NAPATSORN TREESAP

It has been one year since Taylor Swift has released her indie/alternative album. I remembered how excited I am when I saw that Bon Iver is also featured in this album because I always love his music, and at that time, I was pretty sure that Taylor Swift shifted her music genre. To be honest, it is one of the best albums in the world, for its beautiful poetic lyrics and peaceful calm melody that would make each song became the ballad that touched people’s feelings easily. Thus, no wonder why this album has won Album of the Year at Grammy. Therefore, I would like to introduce you to my favourite songs from Folklore album.

1. Taylor Swift – Exile (feat. Bon Iver) 

I think I’ve seen this film before

And I didn’t like the ending

Taylor Swift – Exile (feat. Bon Iver)

Exile is the first song I chose to listen to from Folklore. At first, I did not expect it to be this deeply sad ballad song until I heard the intro that featured a sad melody created by a piano combined with emotional lyrics to become a narrative that tells the story. Additionally, at the bridge of the song, I really love the way both artists seem like arguing with each other not just knowing from the bridge lyrics, but also enhanced by the tension melody. I believe that it is one of the best songs that portrayed the other side of the relationship that could lead to a dead-end very well. I felt so happy to see these two artists collaborated with each other. It is a collaboration that I have never known I need before.

2. Taylor Swift – Betty 

Slept next to her, but

I dreamt of you all summer long

Taylor Swift – Betty 

Taylor Swift with the musical composition using Harmonica as one of the instruments in the song intro! Thank God! I love it!!! I could sing this song when it was just released because I listened to it repeatedly. I was quite surprised to know that she made country music again, and as her fan since she was still doing country music, my eyes filled up with tears because my dream came true!!! In addition, I love how she sings in the man’s perspective named James that he cheated on Betty to Augustine, the woman in the song August. I think she portrayed the real story of the relationship in human’s life very well because the problem could occur from other people as the song’s lyrics “You heard the rumors from Inez. You can’t believe a word she says most times, but this time it was true,” we could see that Betty has been incited to doubt James for a long time, and as people are different, some might believe those words. Wow! Taylor Swift, You are a genius.

3. Taylor Swift – the 1

if my wishes came true

It would’ve been you

Taylor Swift – the 1

I think Folklore portrayed many types of relationships including the 1. When I heard this song, I think of Love, Rosie, a film that was adapted from the novel into a major motion picture. I listened and I thought “Why human life is so hard when it comes to emotion?” Sometimes, we could not love the one that we think they are right for us even though how much we want to take it to the next level. It hurts to see them with others. If you are still live in this situation, listen to this song like it is your only friend.

4. Taylor Swift – August

Wanting was enough

For me, it was enough

Taylor Swift – August

August is one of the songs I listen to while the pouring rain is falling. It also gives you a good vibe like you are breathing the fresh air. Additionally, I think the song contains details that represent some things in order to narrate the story properly; for instance,

“Salt air” represents the setting located at the sea where James had an infidelity with Augustine.

“Your back beneath the sun wishin’ I could write my name on it” shows the secret relationship between James and Augustine.

5. Taylor Swift – Cardigan

Chase two girls, lose the one

Taylor Swift – Cardigan

I could not mention Betty and August without Cardigan. The main characters in Folklore. The allusion of Peter and Wendy, The metaphor used, and symbols that enhanced the narrative of the story are effective. This is Betty’s perspective about this kind of relationship with James. It shows how she thinks that this relationship is full of obstacles and how much it hurts as in the lines, “High heels on cobblestones” and “You drew stars around my scars.” Taylor Swift!! You are like Shakespeare in 21st Century!