Everything You Missed In Taylor Swift's 'Willow' Video | Pop Culture Decoded

[@hellokitty8015]

''im a swiftie'' no honey you are an FBI agent lol

[@faizamughal4897]

She make us Sherlock homes 😂

[@roshanbaba818]

😂😂😂😂

[@btchyep8830]

@Irene Kim and we're grateful about it! It's her birthday today.. 😭

[@_MasArumPuspitarini]

😭

[@nicole8225]

@@btchyep8830 yeaH

[@imoutofstyle_]

Taylor Swift is not just writing a song, she's creating a piece of art work that will embed in the entire history of music. She's one of few those artists who writes a song in most sophisticated and highest form of writing. Lastly, she's one of those few artists, who's not afraid take or try other genres. She really love exploring, discovering, and she's very devoted on her work, that's why "TAYLOR SWIFT IS THE MUSIC INDUSTRY".

[@mariamst2096]

Truee I hope pple will start giving her the recognition she deserved she is a living legend 👏

[@afrida842]

@Egon Pax oh please then tell me what your definition of a good artist and songwriter is. seriously. you think you’re some kind of smart critic? Name the traits of a good song, and watch taylor display all those traits. 🥰👍🏽

[@Nestrick_]

@@afrida842 nlggas in Paris by Kanye West is better than anything Taylor Swift has made and ever will make

[@Nestrick_]

@@jerainyparra2533 listen to Kanye if u want to hear some REAL art, poetry, professional music, metaphors, and masterpieces. Don't base your opinion on Kanye on empty reasons to hate him.

[@suhaniiiii_]

@@Nestrick_ At least bring a better comeback.

[@moana4873]

kanye doesn't understand that everytime Taylor releases an album, she just slaps him

[@cmalol]

this comment made me laugh so hard, thank you for that 😭

[@rizqiramadhan4345]

Agree lol

[@rizqiramadhan4345]

Never give him peace

[@BlondynCh]

or every time she releases an album kanye gets free promo: now thing about it

[@emilymacdougall184]

@@BlondynCh kanye gives himself plenty of free promo with his ridiculous views and actions

[@mra3707]

She didn't just create an album, she's created an entire story in which each of her songs/albums tie perfectly to each other despite the numerous genres she's explored. Truly the best writer alive I'd say

[@mayrasolis2239]

Yeah I’m exited to see western artist pick up this concept. I’ve only ever seen this done with most artists in the East.

[@darakshasurve7861]

the tent scene is also in everything has changed mv!

[@criso2817]

I think she learned with Ed S. that love after fame is possible and she could have it too just like he did. ➕ they all said they had a fling and became friends afterwards...so many options of what this could mean.

[@darakshasurve7861]

@@criso2817 yah...

[@roshanbaba818]

@@criso2817 Amazing Fact:Taylor swift plan the date of ed shareen and his wife.

[@ashjustsneezed]

THATS WHAT I WAS THINKING OF!!! I knew I recognized it but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was...

[@doesitmatter143]

yeahhhh mate!

[@JeanneBook]

Insider is doing a great job with the dissection of the music video.

[@shreyasingh9642]

Yesss

[@SaarNSN]

Agreed!

[@bloomingrat1634]

the dissection of the frog-

[@JeanneBook]

@@bloomingrat1634 I-

[@blissclair9743]

The ending also references Daylight from lover.

[@gustavocotrim214]

YES!!!

[@libriansana8562]

Yes WOOOWW

[@nurpeachmusic]

I was looking for this!

[@doesitmatter143]

yes

[@kanushka76]

and also the last stanza of 'evermore' And I was catching my breath Floors of a cabin creaking under my step And I couldn't be sure I had a feeling so peculiar This pain wouldn't be for Evermore

[@girlenchanted]

also, the scene where she's trapped in the box is a reference to another lyric: 'and I fell from the pedestal/ right down the rabbit hole' - from long story short. Also, the 'rabbit hole' lyric is another reference to Wonderland from 1989.

[@vanessalam7234]

This is why Taylor is a song writing genius

[@mrmuscle7684]

Agree

[@katirose2755]

I will never understand how taylor and “yummy” are nominated for the same award at the Grammys.

[@alexawatchingyoutube]

yeah, that makes me upset. taylor is over here writing masterpieces, while justin needed 5 people to help him write "yummy"

[@adyatewari512]

@@alexawatchingyoutube Exactly, and half the lyrics are "yummy yummy yummy yummy"

[@iblivs21]

yea you got that YummY,YuMmY,YummY,yUmmY,YumMy,Yummy..yEah You got That yuMmy YummEy yumMey YumMy YuMmy Yummy mhh,great song (?)

[@lavandergirl0209]

seriously tho😭😭😭

[@trishasamanta9338]

Fr he can't write songs for shit all he can say is yummy yummy tummy bunny like boi what else cause I can't listen yuh you got that yummy, yuh you goT ThaT yummy, yuH YoU goT ThaT yummY🙂

[@prad2003]

The narrator is a big SWIFTIE :D

[@naungthaw]

@Irene Kim I love all of your works. I knew you were Asian by the voice of yours. ❤️😍

[@krystalphan8871]

@@naungthaw Is she possibly also a Vietnamese fellow?

[@gnitpeohseluj]

She walks OUT OF THE WOODS into a private life where she is IN THE CLEAR from her fame.

[@koalapillars]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

[@stugley3626]

n words in paris

[@swara5346]

Yassss

[@fate_pg]

Nice 👍

[@lizkelly8311]

SHE STEPPED INTO THE DAYLIGHT AND LET IT GOOOOOOO

[@ms.potato2050]

In the future, when ppl are gonna study history of music, there's gonna be Taylor's name as best artist of 21st century..like we art students studied about great artists from 15th to 20th century..I believe she will make the history

[@eduardavitti4070]

she is already making history

[@mallikasharma13]

*one of the best

[@nisalgunasekera9357]

Admit it Swifties.... We were waiting for Insider to release this video...

[@vanjinathan5877]

Omg yes I can't understand the video this better😭

[@shreyapandey2860]

So true... Can't trust any other channel for Easter eggs!!

[@yusuhani]

yes

[@kenziewilliams8004]

I’m so grateful I always wanted to know if she had finally found someone and you just spelled it out for me hope things go well with them forevermore 😂🥰

[@tngbrayden4472]

OMGGGG YES I FEEL YOYUUUUUU

[@FernandoPiress]

Taylor Swift is the artist of the century.

[@danhay9200]

No other comes close!

[@mewswiftie1392]

dont ya mean artist of the eternity? lol

[@augustmiller5202]

don't you mean artist of the frickin UNIVERSE????

[@shiwangnikumari4948]

I couldn't agree more.

[@TheSaurabh2294]

Lol

[@shreyaraghuram8830]

Plot twist: Taylor is just teasing her re-recording of Red with evermore, and evermore is just another Easter egg

[@ooooooooooOoooooooooh]

Yeah also true

[@ananyasayshi]

Skip to 6 months later, Red(Taylor's version) has been announced 😏

[@shreyaraghuram8830]

didn't know we would meet here, but here we are

[@andrearamon1729]

Now tell me the lottery numbers

[@shreyaraghuram8830]

@@andrearamon1729 lol

[@nilssjoberg8074]

At this point I don't even know what kind of excellent mind Taylor has. She's just mind-blowng!

[@shireenqasimm]

I believe that 6:07 is also an exile reference, the lyric video for exile looks like the bird's eye view of this shot.

[@mosaicbrokenhearts2886]

It looks like the forest in exile lyric video

[@mrskelseydw]

Based on this storyline and breakdown I would say the ending line “I could never give you peace” is more like her admitting life with her will never be entirely peaceful because of her passion for music. She could never truly give that up, not even for a lover. She can go into hiding but the music never stops. She will have to come to the light to share it with the world from time to time.

[@chandrasekharchand6050]

She shocked us.. People do publicity stunt and stuff before the release of anything but she just announced to drop it just before a day

[@Haddy29]

"I can feel you sneaking in" can also be a reference to the lyric "back and forth from New York sneaking in your bed" from Daylight. Also "And I snuck in through the garden gate" in Cruel Summer.

[@ATWTMVTVFTVSGAVRALPS]

Other artists just put out random music videos of them partying at a club or half-naked while Taylor chooses to make a music video with subliminal meaningful references and announcements

[@thrattjaouhard3372]

Finnaly someone who admits it

[@danhay9200]

Thats why she is the best.Her songs have meaning and depth.Not just another artist singing a bunch of immature lyrics.

[@AnastasiaSilvi]

That description of 'other artist' is a direct shade to Calvin Harris even though you didn't intend it and I kinda like that

[@monsoonpaul]

That's the reason she was artist of the decade

[@HuzaifaKhan-rr6zm]

She said it herself. She can't make songs like "I go to a club and dance dance dance" storytelling runs in her blood.

[@rorygogo8912]

this isn't just a song or an album. everything about her music is pure art. since the beginning. her lyrics, melodies, everything was so well put together. she is one of the women I will continue to admire and be inspired by.

[@nicholaschang472]

“You are not like the regulars The masquerade revelers” from mirrorball? Doesn’t that sound like the bonfire scene in willow?

[@koalapillars]

Ahh, good call, totally agree!

[@starfire6726]

Agreed

[@kazuma16love]

Agreed

[@shaanbara0043]

The fire orbs were actually Mirrorballs !

[@dream.5708]

OMGG!!

[@starfire6726]

Exactly!

[@koalapillars]

Anyone else getting "Mean" music video vibes from her dress / instrument / general aesthetic, in the scene where she's boxed in?

[@dlwlrmaeve]

she does nothing without a ton of thought behind it. I love her so much

[@snivellus15814]

She DOES come back stronger that a 90’s trend each time, slay queen 👑

[@eva7424]

The scene at 3:09 when she’s performing in the glass box, and then falls down a RABBIT HOLE coincides with her lyrics from “long story short” where she says “I fell from the pedestal right through the rabbit hole” She then enters the ‘exile’ which for her was reputation (symbolised by he witches and the hoods) - she was in exile because she was prosecuted by the media

[@baimken3001]

& only hardcore fan can figure out all this...

[@catgotbored6892]

&...

[@ashjustsneezed]

Yet they literally said the title of a song without realizing it “here she walks out of the woods”

[@Dinky-zv4hc]

Among all the other wonderful things she is, she's amazing story writer, not just as a song writer but as director of her music videos.

[@tcconnection]

Yes! Thank you for pointing that out.

[@zohasayed4948]

The WHOLE ALBUM is so GOOD that I don't even have words to describe it's greatness 🥺♥️ It's a downright masterpiece and she was looking beyond beautiful and gorgeous in the Music Video😭🤭♥️ Her mind is out of this world 🤯🥺🥺♥️

[@finn029]

This is why I love insider

[@Mark-je9lg]

Haters can deny how talented she's But they can't deny how genius she's

[@anshulsingla874]

She is a masterpiece and creates masterpieces

[@randomteen4436]

Hey stranger reading comments.... May your day go well

[@claudiamirandola1305]

Yours too

[@gowris1538]

Thank you, wish you the same. 😊

[@allisonmargauxqwerty6336]

My day just ended but thanks may yours then!!

[@shaw-baa4940]

Thank you. I hope your day goes well too.

[@roseyn17]

thank you this made me smile for some reason😊may your day be beautiful too

[@shibanizar.6179]

The only artist's mv everyone will go crazy for is TAYLOR SWIFT!!!!🎉

[@Rana-Ehab-Mohamed]

The male lead in 'Lover' MV was also one of her dancers in 1989 and Reputation I find it really nice how she gives them this opportunity, because both of them looked very happy on social media that people are recognizing them

[@daryamarina9879]

Yes, I agree with the song&season placements 100%! I wanna add my own interpretation of the willow video that's touched upon at the end of this one. With cardigan, it largely reflected her career and relationship with music from her private times learning and growing a bond with music at home, to the success and adoration in the forest, to the darker times during reputation in the dark sea storm, and finally returning home to the comfort of her music once more away from the prying media. I think willow tells a similar narrative, but more about her experiences in relationships and love rather than a huge focus on her career and relationship with music. The reflection scene correlated with exile would be like her hearing about love and dreaming about finding it for herself as a young girl. She reaches out for it, wanting it for herself. The scene in the tent correlated with seven would reflect first love and young love, back when they were sweet, innocent, and moving blindly in her relationships, before being scrutinized publicly. Then the scene correlated with mirrorball is when she and her relationships are put on display. Her lover is on the other side of the glass bc she could never truly be with him the way she wanted, specifically with the public breathing down her back and judging her every move and every relationship decision. She couldn't be herself and she wasn't comfortable being on display, especially with something as delicate as love. Then the "coven" scene that correlates to mad woman represents roughly around the time of the rep era like mentioned in the video, with the darker tones, sharper expressions, and hooded Taylor. This scene starts out with a combination of negative emotions, including anger, surrounding the media and external forces (e.g. Kim and Kanye). This is her move into isolation and anonymity, as she moves to blend in with the other anonymous figures. But as she begins to embrace the magic and recognizes the benefits of this isolation and move away from the public eye, she truly appreciates separating herself from the media. She's learned that she can hide her and her lover's relationship away to be more private, personal, and undercover, hence why her lover remains anonymous to us in this scene until the end when she continues following the string. And at the end when she returns, she's finally found solace and happiness away from public scrutiny. It is only then that she can finally be truly united with her lover, bc this is how she loves best. She feels that she can finally be happy in his arms and have a normal, but an absolutely special relationship that consists of only the two of them, and no third-party viewers. Anyway, that's my lengthy interpretation. It may not be accurate, but I think it fits in so well to the story that I'll continue to view this video this way. Thank you if you read this the whole way through 🤎🤍❤️

[@afsaraariffariha7001]

The best I've read so far! 👏

[@aidentan6547]

THANK GOD We have Insider to Breakdown every Taylor Swift Music Videos!

[@Yaniza]

this is soooo good!!! thank you for making it!!

[@pradhnya6286]

I love that insider does a video on Taylors Easter eggs everytime. ❤️

[@isabellanebs22]

The glass box scene is the scene that represents how she feels about fame. Shut off from the world but always being watched.

[@Girasol788]

The last scene also feels like "Step into the daylight and let it go" from Lover. :D

[@misterminutes4504]

Taylor always has easter eggs in her MV's. Every Swifty knows that. If it doesn't have any, it's very sus....

[@sevdasmith7563]

Also she has the same expresion in delicate video, at the end, when she finds her special someone in that bar

[@illblues1072]

The joy of learning every simple references us EXACTLY why we love Taylor ❤️

[@VitNg1707]

wow amazing insight and unveilation. Your voice is also so so smoothing.

[@hdjfkgkhkgxkfxk2602]

Taylor's mind omg! Don't forget that the video is directed by her...

[@khizarkhan1116]

The ending secne when she walk through the door made me realize the daylight track she finally got to get out with her lover in daylight

[@suchisubhrabagchi5925]

It's so amazing how all of her songs are connected❤

[@jenicadevicente7319]

I waited for this. Thank you for always explaining Taylor's vid. My simple mind couldn't fathom her genius artistry.

[@kaylamoulton201]

with her being trapped in a circus, that could be tied back to getaway car "a circus ain't a love story" and how her relationship with joe is out of the public eye compared to other romances

[@MiaBW]

Thank you so much for making this!!! ♡♡♡♡♡

[@lb6536]

I was reading about her grandmother as a famous artist too. Taylor's lineage and having a partner that acts and write makes her so much more stronger. It shows that no one alone can make it this far. There is always a collective community.

[@samantha4575]

I love how you don't try to say it's EXACTLY that interpretation, though I think you hit the nail on the head!

[@MX-fv3hr]

God I cried watching this. So happy for her to be finally in peace with her lover

[@zodinpuii12]

She is so talented. I literally cry when i understand the meaning of the lyrics

[@alessiaghezzi]

Your voice is so relaxing I could hear it all day

[@Sreoshi123]

Her album is so deep and meaningful! Hope she finds peace, love and joy!❤️

[@jessicahall6548]

This was a pleasantly well put together narrative exploration - so much applause.

[@ilseeezwart]

TAYLOR IS SUCH A MASTERMIND LIKE HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH ALL THIS

[@lwinminkhant354]

I was literally waiting for you guys to make an explanation video about this. Thank you so much.

[@kanushka76]

The last scene is also a reference to the last stanza of evermore And I was catching my breath Floors of a cabin creaking under my step And I couldn't be sure I had a feeling so peculiar This pain wouldn't be for Evermore

[@juan_diego_46]

*People watching this like:* -in bed -not in a full screen -reading comments

[@silswift1096]

That is me!

[@aakankshapandey7552]

how u so accurate

[@simbathedog2249]

i’m doing a 500 piece puzzle though

[@meen5489]

bruh💀🤣

[@kaguya-sama8044]

Im the opposite of it😁

[@helloyann]

Finally Insider explains ittt. More please. ❤️

[@waiyanmin1676]

OMG thank you Insider! I’m looking for this video the day Willow released! 🖤

[@aasthathakur4676]

After ever Taylor Swift video song...THIS is the only thing I wait for... It's soooooooooo perfect 😍

[@ay916]

thank you to the whole team that delved into this. it was so interesting!

[@Reylandson]

The TAYLORVERSE is amazing to watch

[@BrunaClaas]

This was a great decoding! Thanks!

[@jordannahgalea9506]

You missed the end as a reference to Daylight. "I once thought love would be burning red but it's golden like daylight" As she and her partner walk out into the golden daylight forest

[@joebelleguisingmadali6464]

Also, at the ending, Taylor with her Lover finally see Daylight.

[@kazuma16love]

Maybe that’s the actual summer?

[@augustmiller5202]

OH MY WORD TEARS AT THE ENDINGGGGGG thank you for making this

[@valentina1317]

Her voice is so relaxing 💆 anyways thanks a lot for made this video

[@anikasharma9289]

Perfect Insider.👏👏👏 You jave decoded every easter egg in a best way.

[@justaconversation3729]

I find it comforting to know that these same three songs always struck me fiercely as songs that remind me of someone I care about... Delicate, Cruel Summer, - and this one... Willow - I didn't know they were linked or that all three were about the man she now loves and feels safe with and whom still has not wronged her or changed his mind, nor has she... these things give me hope. Not just that her journey has finally brought her to something real and lasting... but that such a thing as real, deeply intimate, lasting, and made of more, not less - does exist. That it is out there to be found and shared. It's so easy to lose hope.

[@dangoflower751]

Taylor loves adding Easter eggs to her songs and music videos, there are no coincidences here

[@laurac86]

I really love how Taylor uses these Easter eggs in her videos

[@aein2811]

Ever since taylor start to sing a song of her, I really idolize her so so much speacially her ways of wroting a song.. She inspire many people across the globe and she's the most powerful woman I've ever know on the pass few years and because of that, jealousies and insecurities exist from her different co artist in music industry.. But she really want is to express her self to other and inspired them more in their lives like me and for that I'm always excite and energize to look forward for more inspired songs of her.. Long Live for a genuine heart like her I really love her so much.. She's "The Real Queen of All" Taylor Swift A avid fan of yours since 2008 -Julie

[@keanyupracio6338]

You have the best explanations! Well done!

[@shaanbara0043]

Also the teddy 🧸 is the tent is a reference to Seven

[@aein2811]

And it appears also in "everything has change" MV

[@mansitomar8549]

Thats too much creativity, best artist for a reason 💕

[@aVecesSoyPau]

You missed this: in the music video for Cardigan, you can see a picture of her grandfather to the left of the piano. Folklore's "epiphany" was written for him. For the same shot of the piano in willow, there's a picture of her grandmother instead. Evermore's "Marjorie" was written for her.

[@HillaryWalsh]

Nailed it!!! Great job finding symbolism and callbacks to other songs! I think walking out of the woods is also a callback to OOTW.

[@kulsoomfatima6582]

I was waiting for this 😭❤️thank you insider ....after all the researchs ur eastern eggs and theories are most convenient ❤️❤️

[@guta7083]

And the instrumental in the beggining looks like invisible string to. I love it

[@storiesinthedust]

i also noticed that in the mad woman witches in the woods scene, she is hesitant at first to join in with them. i thought that was sort of a nod to her being hesitant to speak up for herself at first but ultimately finding she has power too when she lets it shine.

[@zantika5712]

Taylor is so advanced in writing music that her songs need to be decoded. What a wonderful experience to be alive in the same era as her and actually get to tell the grand kids someday about her.

[@louissamood]

Her artistry is goals

[@justaconversation3729]

Thanks so much for breaking this down!

[@spedswift7776]

That is the reason why I love Taylor Swift...😢😢😢 Her easter eggs and lyrics is just like my life right now...A peaceful and private life with the person that you loved the most...💕

[@emaanwali5917]

Also remember in the song "August" she said "and say meet me behind the mall" and in Willow she says "Wait for the signal and I'll meet you after dark". I don't know but they kind sound familiar! Anyways, I don't really know.

[@emaanwali5917]

@@vutamokshitha5511 That makes sense too!

[@laaughlooveliive]

The pond scene is Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift The golden colours in the tent is fearless The Ukulele scene is Speak now His outfit is IKYW, Red Down the rabbit hole, leaving behind country music, 1989 the dark witchy scenes OBVIOUSLY Reputation Finding her lover, Lover Stepping out together, Folklore

[@rndm1409]

Damn Taylor is so genius to connect this two album like damn so talented.

[@spdiaz_t]

This breakdown got me cryingggg 😭😭😭

[@spdiaz_t]

@Kyle Kerchaert thanks for the video beautifully made 😭

[@AnaJulia-er1zh]

In the scene that starts in 2:59 the couple could be a reference to illicit affairs and the trio could be representing betty, james and augustine - another reference to folklore tracks.

[@mooncat8pereira]

The python lady poster at the circus is reputation vibes (snake reference).

[@soniamendes9948]

Best easter egg video I've ever watched!❤

[@geo.k.8800]

This is very well detailed thank you 🥺❤️