Another great song by Taylor. Thank you Swifties for the support!!

You never have to apologize for rewinding and appreciating her lyricism!

7 years ago, I was in a car accident that left me disabled and in constant pain. Her line, "It's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound" is so relatable. Everyone that knew who I was before, doesn't realize how difficult just existing is now. This song is phenomenal for those dealing with any invisible struggle be it; pain, grief, addiction, etc... This song is truly a beautiful recognition of those struggles. She is incredible.

I am a Kansas City girl on my way to becoming a Swiftie by watching reactors who are new too. This interview has me in tears in the parking lot at work. I recognize myself sure but mostly my kids. Seriously haven’t heard the song yet but I’m ugly crying. Her lyrics get me.

Folklore and Evermore will really tickle the poet in you. For Folklore, the Long Pond Studios version is wonderful because it explains each song or her motivation for it and it’s very stripped back so you can really bear her vocals. However the studio version is exceptional- the orchestrations are next level so from a music/production side it’s a super wonderful listen. There is a reason it won AOTY.

My favourite part of the “cages were mental” line is how the full line is “they said all my cages were mental” its how someone suffering from mental illness or addiction is treated like their problems are imaginary and not real. Or that the issue is deep down in who they are as a person.

never said this anywhere to anyone. this song and this exact studio session saved my life... its easy to say get help to someone who doesn't want any help , luckily in my case help found me in the form of god herself, taylor swift.

I'd just like to thank Taylor for writing this beautiful song about me. (her take on this is SO on point) sincerely, sober for 1534 days. Taylor's music has definitely helped me work through some shiz on my sober journey. Thank you for this reaction 💜🙏🏼

“Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Very wise words. It’s empathy we need.

One of my fave Taylor songs. The lyrics really resonate with me as someone who has been in a scenario like the top of the cliff. For anyone feeling those feelings of anger, shame, depression, trying is all we can do sometimes. And telling someone you are trying is so vulnerable.

I'm only half way into this video, but I just wanted to say you are going to LOVE the Folklore album and especially the Long Pond Studio Sessions... one of the things I appreciate about your videos is that you care about the lyrics, and Folklore is a masterpiece in songwriting! also, there is an actual clip of her talking about the song for each one of them in the Long Pond Studio Sessions, so please check out more of them! I would suggest Exile (ft Bon Iver), epiphany, peace or the lakes

I suspect that some people don't get the line where "...the curve became a sphere." Notice that a curve is an open concept but when the curve becomes a circle or a sphere, the concept of limitation enters the picture. Think of a "vicious circle" or the idea of a 2-dimentional creature being trapped on the surface of a sphere. There is seemingly no escape (and here you can reflect back on "all my cages are mental"). These are powerful lyrics that I think are often under-appreciated (even though people love these lines, I heard a lot of people expressing confusion about them). And please, please do more from the Long Pond Sessions (you should ultimately just watch the whole movie - it's such a gem). And evermore is also essential. I can't choose a favorite between folklore and evermore. Together they are my favorite album. I wish there as an intimate acoustic-setting movie for evermore like there is for folklore.

Yes...that is her co producer, Jack Antonoff, the other gentleman in the studio playing guitar would be her other co producer Aaron Dessner. Thanks so much for doing this...I love your insight on the music and lyrics...always spot on...Have a Great Day!❤

This is why Taylor is loved. Her lyrics can be so deep. It's poetry. Just the fact that her empathy is the driver of songs like this and there are many.

This song is almost always the song I suggest when someone claims to not like her music. That's because everyone can relate to it and it's one of her songs that I think best portrays her insane lyricism. Taylor wrote such a deep, personal song that so many people can relate to. The lyrics and sound of it come across as simple, but when truly listened to they are like a knife to the heart. I love how in this video you can also catch a glimpse of her performing talent as well. You can basically see every word in the facial expressions she makes. You can tell she is deeply feeling every word she wrote and it seems like she's emotional right along with you. The definition of art- "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination...producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power." This song is a work of art.

Yes, this is Jack Antonoff. They write many songs together. You can call them a dream team ;-). The upcoming re-recorded album 1989 is written almost entirely by these two. Your reaction is wonderful. I do this a lot going back to good places in a song. And if you're struggling please get help. Sending love

I was at my lowest when Folklore came out! When I listened to this song, I thought if Taylor can do this so can I and I decided to get help. Evermore is still the therapeutic album for me but that’s what her music to me is! ❤

Im glad you liked this. I love the Long Pond sessions, with the interviews. The Long Pond performances are usually shorter than the actual song. Taylor is very empathic and thoughtful. She's an amazing wordsmith. Many of her songs are purposeful like this one. Others are just for fun. All have great lyrics. Ta

This album “Folklore” has a special place in my heart it really helped me get out of the dark place I was in And I really appreciate you sharing your own experiences ❤ I would recommend “Right where you left me” from (Evermore) that's another song which is a mentality booster And yes that is her producer they have been working together for 9-10 years now 1989 in 2014 was the first time they did a album together and his name is Jack Antonoff and Aaron dessner is a legend hats off to him he was amazing althrough out the album

you should do the whole longpond!!!!! perfect to start in the swift universe and understand her brain a little. glad you liked it! this one is about mental illness in general, sad af i LOVE it

I love the line, “pouring out my heart to a stranger, but I didn’t pour the whiskey.” Because the idea of having an emotional breakdown but clinging to sobriety… Connecting with a person, even a total stranger, instead of self-medicating with more alcohol. Talking about it and baring your heart, and it feels like a failure, but it’s not. You’re trying. You’re hanging in there. It’s not a weakness to open up to someone; it’s a success to do that rather than falling back on your maladaptive coping mechanisms. Even though it’s hard and humiliating. I don’t know. I don’t drink or touch anything habit-forming because I learned very early on that I’m exceptionally weak to addictive things. (To this day, I have to give my wallet to other people when I know I’ll be near poker machines, and I haven’t played in over a decade.) I also really love that she acknowledged that it’s a lifelong struggle? Every day, they’re trying, but nobody pats them on the back for it because it’s just the expected thing. I know I’m not the only person whose experience is ‘there’s no such thing as RECOVERED, only RECOVERING’-which sounds depressing, but it does get easier over time. The waves come further apart. But…being seen like that, being recognized for how hard the ongoing struggle is, that really hit me like a punch to the solar plexus. That got real serious, so I feel the need to make a dad joke to lighten things up. “You say the song’s called ‘this is me trying’? Hah! More like this is me CRYING!” …okay, that was weak, but it’s all I got. 😂 I love how you pinpointed the rusting wheels and lack of forward momentum. That’s not something I’ve seen anyone else point out about this song. I also loved how many times you replayed the ‘so I got wasted like all my potential’ bit-sincerely my fav part of the song and SO nice to see it appreciated. If you want another song about mental health/addiction, you should listen to “Forever Winter”. But if you want one that’s pure poetry, check out “ivy”. (That one isn’t about her-it’s a fictional story) Thanks for the great video!

I’m glad you loved this so much. Looking forward to more reactions. ❤

Yay!! More Taylor! Great reaction! The long pond sessions are great. So intimate. Would also recommend epiphany, peace and my tears ricochet from this same movie. All have the interviews beforehand if you like the insight. Looking very forward to hearing your thoughts on those songs as well.

I loved this reaction. I just wanted to thank you for being so thoughtful. I know that I don't know you at all, but I do know that people can feel sincerity, care, and a generous soul through the way someone communicates on a screen and I can just tell that there is a gentleness and deepness to you that I deeply appreciate. Your thoughtful nature comes across beautifully. You were made for these reactions. I look forward to more T. Swift reactions soon! I am making my way through all your T. Swift reactions but if you want to hear some amazing lyrics, I encourage you to listen to more Folklore, Evermore, and give a listen to "All Too Well - 10 minute version" off of Red. Many say that it is her greatest masterpiece when it comes to writing. Although there are many deep lyrics on all her albums! I enjoy seeing her through your eyes! THANK YOU for your gentleness in a harsh world! Sending love from Alabama! xxoo

Wow your commentary in this really touched me/ hit home for me. It’s clear to me that you are a compassionate person who potentially went through therapy and worked on themselves. I come from working in the bar/restaurant industry too, and the free shifties after work or industry mondays/hitting the clubs after work is such a toxic environment, not to mention being behind the bar and listening to your regulars and their struggles. I got goosebumps listening to you react to this. Thank you

I appreciate this reaction. This song most likely has saved lives, especially during the pandemic when they wrote this album. Great reaction!

i love how you actually react to things and contribute to the discussion and share your own experiences. and you're also very well spoken, thank you!

This is one of my favorites from Taylor. When I first listened to Folklore, I listened to her discussions with Jack and Aaron before each song because having insight into the lyrics is just invaluable! I wish she did that for all her albums! Great reaction!

Yeees im so so so happy for this reaction!! I adore this song, its the deepest of cuts because its about the story with yourself. You are right many of these lyrics are so poignant, but very truthful and cathartic. Thank you for this, cant wait for more :)

Watching your videos is like getting a warm hug from an old friend. I thought it was so interesting how you referenced the saying about fighting a hard battle. It reminded me of the poem, "Compassion" by Miller Williams, which in turn is woven into the lyrics of Taylor's song Ivy. You have such a strong insight into her lyrics already it's going to be fun to watch you discover the true talent behind what has kept her relevant all these years. I like to lure in new listeners with some live performances, both acoustic and with huge production. Once they're intrigued, that's when you hit them with the lyricism. You're about to embark on a journey you won't ever recover from. Whoever requested this knew exactly what they were doing lol.

The “long pond sessions” on Disney + is from her album “folklore” which won AOTY. I love this bc she describes each song before playing it and it gives you some insight into her thought process and her as a person

If you love poetry you will love all of Taylor’s folklore album as well as the evermore album. They are sister albums and she wrote them both during the pandemic shutdown.

Some recommendations: from the longpond sessions: peace, the lakes, exile, and august evermore lyric video & Eras Tour performance (it's so good!) All Too Well 10 min. version (there's a lyric video, a short film written/directed by Taylor, and my favorite, the sad girl autumn version) - some of her best writing and she wrote it when she was 21. ETA: IVY lyric video!!! I can't believe I forgot this one.

Thank you for your thoughtful reaction and sharing. ❤

Thank you for the #Swifties shout out! THIS is the tune that made me a Swiftie, although I’m a new one! It made me listen carefully and realize Taylor Swift truly cares for others like few celebrities do! Thank you also for sharing your thoughts and the love you offer to all! My 36 year old daughter is a 2 years recovering drug addict and Taylor Swift told the story of my daughter’s life and her struggles. Yes, I’ve struggled for her, I’m her Mom and very human. The mental and emotional toll addiction takes is a private hell that swallows up those we love and those who are constantly seeking a place of love from others and to simply belong again. As for my daughter, she had to fight like hell her older brother who was a very judgmental, former athlete never allowing himself, his mind or body to fall. He’s a minister and turned away from all of us because we “fell short” of his expectations. He has since opened up his church for a recovery group and has begged for forgiveness for his behavior! Thankfully, my daughter has taken back her life from the demon and is absolutely amazing, although she has always been to me! Drugs weren’t her, they were demons torturing her! No more and I’m so incredibly grateful for her and proud of her! My love never ended and it never will! My daughter loves, LOVES people and has always had, at times, too much love for others! Why she never recognized her tremendous potential before, I’ll never understand! She’s walked through fire to find herself and has now taken life by storm! Her effort now is studying to become a prison minister. That’s what she believes she’s been called to do and I’m behind her all the way! She’s been there and knows the struggles! I hope she can help her Dad who has been an alcoholic since age 15 and remains so now into his 70’s. I couldn’t help him, I wasn’t raised in his environment. I didn’t understand why he chose his addiction over his family! I apologize for pouring out my soul but I thank you for the platform you’ve provided that almost no one knows of me. Thank you for sharing and I wish for you much continued success and prosperity! You’ve allowed others to prosper in happiness through your work!

New Swiftie here! So addicted to the Long Pond Sessions

I‘m so glad you were raving about „they told me all of my cages were mental, so I got wasted like all my potential“!! That line (and the entire song tbh) hit so deep with me and my life the past few years, it instantly became my favourite of hers and I couldn‘t stop thinking about it and admiring her pen game for days after first hearing it. Folklore + evermore are beautiful collections of poetry wrapped in gorgeous instrumentals and heavenly vocals.

I just love your content. Your reactions are honest and you really appreciate the music and lyricism. Speaking of Shakespeare, there are several Universities offering courses one called "Taylor Swiftory" covering her music and lyrics. The song "Forever Winter" is another favorite of mine were she touches on the subject of mental health. I know you've heard already and I agree in saying I think that you would really love her albums Folklore and Evermore.

I relate to this song in a different way. I got sick back in 2008 when I was just 11 years old and I only received my diagnosis & the appropriate medication last november. I spent 14 years sick in bed, unable to fulfill my potential and every day it felt impossible to make it through the day because of how hopeless my situation was. Today I saw my doctor for a check up and we just sat there together for a moment, incredulous at the fact that after all this time I am ACTUALLY doing better. It feels like a miracle. And I am so glad that I hung in there and didn't give in to the voices that told me that there was no hope.

Back to December is another good one. A big slower, but it hits you hard. Exile as well. I also love right where you left me

I love this song.Such honest,heartfelt lyrics.The Long Pond sessions are so persoal.💛🧡💜

Thanks for the information

I love watching another Phan turn into a Swiftie in real time

I recommend literally anything from the Long Pond Studio Sessions but im a big fan of her explanation and performance of "Epiphany"

Came to listen to a song. Ended up reflecting on my life, and thinking through many things I didn't plan to, well...

If you like this song I think you would like mirrorball from the same album; folklore in its entirety is an incredible album!

This is one of my favorite songs of hers ❤

I bartended in college and you're totally right, there is a culture of recklessness in that industry. We would close the bar and almost every night we would stay after and have a couple drinks or go to one another's houses to hang out after work, because on some level your job doesn't feel like work. Especially if you work in the kind of place that has bands and a tourist atmosphere like I did. Made a lot of money though.

I think it’s time for a duet! You will really like “exile” Taylor Swift ft Bon Iver!

When people question why Taylor has won an Album of the Year Grammy 3 times, I like to point them to this interview and song. She’s an artist, not a pop star.

This me trying always makes me tear up and sad, it breaks my heart and sometimes i think I can't handle this song to listen one more time. Cause mental health Is something we all suffer from and its so hard sometimes that the more you cry the more you become exhausted from all the things happening around you

Taylor has a way with words for sure.

Just wanted to stop by and leave a comment that I enjoy how you're covering and appreciating Taylor. I think it's always great to get new or different insight. Someone already said this, but All Took Well 10 minute version would be really interesting to see. Or maybe the Long Live/New years Day mashup from the reputation tour. Long Live is a song she's written for the fans very early on (it's in her 3rd album Speak Now, she's written every song in it by herself, now co-writers!).

Thank you for the free therapy session. I really enjoyed this video!

She’s having a conversation with Jack Antonoff of Bleachers. They write a lot of songs together.

I suggest to you the Song "Epiphany" also from the Long Pond Studio. For me it's a real Masterpiece.

def my favorite song on folklore, glad you appreciated it so much, it's really nice to see people recognizing her lyricism

I second all those in the comments asking for more long pond sessions - i think it's imperative that the interviews be included too, because there's literally no one that can explain the motivation behind a song better than Taylor herself. Folklore has been *the* jumping-off point for a LOT of people.. her mastery of her craft is breathtakingly apparent and even some of the loudest "ewww Taylor!?!" leaning people have started to understand there's more to her than her glitter gel pen songs (shes said her songs usually fit into 1/3 categories: glitter gel pen - pure fun and light hearted, fountain pen - seems simple but has a deeper meaning for those who know, and quill - gonna punch you in the feels and clearly illustrates her love for words and the emotion words evoke) . Folklore was written with the quill. If you do these more than one at a time, bring tissues and expect a cohesive, solemn, and introspective listen.those who go into it expecting lighthearted fun typically leave feeling drained and emotionally off-kilter because it's brilliance wrapped in melancholy.

As always, really interesting to hear your thoughts. Thanks for sharing

What you said reminds me of Kacey Musgrave's song "Are you sure" where she sings: Look around you, look down the bar from you At the faces that you see Are you sure this is where you wanna be?

For me the line is: "I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere".

Omg I’m so excited!!

Such a good review and interpretation of the lyrics, thank you.

Thank you so much for this wonderful reaction! I love hearing others peoples thoughts on songs. This is what I really love about KZfaq, just hearing others peoples story's and their point of view and how they interpret lyrics like this. Inspiring video! Thank you for sharing your story and thoughts!

The lyrics in the bridge are so great and often overlooked in favour of earlier lines (which are genius, obviously). "It's hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you" I feel like the 'you' here is the alcohol (or substance of addition). Addicts have their addiction on their mind constantly, every where they go. It's hard to live normal life when you've just got this on your mind. "You're a flashback on a film reel on the one screen in my town" Thoughts about drinking are played in the addict's mind over and over. The 'town' in the mind, and it's got one movie theatre and it plays only one movie: the addiction. And resist that is so incredibly hard that every single second that person isn't drinking is them actively trying and winning against the addiction - but it doesn't feel like winning because the thoughts never go away.

I really think you should listen & react to All Too Well from the Red album. In the original recording it was a track 5 song which is significant to Taylor albums but not a single. When she did Taylor's Version re-records she released the song in its original 10 min form and gave us some of her best lyrics that weren't on the original version because she studio never thought a 10 min song would do well. The live versions of this song are what make the song really stand out (2014 Grammys or Red tour for the original and Eras Tour & SNL for the 10 min version). Highly recommend!!

Love your videos! Please do All Too Well 10 Minute Version Short Film ! ❤

Hola Gary! 🥹Estoy fascinada con las reacciones porque las disfrutas de una manera musical y lírica 📝 que nos haces justicia! Ella es increíble, por favor hay mucho contenido y apreciaría mucho que no te detengas, haz más reacciones (Tolerate it) (Marjorie) (All too well 10 M) (Champange Problems)🙏🏻, es fantástico y estoy agradecida 🫶🏻que la hayas escuchado, te veo desde México, espero tus siguientes videos. 🤟🏻 🎸 🇲🇽🇺🇸 🤟🏻

Folklore hits really hard. You'll really love it.

Just subscribed, I think you have such a nice perspective to look at her (and other music) through. Someone confirmed that Jack antonoff is her producer but also you might find it neat that the guitarist for this video is Aaron Dessner of The National. You might really like the songs she did with the national that aren't on any of her albums, like Renegade and The Alcott.

That is Jack Antonoff and yes, he is her co-producer.

Hiiiii from the Swifties!

Would love to hear your reaction to Taylor’s performance of False God on Saturday Night Live.

The wave and hi swifties was so cute

the way when this was released i was looking for jobs during pandemic and i just got out of college and i was so close to ending it all because i cant land one

This song is good and hopefully can help peopl who have issues in their lives,.

LOVE this song, and this version is superior to the OG in my opinion. That PIANO❤❤❤

I'm a Savatage and Taylor Swift fan. Still remember when they reported on mtv that Cris died.

the words shoot to kill can be about personality disorders that have mood regulation issues so when they argue with people close to them they have no filter nothing to do with being drunk

You would LOVE clean , the Great War and champagne problems!

More long pond session pleaseee

Shakespeare time travels and read Taylor's lyrics 😂😂

This song hits so hard for me. I have had depression since I was probably 12 and I definitely mask a lot so it seems like I’m fine so in doing so people don’t see that often times I’m struggling so much. There was a point where I was in a relationship with a man who was I was functioning alcoholic. And since our struggles were different, he didn’t understand that I was having a hard time. And at one point, he said, I would understand if you were acting a certain way if it was because you were drinking. So because my struggles were different from his, he couldn’t sympathize with me. And I just wanted to scream at him. How do you not see that I’m trying I’m trying so hard and just because my struggle isn’t the same as yours it doesn’t mean I’m not trying. For him he doesn’t recognize what it looks like to try when you have depression because his trying always looks like not drinking. This song is very validating for me and at first it was sad but I find it uplifting.

I loved your reaction to this and how much, like I think all of us swifties, you were able to relate and understand her lyrics. It's maybe unpopular but I would like to see you react to her song called "Ronan". Warning it is extremely sad, especially when you know the story behind. To give a short explanation, Taylor was reading the blog of a mom who's son was sick and asked her if she could take some of the texts she wrote talking to or about her son to make a song. She did, and gave writing credit to the mom, now the mom have an association to help other people with cancer. It's a short resume od the story and I'm sure that if you want to check it out you'll find a better explanation from someone that know a lot more than I do. Anyway I love your musical reaction and I'm happy you enjoy Taylor's music even tho it isn't your usual music style. Have a wonderful day 💗

Exactly.. not a sad song at all

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

shes very smart and sensitive, she drinks

Please do more folklore and evermore songs!

5:18 hiii 👋🏻

I would love to see you react to Taylor’s song IVY 😊

I’m just going to say it… she’s this generations McCartney/Lennon. I understand many people are just now looking into her DENSE discography. She’s been spitting lyrics like this for almost TWO decades. She’s so good.

I've always wondered if that particular line hits the same for americans. because in british slang 'wasted' means very drunk. so it kinda has a double meaning here.

Damn. She is so good.

I recommend Tolerate It and Happiness.

she wrote this song about me actually hope this helps❤

This is your 8th Taylor reaction.

I went from kitchens to medical, same kinda experience. Best decision ever

Part of her school comment is also really relevant for a type of high achiever who strives for the praise and the gold stars… but what happens when that goes away, and no one gives you gold stars for reaching the goals set for you? It’s a very scary, ungrounded place.

Lol! Working in healthcare caused me to drink.

Please do all too well 5 min version I fell like the 10 min version is too unfiltered