Guitarist REACTS to "The Lakes" by Taylor Swift

[@Mary-ks2kc]

Joe has a degree in English literature so I’m sure he appreciates the history of The Lakes too. Taylor’s been interested in the muse concept and thought of him as that for a while I think, a few years ago shortly after she put out her first album about Joe she interviewed Pattie Boyd about the experience of being a muse for Harper’s Bazaar.

[@cait_wr6065]

“a red rose grew up out of ice-frozen ground, with no one around to tweet it” I always thought that line referenced the fact that her and Joe’s relationship started off as, and continues to be, one of her most private relationships. Especially considering she was not socially active during that time (ie after the Kimye vid). Love hearing your interpretations :)

[@jimena.the.swiftie]

i feel like sometimes swifties are incredibly ungrateful, we're being constantly spoiled and some just keep asking for more, example: not even two weeks after the re-recording of Red was released, some swifties were already wanting the next one, like taylor is working so hard and you're just throwing it away, and basically treating her as if she HAS to constantly produce and produce and produce more things, so that the fandom doesnt get bored of her, she sometimes must feel so much pressure and its just so fucked up. - sincerely, a swiftie

[@Shan72393]

Totally agree!

[@peternystrom921]

Wow i never thought about that, im actualy kind of bummed out that she drops a new album soon, i wish(and i have) more time to listen to everything ells she done.

[@00Kristyna00]

- "Name dropping sleaze, tell me what are my wordsworth" has a double meaning! It can be interpreted as "the immoral a$$hole who dropped my name (from the record label), now has power in deciding the worth of my words (songs/lyrics, the value of her masters catalogue)". - I adore the way she includes very modern words in this ethereal, old timey song (clones, cell phones, tweet) - Also, YES, Taylor has lots of anxiety related to her being famous (thus the need to escape). Most of it is from being repeatedly targeted by stalkers (her house gets broken in a lot. a few have gone to jail. once a crazy man even slept in her bed! She never feels safe). - I really enjoyed your reaction to this song. The way you describe melody is super entertaining, and your insight is always interesting. Thank you, it really was a joy to follow you in this journey. On to the nexxxt!

[@deathby1000cats]

I think this might be the first 'The Lakes' reaction video I've seen where the creator got the Wordsworth reference. Bravo! Love your content :)

[@IvyCowboy]

Argh yes! It's one of her most brilliant lyrics and it gets missed a lot.

[@thebookishjulie]

I always thought „A red rose grew up out of ice-frozen ground“ was a metaphor for the fact that she found love when she was not looking for it (like she said in her song King of my Heart „I made up my mind, I‘m better off being alone“) in a time where she was very hurt and didn‘t want to let someone in. It was during the time where she withdrew herself from the public that she met Joe and they are keeping their relationship private which I think the next line is about („With no one around to tweet it“). Really enjoyed this reaction and the whole folklore journey! Greetings from Germany :)

[@rileyponders3540]

I’d love to see a whole video wrap up on what your favorite songs from folklore were, favorite lines and bridges etc. I’m really hoping you do folklores sister album evermore as well. This was such a lovely video I always feel really comforted by the level of sincerity and active empathy in your channel. I think a lot of people forget to practice empathy when consuming art from popular artists. Your commentary never feels like it idolizes or dehumanizes and I can’t tell you how rare that feels.

[@AndrewFriedberg]

Great idea!

[@mountainrock7682]

"Cause I haven't moved in years" is a reference to what she said in her Miss Americana documentary about a quote "cebrities get stuck and stunted in growth when they become big". She also said later on in that documentary "I had a lot of growing up to do (in order to catch up to my age)." So I guess that lyric figuratively says "I want to escape to that place, experience wisteria growing because I am stunted here and it's intoxicating me."

[@Anna13Tonks]

Omg I never caught that!!

[@meggzilla009]

To expand on that, I feel likes it's almost her saying, I'm damned if I do, I'm damned if I don't.... this is my life now, so if I'm going to be stuck somewhere I'd rather it be somewhere gorgeous with the love of my life.

[@angeljaceherondale]

Interesting, I always thought the opposite I always thought she "wants to be barefoot with wisteria growing over her cause she hasn't moved in years" means she wants to finally settle down somewhere. She wants to stop running, she wants to create roots, literally, make a home, and no longer have to jet around around the world, and retire to this smaller life, and settle down so much that she finally sees something grow in her life that she can nurture and that can ground her.

[@rgalvshpbks]

I think most of us in the Taylor Swift fandom just want her to be happy. We're also so protective because like you said she's been dealing with the same criticisms for years. She's also said in interviews that no matter how much success she has achieved she still feels like an outsider and that she has to prove herself. I think most of that feeling is internal but also comes from the fact that ever since she joined the music industry at 15/16 she's been criticized and shamed for the same things over and over.

[@tzking7640]

Yes! We love our girl. And love everyone who treats her well and appreciate and recognise her talent , That's includes you too Andrew!

[@elyse313]

“joe, baby, i forgot your last name” made me laugh out loud 😂

[@meggzilla009]

💀

[@jessiebryant7829]

As much as I know Taylor appreciates her fans and the connection we all feel to her. I think there's just something that hits a little different about being recognized and understood by a fellow musician. I really enjoy hearing your perspective on her, I wish she could see this too!

[@TotallyRobssed2009]

I'm glad that you had a good time with Folklore and it's nice to hear what you think of her today. I hope that Evermore is the next chapter because I like this album so much. I don't know why but I connect more with it than Folklore so it would be nice to hear your thoughts about it as well.

[@Anna13Tonks]

I connect more with Evermore too! It's my favourite album

[@rubyi2677]

Taylor has been open about how she was bullied in middle school and some time in high school. She once said that whenever she was having a bad day at school, she would comfort herself by saying “it’s ok, I can write a song about this later”. Writing songs, journaling, and playing her guitar are what kept her happy during bad times which is true even till this day. I think that’s why she’s such an amazing writer, she understands how to convey emotions in lyrics because she has been doing that since middle school. But then it’s because her songs are like her diary that a lot of people feel justified to criticize her for being too personal or vulnerable in her music. But I’m glad she is true to herself as a sensitive and thin skin person because it makes her strength even more admirable.Taylor is honestly an amazing artist & I can’t wait to see what she’ll be doing in like 10 years.

[@char4980]

you're gonna love evermore so much. it's even better than folklore!! no skips 🥰

[@mic00sx]

always love your commentary. she has another version of this song which was the originally written one - it is more orchestral, while the studio version is more subdued. you can check it out. yeah her music is predominantly sad and she has the habit of releasing sad bops - upbeat rhythm and sad lyrics. that is her signature. but in folklore and evermore the songs are even sadder because they are subdued and not every song has the upbeat rhythm. would love to see you react to evermore, to her older albums compared with the re-recorded versions and eventually some live performances. most of the time she is better live because of the emotions she conveys, that are contagious.

[@AndrewFriedberg]

Thank you so much, evermore coming in March

[@odlotowybalkon4967]

I loved this reaction, they just keep getting better and better and your take is always very laid back and original. keep going please!

[@alohasargent]

Hi Andrew!! I've decided to re-watch your Folklore videos. For some bizarre reason, I'm staring with this one.

[@loud_hailer6240]

Thank you for this reaction! I think you would like the studio version of this song better. Instead of the low drone its full of little instrumentations that give it a magical feel. So appreciative of your openness to understand and to share your thoughts. Yes its incredible how relevant the lyrics about who gets to say what her words are worth. One of the reasons her fans are so supportive is that she shows her true feelings (about an unfair situation) and then you see it happen again and again to her. (Like how is it her fault Damon decides to pick her amongst the hundreds of singers to bash her writing when she has been completely open about her writing her entire career!) Its incredible to watch her stand strong to her beliefs and the protection of her happiness. About Joe... He plays piano. She said they bonded over their love of sad songs. He wrote the chorus of Betty. Before Joe and Taylor decided to write together. He wrote the piano and first verse of exile. He is a fantastic actor. I think he would appreciate how profound being called someones muse really is. Specially in the context of "in my most perfect escape, not without you."

[@Mravenrocks]

I so completely feel what you said about people before the song started. As I grow older I started to feel like my longtime friends became part of my family. And I ended up rejecting great job offers that included the need to move because I wanted to stay around friends/family and I don't regret it one bit. Also, I feel this song is the most poetry like out of all of Taylor's catalogue.

[@alliecoan5710]

Please go to the Lake District. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen... The first time I listened to the song it literally brought me back there... I still got chills every time it comes up in my earphones... Love your reactions, and your guitars I am envious of...

[@arvsteph]

It would be so fun to see your reaction to her pop and country albums likeee the rangeee (and when you see her really perform through 1989 and rep tour, the contrast with this folklore session yesss)

[@luizachagas9398]

My favorite song of hers. I’ve loved following your journey through folklore for the last 6 months!

[@rrodz1447]

Your reactions are so rich and thoughtful.

[@HEYPictures-legacy]

I really like what we can learn from her. Thank you for your Long pond series. Really enjoyed it!

[@nickcovell8119]

Andrew, your videos have been so lovely to watch. You have great insights and commentary. Thank you for continuing the content

[@AndrewFriedberg]

Glad you like them!

[@arianasoto13]

calling joe "baby", he's already a swiftie haha

[@mikaylamarie2680]

So happy to see this reaction! I love the lakes, it might even be my favorite from folklore! Will you be reacting to evermore? Sadly we don't have Evermore Long Pond Sessions yet, but hopefully soon!!!

[@mikaylamarie2680]

Oh! I forgot to add, once you get to evermore and react to "tis the damn season" she actually wrote it after they filmed this, they were all quite drunk and everyone else went to bed and she wrote the song and then showed it to aaron the next morning!

[@starbucksmocha88]

@@mikaylamarie2680 no way I never knew that detail about the writing of "tis the damn season". Really cool to know that, thanks for sharing 😁👍

[@katienoelle97]

Thanks for your reactions - I’ve been learning about music along the way which has been awesome! Looking forward to maybe some evermore reactions, but also I’ve really been enjoying your non-TS-related content too. Have a great week!

[@encen976]

Your editing in these videos are getting so good damn. Props for that, i laughed out laud hahaha

[@Anna13Tonks]

I love his humour in the editing and jokes, it's so underrated

[@lisa5567]

I loved your reactions to folklore! I totally agree with you on the base in this song so I prefer the deluxe album version. I really recommend listening to it if you like the song!!! It has beautiful violins too

[@davidzubiria3783]

The first time reading Wordsworth in school is useful to me. I am ready for more surprises.

[@Michelle-ev8if]

Waiting anxiously for the next chapter.

[@supernaturalnatalie7]

EVERMORE! You should check out the sister album, if you like the almost melancholy, simplistic folklore sound, Evermore would be a perfect sequel to this series at some point.

[@nilufaryasmin8920]

Evermore is better tbh.

[@RachelDacusAuthor]

Thank you, Andrew, for a wonderful, insightful journey with Taylor Swift's music. I discovered your channel because of it and will keep following you. Sharing music is a joy we can access during these difficult times, and your own music, plus your musician's response to other musicians, is cheering and uplifting.

[@jet-rikbernal6317]

What a spot-on comment about her inner demon comparing herself to legacy artists of the past. She'd been a subject of under-recognition by her peers and Alburn's comment was so harmful to her brand not only because it's false, but it's hurting her chances of setting up a legacy as one of the best contemporary songwriters. She's done chasing relevancy in pop culture-- she's achieved that, multiple times. What she's aiming for now is a legacy that would stand the test of current 'trends', making such false comments from other respected peers in the industry very harmful.

[@artsyswarley]

This one is definitely better on the album than live in my opinion. It has a very retro sound in the studio recording that you might like.

[@heatherryan9785]

You're not wrong and we are spoiled!! She is the epitome of prolific... but instead of getting watered down and generic, she just gets better and better. It's another reason "haters" have become so aggressive with their tiring of her. They stopped listening in 2015 when their tastes changed or they jumped on the Cancel Taylor Swift bullet train cause it was the cool thing to do. So everything since then has been them just rolling their eyes at the slightest mention or sight of her... and all of their criticisms center around teeny bopper anthem songs. I get that. If you hate anthemy teen angst pop, you just do. And she usually has at least one of those catchy radio tunes on every album, some more than others. But even if you study the lyrics on a song like Shake It Off, which is my least favorite song of hers that she's ever done, they are still intelligent. There's nothing shallow or brainless about her, so that critisism is one of the ones that brings out my mama bear. You are correct, inside, she is a clumsy, insecure, misfit dork who has learned how to doll herself up and dance and seem graceful and confident all the time. She never fit in at school and used to search for her worth in relationships with others, romantic and otherwise. I feel so very proud of her, she knows and loves SO MUCH music and is always so very generous with writing credits and praise. I will never stop defending her ❤

[@gianni4096]

I'm so glad you went on this journey and grew to appreciate how good of an artist (and person)Taylor is. Your reactions, music and videos are all fantastic. Taylor is a rare person that brings a lot of good into the world with her talent. I think its also rare to have a person like her be so down to earth and real, even through all the fame and horribleness the music industry brings. She has said her goal is to bring as much good to the world as she can, and you can see that with her music, songwriting, etc. I'm glad we get to live in this time to witness her work as its unfolding, because not only is it rare, its almost like a beacon of hope during these crazy times.

[@Eric_The_Eccentric]

Damn you Andrew! That dramatic reading killed me 😂😂

[@meggzilla009]

It took me longer than I'd like to admit to realize that wasn't Dylan............. 😐

[@sarahmenezes5742]

Thank you for considering her muse Joe as a main character in the album

[@user-lc3wy7ih8f]

I love long reaction videos and hearing your perspective! I really recommend listening to the studio version of the lakes, it has such beautiful strings. Also, hope to see you react to Folklore's sister album, Evermore, next! Some of my favourite Taylor songs ever are on there

[@graememietzner]

I really like how you emphasized how you’re at this end of this chapter in you’re own life. You’ve done what we should all do with music - listened, taken it in, appreciated it, analyzed it, entered the world the album created and have made it something that means something to you. Thank you for that and for bringing us along!

[@enstanford]

Do the evermore album next - it’s even better!!

[@yvetterodriguez2550]

Again. You're always giving us the good stuff. And Evermore felt more darker. The weather here in southern CA hasn't been that great lately. It's been hella cold with some winds and we've all even stuck in the house just sick from Covid and I'm just in my room listening to music. Yesterday the mood called for Evermore to be played. The sun's out today and it's back to being warmer weather and still playing my girl Taylor. Then I saw this upload. Double treat for me lol. Thanks Andrew! Take care and see you later dude. Peace!

[@arrietty520]

i had fun following your folklore journey

[@meggzilla009]

Taylor's sense of humor... "I thought having "Hoax" as the ending for a few weeks would be fun" (definition of hoax - a humorous or malicious deception) "....and then give you the real one" HER BRAIN 🧠 🤯

[@edwinglenn]

I very much enjoyed this and all your other videos I’ve watched. I just wanted to let you know you are appreciated.

[@abevamp]

It's really interesting to me how much insight you got into her from the music, more than a lot of people who just observe her public life. I agree that she's actually a very melancholy, unsettled person. Thanks for these reactions, and for taking the lyrics seriously. I think she takes the "songwriter" debate so seriously because she has always defined herself as that, as a writer before anything else. She's not the best dancer, she doesn't have the most impressive vocals, and writing is the core of her artistry. So to get Taylor Swift the artist on any level, you gotta try to look past the veneer and figure out what she's actually saying, and you did that with a lot of nuance, insight and empathy. Loved watching Long Pond with you. I don't know if this would make sense to you, because they're not live performances and there's no video of them, but the songs on evermore (the album that followed this one, and that kind of serves as a second chapter on the same project) are excellent, and I think you'd enjoy them! Either way, thanks for sharing, as always!

[@starsfelle2904]

Yay! This is my favourite song!

[@thamirespacheco6974]

I love your taylor and harry reactions!! Excited for the next ones

[@adoragrayskull]

I always watch the ads in your videos till the end cause you deserve it! You should definitely check Bleachers(Jack Antonoff's project), Big Red Machine(Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon's(bon iver) band) and evermore, ofc. Tay has two songs with big red machine and they are delightful, would love to see you react to them.

[@marykatedoyle9574]

“Taylor longs for autumn” time to listen to red

[@jill697]

Regarding “ I want to watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet cause I haven’t moved in years and I want you right here” I took that to mean she dreams of having to do NOTHING for so long with just her lover by her side 🤍 another thoughtful review. Thank you!

[@emlea555]

I've really enjoyed all of your taylor videos so far! I'd highly recommend listening to Renegade by Big Red Machine for a listen. Big Red Machine a duo made up of Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver!!!!!) and this song actually features Taylor.

[@jonasnaveros8764]

lol i was so eager to see a foot today! i loved to accompany you in this journey. love and support from brazil 💜

[@adoragrayskull]

Much love from Brazil, yes!!!

[@swiftie8948]

I love the fact that Andy really researched about Taylor. He knows what he's blabbing about . Unlike other reactors that just plays TSwifts songs and gives their "reaction"

[@esmex2242]

love your taylor vids! would love to see you react to some phoebe bridgers or lucy dacus in the future too

[@laurazonta3983]

My favorite Taylor song

[@sophiemannix4944]

Please react to even non-live or non-guitar songs, especially the tracks on Evermore (and also Dear John). You’re a songwriter so you still have plenty to say even if you don’t do that specific part. And you can still comment on the chord structures and demonstrate how you would play it on guitar. I’ve really enjoyed listening to your thoughts on this album and how you’ve found yourself being more and more interested in her work. It’s always really fun to see someone on the journey from thinking Taylor might be an okay or decent pop songwriter to realising the depth of her artistry. That doesn’t mean liking every song, but she is somehow quite underrated as an actual artist despite being the biggest in the world at what she does. You’ve also been really personal with sharing your experiences. Thank you for that.

[@laviraitei]

Always enjoy your videos so much. I hope even if you venture out of the TSwift lane i will still enjoy them just as much. However you still can do every album reaction ever ?? hahaha LITERALLY every album is different and so .....trust me you're in for a loop if so you choose. Anyways i've rumbled enough, great video as always, a good end to a series.

[@ZoeAR97]

yessss would love to see some videos on the national!!

[@mialomuntad216]

the lakes is my personal favorite from the album. i hope you react to evermore album as well!!!!!

[@jimena.the.swiftie]

i think there should be a comma between "over" and "burrowed", but idk if that was the intention or what lmfao

[@bardust]

Hahah nah man I'm under the impression that most Swifties are well aware of our spoiledness in content we get 🤣

[@MyEleto]

Thank you for Folklore reaction. Now, let's do Evermore... Please? 😊

[@jessiebryant7829]

Also that jeopardy edit was great lmao

[@tp5422]

I’ve loved these videos so much! Especially since I love the production of this song, I’d love to know if you ended up listening to the studio version of all these songs as well and your thoughts on them.😊 very sad there is no Evermore long pond studio sessions, but I love the songs on there even more and would love to watch you listen to them and read the lyrics.😊

[@catherinegabriellajohnson8881]

Re: "What should be over burrowed" You read it correctly but there should not be a comma.

[@mariah8635]

Another song of hers with the same theme is the lucky one.

[@arvsteph]

Hope you get to react to evermore even if not a track per track upload 🥺

[@khairulrizal2487]

Please we want Taylor swift contents !!! PLEASE REACT TO EVERMORE ALBUM . ONE TRACK BY ONE TRACK AS WHAT YOU DID LIKE FOLKLORE . WE LOVE YOU

[@chrissy817]

Make sure to check out Sorrow by the National. One of my all time favourite songs

[@ClassProjects09]

I'd love to know your thoughts on Swift being named this year's Record Store Day Ambassador

[@Nanastarlessnight]

Thanks for clarifying that u do in fact have feet! Anyway love your reactions, hope you have a good day :)

[@Anna13Tonks]

😂😂😂

[@miswink]

Check out the song “Cristmas Tree Farm” by TS…

[@tess2177]

You should react to Sungha Jung. My favorite is his cover of Howls Moving Castle. He’s so talented.

[@anna.dreamer980]

You should react to evermore album its also amazing

[@aragorn4242]

trouble is the concept with trying to be a full time artist, is of course paying the bills ! unless you have ready capital. you sometimes have to compromise. this is from experience....

[@littlekidwithglasses7081]

I don’t usually comment but I’ve recently just discovered your channel and have been binge-watching your Taylor reactions since! I’m still in the middle of going through all of them but I just really wanted to jump in and recommend watching her Sparks Fly performance on the Red Tour where she plays a 12 string and does some picking in the beginning ! I heard you mention her 12 string in the Miss Americana reaction but you weren’t sure if she was playing with all the strings so I thought this might be clearer :) This is a shorter clip of the full performance with her giving a bit of an introduction (she only plays the guitar at the beginning): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKmQZpV-mqhprtE

[@gelius8932]

your british accent is priceless bro

[@meglea7065]

Its funny you mention Joni Mitchell. She has been especially bitchy towards Taylor in interviews.

[@malva-yk2jg]

You say that it sounds like the lakes is somewhere she goes to in her head. This made me think of her song I Hate it Here from her latest album which is about escaping into her mind because reality sucks. I looked for a link to give you to check it out and it turns out she mashed I Hate It Here and The Lakes. So your leap, and then mine, weren't off the mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGWckIuHiNOAe9ksi=HY60BFGuVpgbOXRZ

[@malva-yk2jg]

Also, I loved your reaction and commentary.

[@JRay.R]

Do you always say “encouraged” like that?

[@marykatedoyle9574]

PLEASE LISTEN TO EVERMORE

[@catherinegabriellajohnson8881]

Personally, I'd lve to see some Brandi Carlile reactions...

[@sarahjohnson513]

After that they got drunk and wrote evermore

[@jjerry9188]

Speak Now Next!