Ever since I was young, I have been a huge fan of Taylor Swift. I remember listening to her albums such as Speak Now and Red as I attended middle school dances and dreamed about falling in love for the first time. Now, nearly ten years later, I am still a huge fan. I appreciate how as an artist, Swift has tried out new styles of music. Each album she releases is unique, and in my opinion, a treasure.
I want to talk about her most recent album, Folklore, more specifically a theory that all the songs go together to tell a story. When I was first made aware of this, I was amazed by the story-telling. The overarching story is a beautiful tale of growing up and finding love which made me appreciate the album in a whole new way.
The theory is that the songs tell a folk story about the last owner of Taylor Swift’s home in Rhode Island. The last owner was a woman by the name of Rebekah West Harkness, however, she usually went by the name of Betty. The story revolves around three characters. Betty, based on Rebekah West Harkness, James, her love interest, and another girl who James has an affair with, but is never named. The story can be broken down into three parts, showing all perspectives of the love story.
The Affair
“August”
The story begins with James having an affair with another girl. This song is told through the perspective of this girl. The listener can sense the love that this girl has for James. “You weren’t mine to lose, Remember when I pulled up, And said ‘Get in the car’, And then canceled my plans, Just in case you’d call.” These lyrics show us that they had an affair and the love that the girl had for James. It is evident that she understands the nature of their relationship, however, it still hurt her when it ended.
“Mirrorball”
I believe this song outlines the affair, detailing what James and the other girl did. “Hush, when no one is around, my dear,” I believe this lyric is James talking to the girl. She replies in the lyric, “You’ll find me on my tallest tiptoe Spinning in my highest heels, love Shining just for you.”
“Illicit Affair”
This song is once again from the perspective of the other woman. It talks about the darker side of the affair, how she feels like she is being used by James. “Leave the perfume on the shelf, That you picked out just for him, So you leave no trace behind, Like you don’t even exist.” This shows the toxic nature of the relationship for the girl as James is still in love with Betty.
Betty’s Perspective
“Cardigan”
Betty is made aware of the situation between James and the other girl. We can hear both the hurt and anger in her voice as she reflects on the events that happened. She reminisces on her relationship to James while attempting to make sense of the affair. “A friend to all is a friend to none, Chase two girls, lose the one”
“Exile”
This song is from the perspective of both James and Betty. After finding out about the affair, she confronts James and breaks up with him. It is evident that there is a lot of love in their relationship but Betty is unable to go back to him. “You’re not my homeland anymore, So what am I defending now?”
“The 1”
Time passes and Betty is reflecting on her relationship with James. She has moved on and is living a new life. From time to time she reflects on her youth and her relationship with James. “But we were something, don’t you think so? Roaring twenties, tossing pennies in the pool, And if my wishes came true, It would’ve been you”
James’ Perspective
“Betty”
This song is from the point of view of James. When Betty hears about the affair, he reflects on what he did to her. In this song he is considering what would happen if he went to see her to tell her he is sorry. The lyric “The worst thing that I ever did, Was what I did to you” repeats multiple times throughout the song. We are also able to get a bit more background on how the affair started. We learn that at a school dance Betty dances with another boy “Plus, I saw you dance with him,” James sings. “I was walking home on broken cobblestones, Just thinking of you when she pulled up, Like a figment of my worst intentions, She said “James, get in, let’s drive” Those days turned into nights, Slept next to her but, I dreamt of you all summer long.” This lyric connects this song to “August” as the other girl sings about asking James to get into her car and the fact that it is evident that this affair took place during the summer.
“This is me trying”
After being rejected by Betty once again, James is upset as he comes to terms with the fact that he lost the girl he loved. He understands that she might not take him back, but wants her to know that he is trying to be a better person. He is regretful of his past actions and is trying to make sense of them. He is unable to get Betty out of his head.
“Peace”
Unable to get over Betty, James decides to leave town and say goodbye to his childhood. James joins the military and goes to war. “Our coming of age has come and gone, Suddenly this summer it’s clear, But I would die for you in secret”
“Epiphany”
James is killed in battle. “Keep your helmet, Keep your life, son, Just a flesh wound”
The Aftermath and Moving On
“My tears ricochet”
Betty attends James’ funeral. She is heartbroken. She thinks about the relationship and considers what could have been. “And if I’m dead to you why are you at the wake? Cursing my name, Wishing I stayed”
“Hoax”
Betty has a hard time processing the death of James. We find out she has been unable to sleep or move on since his death.
“Mad woman”
Unable to move on, Betty decides to leave town and move to Rhode Island. She thinks about what people will say behind her back as she flees her hometown.
Taylor Swift’s Connection
“Invisible string”
This song shows us how everyone in this story is connected. Taylor Swift is connected to Betty through the Rhode Island home. Betty is connected to James and the other woman through shared love. This song is upbeat speaking to the complexities of life.
“Seven”
This song is about Taylor Swift’s childhood in Pennsylvania. I believe she included this song to show her connection to the story. This song also talks about her love for hearing stories and folklore and I believe that this connects her to Betty. “Passed down like folk songs, The love lasts so long”
“Last great American dynasty”
This song talks about the life of Betty and James through the eyes of a third party. The songs make their lives seem iconic and wonderful. We also become aware of the connection Taylor Swift has to the couple yet again. “Holiday House sat quietly on that beach, Free of women with madness, Their men and bad habits, and then it was bought by me”
Sources: 1
Photos: Her Campus Media Library