recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Tell Me Why

## Lyric Video

**Tell Me Why** is the eight track of the standard edition of Taylor's second album Fearless. It was released on November 11, 2008.

## Meaning and Background

> "I'd been talking to a guy I've never "officially" dated. Sometimes it's the hardest thing when you have all these dreams of dating them, and you're getting close, but it doesn't work out. He would say things that would make me go, "Did you just say that?" It bothered me so much because he would say one thing and do another, do one thing and say another.  Because he didn't know what he wanted, he would just play all these mind games. So I went over to write with Liz and was just ranting and raving about how this guy is such a flake and such a jerk sometimes, and so cool other times. I was like, "Liz, I don't know what's up with this guy!" So I just started playing the beginning, "I took a chance, I took a shot. And you might think I'm bulletproof, but I'm not.""
>
> - Taylor about Tell Me Why

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
I took a chance, I took a shot
And you might think I'm bulletproof, but I'm not
You took a swing, I took it hard
And down here from the ground I see who you are

**[Chorus]**
I'm sick and tired of your attitude
I'm feeling like I don't know you
You tell me that you love me, then cut me down
And I need you like a heartbeat
But you know you got a mean streak
That makes me run for cover when you're around
And here's to you and your temper
Yes, I remember what you said last night
And I know, that you see, what you're doing to me
Tell me why

**[Verse 2]**
You could write a book on how to ruin someone's perfect day
Well, I get so confused and frustrated
Forget what I'm trying to say, oh

**[Chorus]**
I'm sick and tired of your reasons
I got no one to believe in
You tell me that you want me, then push me around
And I need you like a heartbeat
But you know you got a mean streak
That makes me run for cover when you're around
Here's to you and your temper
Yes, I remember what you said last night
And I know, that you see, what you're doing to me
Tell me why

**[Bridge]**
Why do you have to make me feel small
So you can feel whole inside?
Why do you have to put down my dreams
So you're the only thing on my mind?

**[Chorus]**
I'm sick and tired of your attitude
I'm feeling like I don't know you
You tell me that you want me, then cut me down
I'm sick and tired of your reasons
I've got no one to believe in
You ask me for my love, then you push me around
Here's to you and your temper
Yes, I remember what you said last night
And I know that you see what you're doing to me
Tell me why (why)
Tell me why (why)

**[Outro]**
I take a step back, let you go
I told you I'm not bulletproof
Now you know

## Videos

Taylor Swift - Tell Me Why (Taylor's Version) (Lyric Video)Tell Me WhyTell Me Why (Instrumental with BGV)

## References

1. ↑ http://www.taylorswift.com/music#/fearless/tell\_me\_why
Joe Alwyn

**Joseph "Joe" Matthew Alwyn** (pseudonym: William Bowery) is an British actor. He's the ex-boyfriend of Taylor Swift.

## Relationship with Taylor

It is speculated that Joe and Taylor first met in Los Angeles in April 2016. Joe was there to do reshoots for a movie at the time.

Taylor and Joe started dating September 28, 2016. They stayed in London together and kept their relationship hidden from the public. Reports of Joe's relationship with Taylor first surfaced in on May 16, 2017, almost eight months after they started dating.

Taylor released her album reputation on November 10, 2017, which includes several songs that are said to be about Joe, such as Gorgeous, King of My Heart, Delicate and Call It What You Want. Her following album, Lover, also includes songs about Joe, like Cruel Summer, Lover and London Boy.

They continue keeping their relationship private, whenever Joe is asked about Taylor he mentioned he doesn't want to talk about his personal life. He has said to an interviewer that he's flattered by Taylor writing songs about him.

Taylor and Joe attended several events, such as premieres for movies that Joe stars in. However, they wouldn't show themselves together for public events. The first and only time they did was to the 2020 Golden Globes together, where they could be seen sitting in the audience together.

In Taylor's documentary Miss Americana was released and included footage of Taylor hugging Joe after performing at the Reputation Tour and home videos Joe made of Taylor. Taylor said that she had fallen in love with someone who had a "wonderful, normal, balanced kind of life” and they wanted their relationship to be private. She also said that besides 2016 being a bad year for her, they were happy.

For Taylor's albums folklore and evermore, Taylor and Joe worked together was co-writers. Taylor had overheard Joe singing the chorus of betty and proposed to keep writing together, which started their collaboration. He was credited as William Bowery. When *folklore* won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, Taylor thanked Joe in her speech.

## As William Bowery

William Bowery was first credited on two songs from folklore. Fans found out that this person doesn't exist, concluding that it's a pseudonym. They theorized that William Bowery is actually Joe Alwyn, because the name refers to him. The name of Joe's great grandfather was William Alwyn, who also happened to be a musician. Bowery could refer to the Bowery Hotel, where Joe and Taylor were spotted around the time they started dating.

On folklore: the long pond studio sessions, a concert film, Taylor revealed that William Bowery is actually Joe. On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Taylor said that Joe came up with the pseudonym himself. Joe also co-wrote two songs for evermore under this pseudonym.

## Credits

**folklore**

* exile (William Bowery as writer)
* betty (William Bowery as writer)

**evermore**

* champagne problems (William Bowery as writer)
* evermore (William Bowery as writer)
Closure

## Lyric Video

**closure** is the fourteenth track of Taylor's ninth album evermore. It was released on December 11, 2020.

## Trivia

* The song starts with the sound of a big machine breaking down, likely referring to Taylor's former label Big Machine Records.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
It's been a long time
And seeing the shape of your name
Still spells out pain
It wasn't right
The way it all went down
Looks like you know that now

**[Chorus]**
Yes, I got your letter
Yes, I'm doing better
It cut deep to know ya, right to the bone
Yes, I got your letter
Yes, I'm doing better
I know that it's over, I don't need your
Closure, your closure

**[Verse 2]**
Don't treat me like
Some situation that needs to be handled
I'm fine with my spite
And my tears, and my beers and my candles
I can feel you smoothing me over

**[Chorus]**
Yes, I got your letter
Yes, I'm doing bettеr
It cut deep to know ya, right to the bone
Yes, I got your lеtter
Yes, I'm doing better
I know that it's over, I don't need your
Closure, your closure
Your closure, your closure

**[Bridge]**
I know I'm just a wrinkle in your new life
Staying friends would iron it out so nice
Guilty, guilty, reaching out across the sea
That you put between you and me
But it's fake and it's oh so unnecessary

**[Chorus]**
Yes, I got your letter
Yes, I'm doing better
It cut deep to know ya, right to the bone
Yes, I got your letter
Yes, I'm doing better
I know that it's over, I don't need your
Closure, closure, your closure
Your closure

## Videos

Taylor Swift - closure (Official Lyric Video)Closure
Ronan

## Audio

**Ronan** is a charity single by Taylor Swift, written about a the four-year-old Ronan Thompson, who died in 2011 of neuroblastoma, a form of cancer. It was released on September 8, 2012.

## Meaning and Background

Taylor wrote the song after reading a blog about Ronan Thompson, written by his mother Maya Thompson. Ronan was a four-year-old boy who died of neuroblastoma, a form of cancer. After writing it, Taylor contacted Maya Thompson and asked her if it was okay to perform it at a Stand Up to Cancer Show.

## Trivia

* All proceeds went to charities that fund cancer research.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
I remember your bare feet, down the hallway
I remember your little laugh
Race cars on the kitchen floor, plastic dinosaurs
I love you to the moon and back

I remember your blue eyes looking into mine
Like we had our own secret club
I remember you dancing before bed time
Then jumping on me waking me up

I can still feel you hold my hand, little man
And even the moment I knew
You fought it hard like an army guy
Remember I leaned in and whispered to you

**[Chorus]**
Come on baby with me we're going to fly away from here
You were my best four years

**[Verse 2]**
I remember the drive home
When the blind hope turned to crying and screaming "Why?"
Flowers pile up in the worst way, no one knows what to say
About a beautiful boy who died
And it's about to be Halloween
You could be anything you wanted, if you were still here
I remember the last day, when I kissed your face
I whispered in your ear

**[Chorus]**
Come on baby with me we're going to fly away from here
Out of this curtain room and this hospital grey, we'll just disappear
Come on baby with me we're going to fly away from here
You were my best four years

**[Bridge]**
What if I'm standing in your closet trying to talk to you?
What if I kept the hand-me-downs you won't grow into?
And what if I really thought some miracle would see us through?
What if the miracle was even getting one moment with you?

**[Chorus]**
Come on baby with me we're going to fly away from here
Come on baby with me we're going to fly away from here
You were my best four years

**[Outro]**
I remember your bare feet, down the hallway
I love you to the moon and back

## References

1. ↑ “Hey Maya, it’s Taylor Swift…” – ROCKSTAR RONAN - https://rockstarronan.com/2012/09/09/hey-maya-its-taylor-swift/
Call It What You Want

## Lyric Video

**Call It What You Want** is the fourteenth track of Taylor Swift's sixth album reputation. It was released on November 3, 2017.

## Trivia

* In 2017, Taylor was often seen wearing a chain with Joe Alwyn's initial on it, what she sings about in this song.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
My castle crumbled overnight
I brought a knife to a gunfight
They took the crown, but it's alright
All the liars are calling me one
Nobody's heard from me for months
I'm doin' better than I ever was, 'cause

**[Chorus]**
My baby's fit like a daydream
Walking with his head down
I'm the one he's walking to
So call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want to
My baby's fly like a jet stream
High above the whole scene
Loves me like I'm brand new
So call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want to

**[Verse 2]**
All my flowers grew back as thorns
Windows boarded up after the storm
He built a fire just to keep me warm
All the drama queens taking swings
All the jokers dressing up as kings
They fade to nothing when I look at him
And I know I make the same mistakes every time
Bridges burn, I never learn, at least I did one thing right
I did one thing right
I'm laughin' with my lover, makin' forts under covers
Trust him like a brother
Yeah, you know I did one thing right
Starry eyes sparkin' up my darkest night

**[Chorus]**
My baby's fit like a daydream
Walking with his head down
I'm the one he's walking to
So call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want to
My baby's fly like a jet stream
High above the whole scene
Loves me like I'm brand new
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
So call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want to

**[Bridge]**
I want to wear his initial on a chain round my neck
Chain round my neck
Not because he owns me
But 'cause he really knows me
Which is more than they can say, I
I recall late November
Holdin' my breath, slowly I said
"You don't need to save me
But would you run away with me?"
Yes (would you run away?)

**[Chorus]**
My baby's fit like a daydream
Walking with his head down
I'm the one he's walking to
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
So call it what you want, yeah, call it what you want to
My baby's fly like a jet stream
High above the whole scene
Loves me like I'm brand new
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
So call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want to

**[Outro]**
(Call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
(Call it what you want, call it what you want, call it)
Call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want… to

## Videos

Taylor Swift - Call It What You Want (Lyric Video)Call It What You Want (Karaoke Version)
False God

## Audio

**False God** is the thirteenth track of Taylor Swift's seventh album Lover. It was released on August 23, 2019.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
We were crazy to think
Crazy to think that this could work
Remember how I said I'd die for you?
We were stupid to jump
In the ocean separating us
Remember how I’d fly to you?

**[Pre-chorus]**
And I can't talk to you when you're like this
Staring out the window like I’m not your favorite town
I'm New York City
I still do it for you, babe
They all warned us about times like this
They say the road gets hard and you get lost
When you're led by blind faith, blind faith

**[Chorus]**
But we might just get away with it
Religion's in your lips
Even if it's a false god
We'd still worship
We might just get away with it
The altar is my hips
Even if it's a false god
We'd still worship this love
We’d still worship this love
We’d still worship this love

**[Verse 2]**
I know heaven's a thing
I go there when you touch me, honey
Hell is when I fight with you
But we can patch it up good
Make confessions and we’re begging for forgiveness
Got the wine for you

**[Pre-chorus]**
And you can't talk to me when I'm like this
Daring you to leave me just so I can try and scare you
You're the West Village
You still do it for me, babe
They all warned us about times like this
They say the road gets hard and you get lost
When you’re led by blind faith, blind faith

**[Chorus]**
But we might just get away with it
Religion's in your lips
Even if it's a false god
We'd still worship
We might just get away with it
The altar is my hips
Even if it's a false god
We'd still worship this love
We'd still worship this love
We'd still worship this love, ah

**[Outro]**
Still worship this love
Even if it's a false god
Even if it's a false god
Still worship this love

## Videos

Taylor Swift - False God (Official Audio)False GodTaylor Swift - "False God" (Live on Saturday Night Live - 2019)
Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez, a popular American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her hit songs like "Hands to Myself" and "Bad Liar," as well as her roles in movies such as "Spring Breakers" and "The Fundamentals of Caring." Selena Gomez is also a close friend of Taylor Swift.

## Friendship with Taylor Swift

Selena is best friends with Taylor Swift. They have been seen at many red-carpet events and even went to a Notre Dame football game together. They hang out a lot, and Selena calls Taylor her "Mentor" and has even described her as an "old soul". Gomez once told radio host Ryan Seacrest [1]. Taylor has also sat with Selena, along with Katy Perry on the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.

Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez have an enduring friendship. The pop singers first crossed paths when they were each dating a Jonas brother back in 2008 (Swift was seeing Joe Jonas while Gomez was linked to Nick Jonas) and they ended up becoming close pals as a result.

Taylor had been there for Selena especially after her breakup with her boyfriend of two years, Justin Bieber. The two also talked via FaceTime with their then friend, Demi Lovato. There were reports, however, that Taylor's friendship with New Zealand singer Lorde, who was very critical of Selena in various interviews, may have strained their friendship. This was later proven not to be true when the two were later seen at the Met Gala in New York. Taylor attended the American Music Awards in 2014 with Lorde to support Selena when she performed her single "The Heart Wants What It Wants".

Taylor also invited Selena to perform with her on Taylor's Speak Now World Tour, performing "Who Says," at The RED Tour, and The 1989 World Tour, where they sang "Good For You." They performed Selena's song "Hands To Myself" together on the Reputation Stadium Tour.

In 2014, Taylor spoke candidly about her friendship with Selena in an interview with E!. She said, **“It’s been the longest [friendship]** I think either one of us had really. … Both of us have kind of stuck it out and hung in there through all the different changes we’ve gone through.

## Interviews with Selena Gomez mentioning Taylor Swift

Ellen DeGeneres

* Selena Gomez mentions Taylor Swift on Ellen show

### Idolator

Selena Gomez Defends BFF Taylor Swift, Dances to TikTok

### Young Hollywood

Tween Scene: Selena Gomez On Taylor Swift mentions wanting to go on tour with Taylor Swift.
Dancing with Our Hands Tied

## Audio

**Dancing with Our Hands Tied** is the eleventh track of Taylor Swift's sixth album reputation. It was released on November 10, 2017.

## Meaning and Background

Taylor wrote this song after she was paparazzied in Los Angeles after months of hiding with her boyfriend Joe Alwyn in the United Kingdom. The paparazzi had shouted things at her, including comments about her weight. She was overwhelmed by this and started thinking about how she could have a normal relationship with this kind of life. She went straight to the studio, cried and started writing this song.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
I, I loved you in secret
First sight, yeah, we love without reason
Oh, twenty-five years old
Oh, how were you to know? And
My, my love had been frozen
Deep blue, but you painted me golden
Oh, and you held me close
Oh, how was I to know? I–

**[Pre-Chorus]**
I could've spent forever with your hands in my pockets
Picture of your face in an invisible locket
You said there was nothing in the world that could stop it
I had a bad feeling
And darling, you had turned my bed into a sacred oasis
People started talking, putting us through our paces
I knew there was no one in the world who could take it
I had a bad feeling

**[Chorus]**
But we were dancing
Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied
Yeah, we were dancing
Like it was the first time, first time
Yeah, we were dancing
Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied
Yeah, we were dancing
And I had a bad feeling
But we were dancing

**[Verse 2]**
I, I loved you in spite of
Deep fears that the world would divide us
So, baby, can we dance?
Oh, through an avalanche? And
Say, say that we got it
I'm a mess, but I'm the mess that you wanted
Oh, 'cause it's gravity
Oh, keeping you with me I-

**[Pre-Chorus]**
I could've spent forever with your hands in my pockets
Picture of your face in an invisible locket
You said there was nothing in the world that could stop it
I had a bad feeling

**[Chorus]**
But we were dancing
Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied
Yeah, we were dancing
Like it was the first time, first time
Yeah, we were dancing
Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied
Yeah, we were dancing
(Knew we had our hands tied)
And I had a bad feeling
But we were dancing

**[Bridge]**
I'd kiss you as the lights went out
Swaying as the room burned down
I'd hold you as the water rushes in
If I could dance with you again
I'd kiss you as the lights went out
Swaying as the room burned down
I'd hold you as the water rushes in
If I could dance with you again (again)

**[Chorus]**
Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied
Yeah, we were dancing
Like it was the first time, first time (first time, first time)
Yeah, we were dancing
Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied
(Ooh, dancing with our hands tied)
Yeah, we were dancing
And I had a bad feeling (had a bad feeling)
But we were dancing

**[Outro]**
Hands tied, hands tied (dancing)

## Videos

Dancing With Our Hands TiedDancing With Our Hands Tied (Karaoke Version)

## References

1. ↑ The Secret Session backstory for Dancing With Our Hands Tied. : TaylorSwift (reddit.com)
Hey Stephen

## Lyric Video

**Hey Stephen** is the fourth track of the standard edition of Taylor's second album Fearless. It was released on November 11, 2008.

## Meaning and Background

> "We were recording at John McBride's (Martina McBride's husband) studio and he was like, 'My kids are dying to meet you.  Do you think that you could say hi to them?' I said, 'Sure, have them come and hang out while we're recording.' So his daughters and their friends from school – there were about ten of them there – they all came into the studio when we were recording "Hey Stephen" and they loved it. They were singing along with it by the end of it."
>
> - Taylor about Hey Stephan

The 'Stephen' Taylor sings about is Stephen Barker Liles from the country band Love and Theft.

## Trivia

* Stephen Barker Liles, who this song is about, wrote a song in response called 'Try To Make It Anyway'.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
Hey Stephen, I know looks can be deceiving
But I know I saw a light in you
And as we walked we were talking
I didn't say half the things I wanted to
Of all the girls tossing rocks at your window
I'll be the one waiting there even when it's cold
Hey Stephen, boy, you might have me believing
I don't always have to be alone

**[Chorus]**
'Cause I can't help it if you look like an angel
Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
Mmm, I can't help myself

**[Verse 2]**
Hey Stephen, I've been holding back this feeling
So I got some things to say to you
I've seen it all, so I thought
But I never seen nobody shine the way you do
The way you walk, way you talk, way you say my name
It's beautiful, wonderful, don't you ever change
Hey Stephen, why are people always leaving?
I think you and I should stay the same

**[Chorus]**
'Cause I can't help it if you look like an angel
Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
Mmm, I can't help myself

**[Bridge]**
They're dimming the street lights, you're perfect for me
Why aren't you here tonight?
I'm waiting alone now, so come on and come out
And pull me near and shine, shine, shine
Hey Stephen, I could give you fifty reasons
Why I should be the one you choose
All those other girls, well, they're beautiful
But would they write a song for you?

**[Chorus]**
I can't help it if you look like an angel
Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
Mmm, I can't help myself
If you look like an angel
Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
Mmm, I can't help myself

**[Outro]**
Myself
Can't help myself
I can't help myself

## Videos

Taylor Swift - Hey Stephen (Taylor's Version) (Lyric Video)Hey StephenHey Stephen (Instrumental with BGV)

## References

1. ↑ http://www.taylorswift.com/music#/fearless/hey\_stephan
Haunted

## Audio

**Haunted** is the twelfth track of Taylor's third album Speak Now. It was released on October 25, 2010.

## Meaning and Background

> "Haunted is about the moment that you realize the person you're in love with is drifting and fading fast. And you don't know what to do, but in that period of time, in that phase of love, where it's fading out, time moves so slowly. Everything hinges on what that last text message said, and you're realizing that he's kind of falling out of love. That's a really heartbreaking and tragic thing to go through, because the whole time you're trying to tell yourself it's not happening. I went through this, and I ended up waking up in the middle of the night writing this song about it. I wanted the music and the orchestration to reflect the intensity of the emotion the song is about, so we recorded strings with Paul Buckmaster at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. It was an amazing experience - recording this entire big, live string section that I think in the end really captured the intense, chaotic feeling of confusion I was looking for."
>
> - Taylor about Haunted

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
You and I walk a fragile line
I have known it all this time
But I never thought I'd live to see it break
It's getting dark and it's all too quiet
And I can't trust anything now
And it's coming over you like it's all a big mistake

**[Pre-Chorus]**
Whoa, holding my breath
Won't lose you again
Something's made your eyes go cold

**[Chorus]**
Come on, come on, don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Something's gone terribly wrong
You're all I wanted
Come on, come on, don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Can't breathe whenever you're gone
Can't turn back now, I'm haunted

**[Verse 2]**
Stood there and watched you walk away
From everything we had
But I still mean every word I said to you
He will try to take away my pain
And he just might make me smile
But the whole time, I'm wishing it was you instead

**[Pre-Chorus]**
Oh, holding my breath
Won't see you again
Something keeps me holding onto nothing

**[Chorus]**
Come on, come on, don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Something's gone terribly wrong
You're all I wanted
Come on, come on, don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Can't breathe whenever you're gone
Can't turn back now, I'm haunted

**[Bridge]**
I know
I know
I just know
You're not gone, you can't be gone, no

**[Chorus]**
Come on, come on, don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Something's gone terribly wrong
Won't finish what you started
Come on, come on, don't leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Can't breathe whenever you're gone
Can't go back, I'm haunted
(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

**[Outro]**
You and I walk a fragile line
I have known it all this time
Never ever thought I'd see it break
Never thought I'd see it

## Videos

HauntedHaunted (Acoustic Version)Haunted (Instrumental With Background Vocals)

## References

1. ↑ http://www.taylorswift.com/music#/speak\_now/haunted
Half of My Heart

## Music Video

**Half of My Heart** is a song from the John Mayer that features Taylor Swift. It was released on June 21, 2010.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1: John Mayer]**
I was born in the arms of imaginary friends
Free to roam, made a home out of everywhere I've been
Then you come crashing in, like the realest thing
Trying my best to understand all that your love can bring

**[Chorus 1: John Mayer & Taylor Swift]**
Oh half of my heart's got a grip on the situation
Half of my heart takes time
Half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you
That I can't keep loving you (can't keep loving you)
Oh, with half of my heart

**[Verse 2: John Mayer]**
I was made to believe I'd never love somebody else
Made a plan, stay the man who can only love himself
Lonely was the song I sang, until the day you came
Showing me another way and all that my love can bring

**[Chorus 1: John Mayer & Taylor Swift]**
Oh half of my heart's got a grip on the situation
Half of my heart takes time
Half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you
That I can't keep loving you (can't keep loving you)
Oh, with half of my heart

**[Verse 3: John Mayer]**
Your faith is strong
But I can only fall short for so long
Down the road, later on
You will hate that I never gave more to you than half of my heart
But I can't stop loving you

**[Backup Vocals: Taylor Swift]**
I can't stop loving you
But I can't stop loving you with half of my
Half of my heart
Half of my heart

**[Chorus 2: John Mayer & Taylor Swift]**
Half of my heart’s got a real cool imagination
Half of my heart’s got you
Half of my heart’s got the right mind to tell you
Half of my heart won’t do

**[Outro: John Mayer]**
Half of my heart is a shotgun wedding to a bride with a paper ring
And half of my heart is the part of a man who's never truly loved anything
Half of my heart
Half of my heart
Half of my heart
Half of my heart
Half of my heart
Half of my heart

## Videos

John Mayer - Half of My Heart (Official Music Video)Half of My Heart
Jack Antonoff

**Jack Antonoff** is an American singer, songwriter and producer. He's part of the indie rock band Fun. and the indie pop band Bleachers. He's a friend of Taylor and has worked with her on her latest five studio albums.

## Relationship with Taylor

Jack and Taylor met at the 2012 MTV European Music Awards, where they bonded about their feelings towards award shows and their love for *Yazoo*. As they ran into each other at more award shows, they started hanging out.

They worked together for the first time for the song Sweeter Than Fiction for the soundtrack of the movie *One Chance*. Jack mentioned that Taylor was the first person who let him produce a song, after everyone else had told him he's not a producer.

Jack also worked with Taylor on three 1989 songs. Jack was dating Taylor's friend Lena Dunham at the time; Taylor wrote You Are in Love about their relationship. Taylor didn't tell Jack until she finished it.

They attended the 2016 Grammy Awards together. Jack accepted the Best Pop Vocal Album award for 1989 when Taylor was absent, and called her while on stage. He played guitar on stage

Jack played a big part in creating reputation, Lover and folklore.

## Credits

### Music

**Non-album songs**

* Sweeter Than Fiction (writer & producer)
* I Don't Wanna Live Forever (writer & producer)

**1989**

* Out of the Woods (writer & producer)
* I Wish You Would (writer & producer)
* You Are in Love (writer & producer)

**reputation**

* Look What You Made Me Do (writer & producer)
* Getaway Car (writer & producer)
* Dress (writer & producer)
* This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things (writer & producer)
* Call It What You Want (writer & producer)
* New Year's Day (writer & producer)

**Lover**

* Cruel Summer (writer & producer)
* Lover (producer)
* The Archer (writer & producer)
* I Think He Knows (writer & producer)
* Paper Rings (writer & producer)
* Cornelia Street (producer)
* Death by a Thousand Cuts (writer & producer)
* London Boy (writer & producer)
* Soon You'll Get Better (writer & producer)
* False God (writer & producer)
* Daylight (producer)

**folklore**

* my tears ricochet (producer)
* mirrorball (writer & producer)
* august (writer & producer)
* this is me trying (writer & producer)
* illicit affairs (writer & producer)
* betty (producer)
* the lakes (writer & producer)

**evermore**

* gold rush *(writer & producer)*
* ivy *(writer)*

### Appearances

* Miss Americana
* folklore: the long pond studio sessions
* 2016 Grammy Awards performance
* 2021 Grammy Awards performance
Don't You

## Lyric Video

**Don't You (From The Vault)** is the twenty-fifth track from Fearless (Taylor's Version) and the fifth track from The Vault. It was released on April 9, 2021.

## Background & Meaning

It was written for the original Fearless album, but didn't make the cut. On April 3, 2021, it was confirmed to be apart of the re-recorded album.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
Hey, I knew I'd run into you somewhere
It's been a while, I didn't mean to stare
I heard she's nothin' like me
I'm sure she'll make you happy

**[Chorus]**
But don't you
Don't you smile at me and ask me how I've been
Don't you say you've missed me if you don't want me again
You don't know how much I feel I love you still
So why don't you, don't you?

**[Post-Chorus]**
Ah, ah, ah, ah

**[Verse 2]**
Sometimes I really wish that I could hate you
I've tried, but that's just somethin' I can't do
My heart knows what the truth is
I swore I wouldn't do this

**[Chorus]**
But don't you
Don't you smile at me and ask me how I've been
Don't you say you've missed me if you don't want me again
You don't know how much I feel I love you still
So why don't you, don't you?

**[Bridge]**
So I walk outta here tonight
Try to go on with my life
And you can say, "We're still friends"
I don't wanna pretend
So if I see you again

**[Chorus]**
Don't you (Don't you)
Don't you smile at me and ask me how I've been
Don't you (Don't you), say you've missed me if you don't want me again
You don't (You don't), know how much I feel I love you still
So why don't you, don't you?

**[Outro]**
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Don't you, ah, ah, ah

## Videos

Taylor Swift - Don’t You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (Lyric Video)
Eyes Open

## Lyric Video

**Eyes Open** is a song from Taylor that was featured on the The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond album, a compilation of songs that were inspired by the movie The Hunger Games. It was released on March 27, 2012.

## Meaning and Background

> “I wrote it about Katniss’ relationship with the Capitol," she says of the protagonist (quote via Country Music Is Love). "It basically serves as a warning for her not to trust anyone -- in many ways the opposite of ‘Safe & Sound,'” she says, adding her own description of the song in comparison to the lead single, calling it “more frantic and fast-paced, a completely different shade of music.”
>
> - Taylor about Eyes Open

## Trivia

* Taylor has another song on The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond album, called Safe & Sound.

## Lyrics

**[Chorus]**
Everybody's waiting
Everybody's watching
Even when you're sleeping
Keep your ey-eyes open

**[Verse 1]**
The tricky thing
Is yesterday we were just children
Playing soldiers
Just pretending
Dreaming dreams with happy endings
In backyards, winning battles with our wooden swords
But now we've stepped into a cruel world
Where everybody stands and keeps score
Keep your eyes open

**[Chorus]**
Everybody's waiting for you to break down
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Even when you're sleeping, sleeping
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open

**[Verse 2]**
So here you are, two steps ahead and staying on guard
Every lesson forms a new scar
They never thought you'd make it this far
But turn around (turn around)
Oh, they've surrounded you
It's a showdown (showdown)
And nobody comes to save you now
But you've got something they don't
Yeah you've got something they don't
You've just got to keep your eyes open

**[Chorus]**
Everybody's waiting for you to break down
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Even when you're sleeping, sleeping
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes

**[Bridge]**
Keep your feet ready
Heartbeat steady
Keep your eyes open
Keep your aim locked
The night goes dark
Keep your eyes open
(Keep your eyes open)
Keep your eyes open
Keep your eyes open
Keep your eyes open

**[Chorus]**
Everybody's waiting for you to break down
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Even when you're sleeping, sleeping

**[Outro]**
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open

## Videos

Taylor Swift - Eyes Open (Lyric Version)Eyes Open
## References

1. ↑ Taylor Swift Spills About Writing ‘Eyes Open’ for ‘The Hunger Games’ Soundtrack | <nowiki>https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-talks-eyes-open-hunger-games-soundtrack/?utm\_source=tsmclip&utm\_medium=referral
I Heart ?

**I Heart ?** is the sixth and final track of Taylor Swift's EP Beautiful Eyes. It was released on June 23, 2008.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
Wish I had concentrated
They said love was complicated
But it's something I just fell into
And it was overrated
But just look what I’ve created
I came out alive but I’m black and blue

**[Pre-Chorus]**
Before you ask me if I’m alright
Think about what I
Had to do, yeah

**[Chorus]**
Wake up and smell the breakup
Fix my heart, put on my makeup
Another mess I didn't plan
And I’ll bet you thought you'd beat me
Wish you could only see
I've got an "I heart question mark"
Written on the back of my hand

**[Verse 2]**
I'd be fine if you just walked by
But you had to talk about why
You were wrong and I was right
But I can't believe you made me
Sit at home and cry like a baby
Wait right by the phone every night

**[Pre-Chorus]**
And now you ask about you and I
There's no you and I
Remember what you put me through
I had to

**[Chorus]**
Wake up and smell the breakup
Fix my heart, put on my makeup
Another mess I didn't plan
And I’ll bet you thought you'd beat me
Wish you could only see
I've got an "I heart question mark"
Written on the back of my hand

**[Bridge]**
And when you're home alone at night
You'll still wonder why
You took everything I had, oh baby
I haven't thought about you and I
There's no you and I
And I know
Someday you will

**[Chorus]**
Wake up and smell the breakup
Realize that we won't make up
It didn't go the way you planned
And you'll know you didn't beat me
When you look down and see
I've got an "I heart question mark"
Written on the back of my hand

**[Outro]**
Written on the back of my hand
An "I heart question mark," yeah
Written on the back of my hand
Dress

## Audio

**Dress** is the twelfth track of Taylor Swift's sixth album reputation. It was released on November 10, 2017.

## Meaning and Background

> This is a song called Dress where some lines I came up with a year before and then when I was writing the song I cherry picked and was like, “Like that, like that, like that!” And I was really proud of the hook of his because it sounds like a pick up line. Yet it’s a love song about deep and tender feelings.
>
> - Taylor about Dress

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
Our secret moments in your crowded room
They've got no idea about me and you
There is an indentation in the shape of you
Made your mark on me, a golden tattoo

**[Pre-Chorus]**
All of this silence and patience, pining and anticipation
My hands are shaking from holding back from you (ah, ah, ah)
All of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting
My hands are shaking from holding back from all this
Ah, ha, ha, ha

**[Chorus]**
Say my name and everything just stops
I don’t want you like a best friend
Only bought this dress so you could take it off
Take it oh ah, ha, ha
Carve your name into my bedpost
'Cause I don't want you like a best friend
Only bought this dress so you could take it off
Take it oh ah, ha, ha

**[Verse 2]**
Inescapable, I’m not even going to try
And if I get burned, at least we were electrified
I'm spilling wine in the bathtub
You kiss my face and we're both drunk
Everyone thinks that they know us
But they know nothing about-

**[Pre-Chorus]**
All of this silence and patience, pining and anticipation
My hands are shaking from holding back from you (ah, ah, ah)
All of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting
My hands are shaking from holding back from all this
Ah, ha, ha, ha

**[Chorus]**
Say my name and everything just stops
I don't want you like a best friend
Only bought this dress so you could take it off
Take it oh ah, ha, ha
Carve your name into my bedpost
'Cause I don't want you like a best friend
Only bought this dress so you could take it off, take it off
Only bought this dress so you could take it off, take it off
Only bought this dress so you could take it off

**[Bridge]**
Flashback when you met me
Your buzzcut and my hair bleached
Even in my worst times, you could see the best in me
Flashback to my mistakes
My rebounds, my earthquakes
Even in my worst lies, you saw the truth in me
And I woke up just in time
Now I wake up by your side
My one and only, my lifeline
I woke up just in time
Now I wake up by your side
My hands shake, I can't explain this
Ah, ha, ha, ha

**[Chorus]**
Say my name and everything just stops
I don't want you like a best friend
Only bought this dress so you could take it off
Take it oh ah, ha, ha
Carve your name into my bedpost
Cause I don’t want you like a best friend
Only bought this dress so you could take it off
Take it oh ah, ha, ha

**[Outro]**
There is an indentation
In the shape of you
Only bought this dress so you could take it off
You made your mark on me, golden tattoo
Only bought this dress so you could take it off
Seven

## Lyric Video

**seven** is the seventh track of Taylor Swift's eight album folklore. It was released on July 24, 2020.

## Meaning and Background

Taylor came up with the song as they thought about seeing a kid throwing a tantrum in a grocery store, and wondered when she stopped doing that. Adults still have that feeling of outrage, but now they don't throw tantrums anymore, where did that feeling go?

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
Please picture me in the trees
I hit my peak at seven
Feet in the swing over the creek
I was too scared to jump in
But I, I was high in the sky
With Pennsylvania under me
Are there still beautiful things?

**[Chorus]**
Sweet tea in the summer
Cross your heart, won't tell no other
And though I can't recall your face
I still got love for you
Your braids like a pattern
Love you to the Moon and to Saturn
Passed down like folk songs
The love lasts so long

**[Verse 2]**
And I've been meaning to tell you
I think your house is haunted
Your dad is always mad and that must be why
And I think you should come live with me
And we can be pirates
Then you won't have to cry
Or hide in the closet
And just like a folk song
Our love will be passed on

**[Bridge]**
Please picture me in the weeds
Before I learned civility
I used to scream ferociously
Any time I wanted
I, I

**[Chorus]**
Sweet tea in the summer
Cross my heart, won't tell no other
And though I can't recall your face
I still got love for you
Pack your dolls and a sweater
We'll move to India forever
Passed down like folk songs
Our love lasts so long

## Videos

Taylor Swift – seven (Official Lyric Video)Seven (the long pond studio sessions)Seven

## References

1. ↑ folklore: the long pond studio sessions
Holy Ground

## Audio

**Holy Ground** is the eleventh track of Taylor's fourth album Red. It was released on October 22, 2012.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
I was reminiscing just the other day
While having coffee all alone, and Lord, it took me away
Back to a first-glance feeling on New York time
Back when you fit in my poems like a perfect rhyme
Took off faster than a green light, go
Hey, you skip the conversation when you already know
I left a note on the door with a joke we'd made
And that was the first day

**[Chorus]**
And darling, it was good
Never looking down
And right there where we stood
Was holy ground

**[Verse 2]**
Spinning like a girl in a brand new dress
We had this big wide city all to ourselves
We blocked the noise with the sound of, "I need you"
And for the first time, I had something to lose
And I guess we fell apart in the usual way
And the story's got dust on every page
But sometimes, I wonder how you think about it now
And I see your face in every crowd

**[Chorus]**
'Cause darling, it was good
Never looking down
And right there where we stood
Was holy ground

**[Bridge]**
Tonight, I'm gonna dance
For all that we've been through
But I don't wanna dance
If I'm not dancing with you
Tonight, I'm gonna dance
Like you were in this room
But I don't wanna dance
If I'm not dancing with you

**[Chorus]**
It was good
Never looking down
And right there where we stood
Was holy ground

**[Outro]**
Tonight, I'm gonna dance
For all that we've been through
But I don't wanna dance
If I'm not dancing with you
Tonight, I'm gonna dance
Like you were in this room
But I don't wanna dance
If I'm not dancing with you

## Videos

Holy GroundHoly Ground (Karaoke Version)Taylor Swift - Holy Ground in the Live Lounge
Hoax

## Lyric Video

**hoax** is the sixteenth track of Taylor Swift's eight album folklore. It was released on July 24, 2020.

## Meaning and Background

With *hoax* being the last song on the album, it embodied all the things the album was thematically. She wondered if all the feeling she wrote about, didn't come from the same person because of the variety in subjects. Taylor mentioned that the lyrics "You knew it still hurts underneath my scar from when they pulled me apart" is something everyone in her life knows how she relates to that, but it's still something everyone can relate to.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
My only one
My smoking gun
My eclipsed sun
This has broken me down
My twisted knife
My sleepless night
My winless fight
This has frozen my ground

**[Chorus]**
Stood on the cliffside screaming, "Give me a reason"
Your faithless love's the only hoax I believe in
Don't want no other shade of blue but you
No other sadness in the world would do

**[Verse 2]**
My best laid plan
Your sleight of hand
My barren land
I am ash from your fire

**[Chorus]**
Stood on the cliffside screaming, "Give me a reason"
Your faithless love's the only hoax I believe in
Don't want no other shade of blue but you
No other sadness in the world would do

**[Bridge]**
You know I left a part of me back in New York
You knew the hero died so what's the movie for?
You knew it still hurts underneath my scars
From when they pulled me apart
You knew the password so I let you in the door
You knew you won so what's the point of keeping score?
You knew it still hurts underneath my scars
From when they pulled me apart
But what you did was just as dark
(Ah, ah, ah)
Darling, this was just as hard
As when they pulled me apart

**[Outro]**
My only one
My kingdom come undone
My broken drum
You have beaten my heart
Don't want no other shade of blue but you
No other sadness in the world would do

## Videos

Taylor Swift – hoax (Official Lyric Video)Hoax (the long pond studio sessions)Hoax

## References

1. ↑ folklore: the long pond studio sessions
Dorothea

## Lyric Video

**dorothea** is the eight track of Taylor's ninth album evermore. It was released on December 11, 2020.

## Meaning and Background

This was the first song Taylor wrote for the album.

## Lyrics

**[Verse 1]**
Hey, Dorothea, do you ever stop and think about me?
When we were younger down in the park
Honey, making a lark of the misery
You got shiny friends since you left town
A tiny screen's the only place I see you now
And I got nothing but well-wishes for ya

**[Pre-Chorus]**
Ooh, this place is the same as it ever was
Ooh, but you don't like it that way

**[Chorus]**
It's never too late to come back to my side
The stars in your eyes shined brighter in Tupelo
And if you're ever tired of bеing known for who you know
You know, you'll always know me, Dorothea (uh-uh)
Dorothea (ah-ah)

**[Post-Chorus]**
Ooh, you'rе a queen sellin' dreams, sellin' makeup and magazines
Ooh, from you I'd buy anything

**[Verse 2]**
Hey, Dorothea, do you ever stop and think about me?
When it was calmer, skipping the prom just to piss off your mom and her pageant schemes
And damn, Dorothea, they all wanna be ya
But are you still the same soul I met under the bleachers? Well...

**[Pre-Chorus]**
Ooh, I guess I'll never know
Ooh, and you'll go on with the show

**[Chorus]**
But it's never too late to come back to my side
The stars in your eyes shined brighter in Tupelo
And if you're ever tired of being known for who you know
You know, you'll always know me, Dorothea (uh-uh)
Dorothea (ah-ah)

**[Outro]**
Ooh, ooh
Ooh-woo-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh-woo-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
Dorothea (Ah-ah-ah)
Ah-ah
Ooh

## Videos

Taylor Swift - dorothea (Official Lyric Video)Dorothea

## References

1. ↑ YouTube Q&A - willow premiere - Taylor Swift