8 Fascinating Facts Taylor Swift Just Revealed About Her New Album, Folklore

Beth Garrabrant
Beth Garrabrant

We never, in our wildest dreams, could've expected Taylor Swift to drop a surprise album created while in lockdown during a global pandemic. But that's the thing about Swift — it's almost not human the way she so perfectly drops into our lives with soul-affirming songs at the exact moment we need them most. And with her eighth studio album, Folklore, she did just that.

In the live chat during her "Cardigan" video premiere on YouTube (her first single from Folklore), Swift joined fans to answer a few questions about the 16-track album, revealing some special secrets along the way. Read on to hear more about her inspiration behind the album, Easter eggs, and more!

01
She Describes Folklore as Being Like Her Iconic Red Song, "Sad, Beautiful, Tragic"
Beth Garrabrant

She Describes Folklore as Being Like Her Iconic Red Song, "Sad, Beautiful, Tragic"

Folklore feels like a collection of stories, and Swift describes it exactly that way. "Folklore is wistful and full of escapism," she shared. "Sad, beautiful, tragic. Like a photo album full of imagery, and all the stories behind that imagery."

02
"My Tears Ricochet" Was the First Song She Wrote on the Album
Beth Garrabrant

"My Tears Ricochet" Was the First Song She Wrote on the Album

Swift shared that not only was the iconic track five song the first one she wrote on Folklore, but she also wrote it all by herself like the badass genius that she is.

03
Most of the Album Was Created During Quarantine
Taylor Swift | Republic Records

Most of the Album Was Created During Quarantine

While most of us were busy baking banana bread or attempting watercolor paint kits, Swift was casually writing and recording a 16-track album. "I wrote a few things before quarantine," Swift shared. "But most of it has been created completely in lockdown. I started in April."

04
She Also Shot and Directed the "Cardigan" Music Video While in Quarantine
Taylor Swift | Republic Records

She Also Shot and Directed the "Cardigan" Music Video While in Quarantine

"Shooting this in quarantine was surreal," Swift shared. "We adhered to every guideline. We had masks, gloves, & face guards. Masks & gloves are mandatory in my life, it's what I do & everyone should too."

05
The Single "Cardigan" Is About Lost Romance
Beth Garrabrant

The Single "Cardigan" Is About Lost Romance

Sharing the inspiration behind the first single and music video of her eighth studio album, Swift said: "This song is about a lost romance and why young love is often fixed so permanently within our memories. Why it leaves such an indelible mark."

06
Three Songs on Folklore Explore a "Teenage Love Triangle," Each From a Different Perspective
Beth Garrabrant

Three Songs on Folklore Explore a "Teenage Love Triangle," Each From a Different Perspective

"There's a collection of 3 songs I refer to as The Teenage Love Triangle," Swift revealed. "These 3 songs explore a love triangle from all 3 people's perspectives at different times in their lives." While she doesn't explicitly reveal the three songs, fans have come to the conclusion that they're "Betty" (told from James' perspective), "Cardigan" (told from Betty's point of view), and "August" (told from Inez's point of view).

07
She Kept the Album a Secret From Everyone, Even Her Friends
Taylor Swift | Republic Records

She Kept the Album a Secret From Everyone, Even Her Friends

While the whole world was surprised when Swift casually tweeted that she was dropping an entire album in a mere few hours, it looks like the people closest to her were just as in the dark. "No one knew I was making an album," she shared. "I didn't even tell my friends until right before announce. It was my own secret world I'd go to & I've never made music like that before."

08
This Time, Swift Hid Easter Eggs Within the Lyrics
Taylor Swift | Republic Records

This Time, Swift Hid Easter Eggs Within the Lyrics

"One thing I did purposely on this album was put the Easter eggs in the lyrics, more than just the videos," she revealed. "I created character arcs & recurring themes that map out who is singing about who."