[Bridge]
To kiss in cars and downtown bars
Was all we needed
You drew stars around my scars
But now I'm bleedin'

[Chorus]
'Cause I knew you
Steppin' on the last train
Marked me like a bloodstain, I
I knew you
Tried to change the ending
Peter losing Wendy, I
I knew you
Leavin' like a father
Running like water, I
And when you are young, they assume you know nothing
[Verse 3]
But I knew you'd linger like a tattoo kiss
I knew you'd haunt all of my what-ifs
The smell of smoke would hang around this long
'Cause I knew everything when I was young
I knew I'd curse you for the longest time
Chasin' shadows in the grocery line
I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired
And you'd be standin' in my front porch light
And I knew you'd come back to me
You'd come back to me
And you'd come back to me
And you'd come back

[Refrain]
And when I felt like I was an old cardigan
Under someone's bed
You put me on and said I was your favorite

With over 20 years of music writing and expertise, I am excited to delve into the lead single "cardigan" from Taylor Swift's album "folklore," which was written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. This song has gained immense popularity and critical acclaim since its release on July 24th, 2020. As a music expert, I aim to provide a factual and engaging description of the song, which will be informative to not only Taylor Swift fans but also those who are new to her music.

About ​cardigan

Released as the lead single from Taylor Swift's eighth album, "folklore," "cardigan" is a song that tells a story about lost love and nostalgia. The song is a part of 'Teenage Love Triangle,' where three songs explore a love triangle from various perspectives at different times in the lives of the characters. From the point of view of Betty, the song takes us on a journey to her memories and emotions.

Swift's storytelling abilities shine through in the song, as she details Betty's love for a boy who cheats on her. The lyrics have a melancholic tone, as the piano-driven music gives it a nostalgic touch. Moreover, the video of the song, which Swift directed herself during the pandemic, finds her playing the piano, taking the viewers to different places while stuck in confinement.

The song has received critical acclaim, with critics praising Swift's shift from pop to indie folk music, which is evident in her mature production and lyrical depth. The song's melody and Swift's haunting vocals add to its aesthetic, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Taylor Swift the first artist in history to debut at the top of both the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 simultaneously.

The Musicality of the Song

The song "cardigan" has an overall Indie folk vibe that falls under the alternative rock genre. The song's instrumentation is centered around a piano, which sets the melancholic tone of the song and is present throughout the track. The musical arrangement of the song is lush, with multiple string arrangements that feature prominently in the background. The lyrics of the song showcase Swift's storytelling abilities and are delivered through her nuanced vocals that add to the nostalgic vibe of the track.

The song uses different musical dynamics, with the chorus having a more intense musical arrangement than the verse. Taylor's voice is harmonized in the chorus, adding to its vocal impact. The song structure uses different chord progressions that reflect the emotions of the song and a dynamic musical arc that leads the listener on an emotional journey. The combination of all these elements makes "cardigan" not only the lead single but also one of the strongest tracks on the album.

Conclusion

In summary, "cardigan" is a beautifully crafted song that showcases Taylor Swift's evolution as an artist and her artistic integrity. The song's musical arrangement and lyrics are haunting and deliver a strong emotional impact, making it easily one of the standout tracks on the album. Its success on different music charts and critical acclaim, coupled with the pandemic restrictions, make it a testament to Swift's production and musical talents. The song has captured the hearts of Taylor Swift fans worldwide, and it continues to be one of the most loved songs on the album.

• Release Date: July 24, 2020
• Artist: Taylor Swift