Folklore is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was a surprise album, released on July 24, 2020, through Republic Records. Swift conceived Folklore in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic as “a collection of songs and stories that flowed like a stream of consciousness” out of her imagination
Departing from the upbeat pop elements of its predecessors, Folklore consists of mellow ballads driven by neo-classical instruments, pursuing indie folk, alternative rock and electroacoustic styles. The album explores themes of escapism, empathy, romanticism, nostalgia and melancholia, through a set of characters, fictional narratives and story arcs, in contrast to the autobiographical tone of Swift’s previous projects.
Songs in the album are mentioned here
The 1-Taylor contemplates an alternate life in which her old wishes had come true and resulted in a relationship with her ex lover
Cardigan-First part of folklore’s teenage love triangle told from Betty’s point of view
The last great American dynasty-Taylor draws comparison between herself and Rebekah whose mansion she owns, the parties they do and the criticism they face
Exile-It describes two ex lovers seeing each other after their breakup, the male feeling she moved on quickly while the female feeling she showed signs of the relationship not working
My tears ricochet-Embittered tormentor showing up at the funeral of his fallen object of desire
Mirror ball-She compares herself with disco ball, reflecting the personalities around her
Seven-Song is about one of Taylor’s childhood friend who seemed to have an unhappy life at home
August-Ill fated summer romance, second part of teenage love triangle, from point of view of the girl James cheated on Betty with
This is me trying-It sees Taylor accepting faults for relationship issues and making an effort to repair them
Illicit affairs-tackles the issue of infidelity
Invisible string-It references an east Asian folk myth about a red thread of fate tying two soulmates together
Mad woman-Swift connects the concept of a delusional woman to her personal life
Epiphany-It describes someone hoping to find peace in their dreams despite living in a world of chaos and violence, reference to her grandfather’s experience in the military
Betty-describes the third part of love triangle from James point of view
Peace-a calm tune describing Swift’s maturation and changing view of romance, she worries that the lack of privacy could drive her partner away
Hoax-It narrates the struggles Taylor endures in a toxic relationship
“When I felt like I was an old cardigan under someone’s bed, you put me on and said I was your favorite.” -Taylor Swift
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