Does Fortnight by Taylor Swift Tell Us EVERYTHING???| A Swiftie Explores the Lyrics of TTPD Track #1

[@TheDrummersWife]

I am enjoying your perspective! I became a fan of Taylor since Folklore and am obsessed with her lyrics and imagery. Some creators don't seem to grasp how she manipulates the lyrics and often calls back to other songs. Its amazing and I am enjoying hearing you discuss!

[@NinasNook]

@@TheDrummersWife oh thank you so much! I’m really interested in the lore combined with the lyrics and seeing how the lyrics hint at things. I enjoy only lore videos but I’ve been wanting people to deep dive into the lyrics so I’m trying to do that to appreciate her lyrical talent too!

[@sniderbeestyle9462]

Finally! I feel like I've been endlessly arguing for this point of view and people have been telling me I'm crazy. Everyone seems to think she wrote this in the aftermath of their very short relationship during the eras tour, but the "fortnight" had nothing to do with the summer of 2023 and everything to do with whatever they were back in the 1989 era. Just speculation from lyrics she's given us and things on record in the media, but she met Matty in the fall of 2015, they briefly but intensely had something going on, something came between them (his addiction?) and she met her miracle move-on drug (Calvin Harris) in February (February!) of 2016, hoping he would erase Matty from her mind. He didn't. I also love the reference to New Year's Day and reputation, in general. I don't think there have ever been as many songs about Joe as the fandom typically believes. He wanted privacy. Wouldn't her candid songwriting violate that on some level? I could go on and on, so I'm going to force myself to stop now. Bless you for validating me! LOL

[@NinasNook]

Yes! I believe based on the *evidence* that they had a fling or situationship sometime around 2014 2015 before she started dating Calvin Harris. I think they had contact in the years post his rehab in 2017.

[@sniderbeestyle9462]

@@NinasNook Oops, yes. I got my years mixed up. 2014 meeting Matty and 2015 meeting Calvin.

[@sonnymc4677]

Taylor Swift said that she thought the fortnight video includes all of the stories she told on the TTPD album. So I think the end of the video with Taylor on top of the phone booth and Post reaching out to her, he is representing Travis. You said the "touch you" lyrics switch to present tense at the end, so it makes sense that wet Posty would be Travis. In real life he did reach out to her at her concert and through his podcast.

[@NinasNook]

@@sonnymc4677 oh I love this thought! I also think in But Daddy I love him when she says “fuck em it’s over” it flips to being about Travis so I love the thought that this could be her looking up at the sky after being left “down bad” and she has Travis reach to her. Okay I LOVE this so much!

[@sonnymc4677]

@@NinasNook I agree with you about Daddy I Love Him. Taylor basically confirmed it with the TTPD set on the eras tour. BDILH goes straight into So High School.

[@NinasNook]

@@sonnymc4677yessss I’m so glad so high school has its little moment. I find it cute. 😂

[@lynnfish3653]

I took believe the phone booth Posty is Travis, he is wearing similar clothing that Travis has worn after a game. Only missing a beanie.

[@irene2hansen241]

there is also a friendship bracelet in the phone boot (That is an Amarican phone booth) and malone seem to have Travis ring on him)

[@mikedebruyn]

At the end your favorite image of the music video you say is the whirlwind and you refer to the cyclone but there is a very important one you are missing. Put that whirlwind in the water and you get a whirlpool. How do you create a whirlpool yourself? You swirl your spoon in your cup of tea/coffee for instance. And that is in fresh out the slammer where she says "Swirled you into all of my poems" and that is what I think is represented by the papers flying around them in the cyclone and those are the same papers that burn later on when the relation went up in flames.

[@allih8021]

I really like this interpretation! Very poetic, as it were.

[@kerrisouth]

I see and like this. Original, I think! I wonder about the words being swirled into all of her poems not burning up later, you know?

[@kerrijustice8865]

Hi Nina! Just found your channel and binged! I am very similar to you, majored in Print Journalism, and love Taylor! I have thoroughly enjoyed all your content, and love your perspective! I will comment my thoughts on Fortnight in another comment;just wanted you to know how special your channel is! It's refreshing to find another Swiftie as obsessed with the intertwining of the lyrics and lore as I am! I can't wait to see what you come up with next! Thank you for making such a wonderfully entertaining and thought-provoking channel,and look forward to seeing all you have to share! PS. LOVE your cat, and his name delights me!😂#ConwayKittyForPresident❤

[@NinasNook]

Oh this comment made me so so so happy! I’m so glad you’re here! Conway Kitty will definitely be making more appearances in the future! I’ve been cutting him out the majority of the time but I’m thinking I’ll leave him in more! 😂

[@MikkiHjalmquist]

I think first part is Joe (locked up), middle is Matty (move on drug and I love you but ruining my life) ant the very end, present tense, it's Traius.

[@NinasNook]

This is what I’m thinking now too!

[@kerrisouth]

But wasn't fortnight written before Travis? Meaning the first part of the album that had to have vinyls ready to go.

[@NinasNook]

@ yes, but the music video wasn’t filmed until October of 2023 when she was with Travis, so the imagery of the phone booth is music video specific, not lyrically there.

[@mikedebruyn]

@@kerrisouth Not really. We know that most of it has to be written after early June since that was when the break up with Matty happened. Travis was late July. But now look when she was able to record. She was touring until LA August 9, Mexico 24-29 August and then South America more or less the month of November. The recording should have been in between some of those dates. All of them are after she met with Travis for the first time. Imo her first phone contact was July 28 or 29 because she sang Stay Stay Stay and All Of The Girls You Loved before on the 29th. Since the tracks do not have to be recorded in order I think there is enough time for her to record it. Also the song might have had different lyrics initially for the last verse but how much of a change was it to change the 1 line? "Thought of callin' ya, but you won't pick up" We have seen how she comes up with some of her lyrics where it is more of the idea it represents and then she searches for the word that fit or she can change a word since it does not have the correct amount of syllables to sing it.

[@aaarcg]

I think the phone booth part represents she reaching out to Travis, when she learned he couldn’t get in touch with her after the concert. She is sitting in that same position inside the sand clock in the karma video, and karma is her boyfriend…We can assume the sun always shines after the storm.

[@cindywhite3527]

Hey Nina! You are working so hard. I loved this video! I enjoy listening to your explanation of this song. I learned a lot. Maybe she climbed on the phone booth because she wanted to show how difficult it was to reach him by phone. She and I both adore old stuff too. I think she likes to show old stuff because she adores it so. She and I are unique in that way. I love Taylor. One day I want to go to a concert with you. She is keeping me exercising on my bike with her music. Exercise is hard so I need her motivation. Thanks for explaining that song. Now I will thoroughly understand it when i hear it. Keep up the great work! I am proud of you! ♥️❤️🥰💕😍

[@bonnieabrams6812]

Another great video! You're by far my favorite Taylor lyric analyst, cant wait for the next one! 🫶

[@NinasNook]

Thank you so much! I’m just so happy that other people are watching and wanting to discuss these songs with me! I’m going to plan on 2-3 a week, at least while we get through TTPD! ❤️

[@karinrommel5925]

Loved this! 😊 I really like Tortured Poets and feel like I understand a lot of the story telling...but I have to admit that Fortnight was a mystery! So many of your thoughts on the lyrics made so much sense! Thanks!!

[@NinasNook]

I’m so happy to hear this! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@strngenchantedgirl]

So theory - I think this song is about the time before Taylor dated Matty while she was in the process of breaking up with Joe. The fortnight refers to the brief relationship/fling they had in 2014. The end of her relationship with Joe was very drawn out as we can see with when she wrote You’re Losing Me and Hits Different. During that time period she was reconnecting with Matty and falling back in love with him which is why it’s ruining her life. The references to run into you sometimes refer to all the times she would run into him at industry events and parties. She was clearly haunted by their relationship (and Matty’s manipulation probably) as so many songs over the years appear to be about him. So she was jealous of his relationships and feeling unhappy in her own. The end about going to Florida is about that being the first eras tour stop after her breakup with Joe. And the phone booth refers to the first call she wants to make after her jailbreak. She was probably avoiding Matty’s calls while she was still with Joe but once they broke up she immediately connected with him.

[@strngenchantedgirl]

The quiet treason could possibly be about Matty shit talking her a few times publicly. But who knows really.

[@strngenchantedgirl]

And the sometimes comment on my sweater is a reference to Cardigan which is probably about Matty Healy.

[@ktp1699]

I was wondering if the functional alcoholic line refers to her having this secret yearning/ situation for Matty and nobody knew. I’m sure some friends and family knew, but her fans didn’t know/ the public didn’t know/ Joe didn’t know/ some close to her didn’t know. They had this secret back and forth messaging in songs to each other for years and we all missed it. That was probably really fun and addictive. But it was probably lonely too. Or was she feeling like an addict for Joe- hanging on to someone in the hopes you’ll get to see that smile/ experience the sunshine again. Again, people didn’t realize their relationship wasn’t working out. She seems to use addiction/ drunk lyrics to describe being in love throughout her music- for different muses.. but she also seems to use it a-lot more for Matty She might also be saying she was a literal alcoholic as well- on midnights she had lines about drinking that come across as if she’s drinking to numb her pain (hits different, dear reader). But who is the they that were supposed to come and take her away?..and away from what? I love that she started this album by continuing the last story on midnights. It lets us know right away that these two albums are connected - the story continues ❤

[@LisaBright15]

February is also the month of Joe's birth. She probably enjoyed looking forward to February in the beginning of their relationship and enjoying his birth month the way she enjoys December. When she loses him, February is now just the dreary month everyone thinks it to be plus it's the month prior to the Eras tour starting.

[@cjr2445]

I'm a new swiftie and English major and I am here for this!!!

[@NinasNook]

Yay! I’m so glad you found me, and found Taylor’s music! I’m glad you’re here!

[@katerina22772]

Another interesting thing is that “comment on my sweater” and “ask about the weather” can be Taylor referencing 1975 “When we’re together” which is definitely about her - “you ask about the cows wearing my sweater. It’s smth bout the weather that makes them lie down”

[@NinasNook]

@@katerina22772 I was trying to remember what this reference was where he commented on them wearing her sweater, because it’s like the Cardigans! But I could not for the life of me so- thank you!!!

[@sarahlawley2076]

I enjoyed this, especially because I hadn't noticed the 'but' before and it changed the way I listen to the song. Thanks!

[@NinasNook]

I’m so glad you liked it! The “but” threw me for a loop when I noticed it was there too!

[@jacinthelamontagne5942]

Fun fact: Dead Poets Society came out in 1989. Also the word US on the book cover, in the video, is an Easter egg; it's the title of a song collab with Gracie Abrams, on her album The Secret of Us. That album was not yet released when the video came out. Also, that song is the track 5 on Gracie's album, because of course it is!

[@NYandAZ]

Taylor herself told us about the “US” Easter egg on the book?? The Bride Of Frankenstein was also released in 1989. That’s the scene setting of that part in the video. She also told us about the references when Dead Poets Society and the actors crossed over seamlessly into this song. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@angielott83]

I also wondered if the part about meeting at the mailbox and the “my husband is cheating” is HIS wife confiding in Taylor. So basically telling Taylor that she feels her husband (Posty) is cheating…. And it’s Taylor! Adds another layer. She’s getting to know the wife

[@candimccann]

Are you going to do a separate video on the In Summation poem? I see so many swifties taking that poem as gospel truth about the mutual manic phase and not consider that it's sarcasm and exaggeration because she's trying to defend her "crazy" choices to the jury of judgmental swifties. And thank you for bringing up her comment about the album being hyperbolic. I also have a thought about the line "I love you, it's ruining my life." It's typed on a typewriter in the video and in the pre-launch promo popups it was on paper in the typewriter. Her dress looks like crumpled paper. He left his typewriter there. I think it was Matty who said those words to her. What if part of his leaving or doubt was typing her a letter that says he loves her but it's killing him (his emotional state, risk of relapse, etc).

[@tracydurbin8188]

Oooooooo your second paragraph...

[@SARAHBEGAN1]

I struggled to understand this one so thank you for the breakdown

[@littlemissbekah9722]

Thank you. Almost all the other songs on the double album, I can figure out some sort of meaning behind it. This song was absolute random meaningless confusion. So thank you.

[@susanajardim3783]

For me, the phone booth represents the 'touching' that she longed for so much, meaning that she has finally been able to call Matty after breaking up with Joe, as referenced in “fresh out the slammer”

[@nizarhabbar7]

I REALLY liked your interpretation and the way you laid it! Additionally, I liked your analysis of the music video, in particular the cyclon of papers in both scenes. I would like you to go with these videos of analysis chronologically as the tracklist. The reason is to interpret and understand the stories of the album as Taylor presented them. Thank you, keep going! 🤍

[@NinasNook]

Thank you! That’s my current plan! I’m planning on doing all the tracks from TTPD, I will sprinkle in other videos throughout but I plan on doing them all. ❤️

[@nizarhabbar7]

@NinasNook Excited to watch them all 🖤

[@katerina22772]

I really loved the video! I actually think that that the story is more hypothetical - Taylor is wondering if she will always be miserable and “will always wonder” (Chloe or Sam..) about her and Matty’s future together, about their “what if”. Tho I think it was definitely written while she was still with Joe thinking about Matty Also I think Post Malone verse is kinda Matty’s perspective and the last shot of the mv is him saving her from the miserable state of mind she was in and bringing her to life

[@MichiaMakes]

This song is about Matty Healy. He was in Florida. She went down to meet him for 2 weeks…a Fortnight.

[@jmoser]

this is great. please do more.

[@NinasNook]

Thank you so much! I hope to have more up soon!!

[@Spudiffer]

She said her life finally makes sense and then played Question, my god 😂 we should have known she was not alright 😅

[@bpez27]

I always thought all the fans were really interesting in the part when all the paper is on fire, like it could represent when the “fans” wrote that open letter about her and Matty and why they shouldn’t be together.

[@NinasNook]

@@bpez27 ooooh I love this thought! I do 100% think she claps back at the fans in But Daddy I Love Him - I can’t wait for us to get to that track! 🥰

[@klmjtr]

This song I cannot figure out for the life of me!

[@Fireball_Tim_88]

I don't know. Wanna hear something kinda funny though? I have a Keychain accessory that has Florida written on one side and Tim on the other. In 2022 around February, my car broke down and wouldn't start anymore. I skateboard and wear white T-shirts, I keep my hair long and slicked back...sort of. I avoided her music until TTPD's The Prophecy came up during a KZbin search for biblical prophecies. I'm a conspiracy nut and if asked about her before this year would have replied with "Whose Taylor Swift?" Back in 2017, I met a lady making a film about a lady bank robber driving a red convertible car in California, which I'm reminded of every time I hear the song The Getaway Car. I'm not saying that I'm the guy she's stalking, but it kind of feels like it when I'm listening to her music now 😅 I'm probably crazy for thinking that out loud but oh well, that ship sailed long ago 🙃 What if though? Not sure why someone like her would even look at a guy like me, but a guy can daydream...😁 It's a great breakdown of the song though and for that you're awesome! I think I've watched more Taylor videos since May than any of the conspiracy people...am I obsessed with her now.... 😳 😅 surely not. At least not as much as the next Swiftie! As far as your speculation on the character Posty plays in the video, he kinda looks homeless in the phone booth scene in my opinion! Cheers!

[@victoriaparadine8962]

Hi Nina, I just came about your channel today. I find your interpretations of the song so interesting & fun. I had a random thought. I see others have mentioned Travis perhaps being a main point she’s referring to. I can totally see that as well. The American phone booth, the TTPD bracelet, won’t start ‘til (I)(you) touch me..etc What’s your thoughts on this. ..she said she wrote this album while on tour. ..on New Height’s podcast Travis is making a bracelet for her with his # on it but couldn’t give it to her. He didn’t get to talk/see her because “she doesn’t talk to anyone before concerts. She has to save her voice” (the quotes may not be worded exactly as it was originally) Any connection here? Curious. 🤔

[@victoriaparadine8962]

Was the book with “US” on the front at the end of the video? Do you remember at what time the song US was written?

[@NinasNook]

Yes I love this thought so much! I think I have now decided after reading comments that I believe the telephone booth with her looking up at the sky is a “down bad” moment where she’s looking to the sky, but “Travis” aka post Malone reaches out to her and breaks her from it. ❤ I’m so glad you liked the video! Thanks for being here!

[@popcultureperspectives164]

"Quiet Treason"? Matty ghosted her. Her love of him is ruining her life, because no other guy compares. No other guy will ever compare. He's "Maroon"... a love that burns a deep and burning red, and it's also the rust that can eat away at you and anything else you would value. Interestingly "maroon" also means abandoned... estranged...cut-off. She, first, marooned him 10 years ago. He was too immature (Peter). Then, more recently, he ditched her. So, "no-one is to blame"... they've both done the same thing... but his treason was quiet... he ghosted her. She hadn't ghosted him. And he likely ghosted her on the premise that he was ruining her life what with the fan backlash of 2023 and everything. He left her "safe and stranded". In Fortnight, she's basically saying: "I'm gonna love you that deep kind of love forever. We can be neighbors and neighborly (in the music industry). We can talk about the weather. We can make polite conversation. But just know... that Fortnight was everything to me, and whoever else you get with.. I'm wanting to knock her out and take her place. Cause you're mine! You've always been mine and you're always gonna be mine!" She paints that picture at the tail end of that video. They are marooned in are of jagged terrain of mountains (ups and downs). He's stuck in a box (a phone box), and he's calling her acting like he can't ever reach her. But if he just comes out of his box... he'll see she's always with him. Even when left alone to suffer the wind, rain, and cold... to suffer the storm... she's always with him. He need only come out of his box... see her... and take her by the hand. Honestly, I'm heartbroken these two can't make it. Cause she really loves him, and I think he really loves her too. His videos are just as touching about her.

[@jmoser]

maybe the telephone booth is representing london? they are famous for their telephone booths.

[@NinasNook]

This is definitely possible for sure!!

[@bonnieabrams6812]

I definitely think this could be possible!

[@OldRepublicPodcastORP]

It isn't about TS, MH, or JA...

[@mcCafe93]

taylor is obsessed with joe and matty travis is just a pit stop 🛑

[@kerrisouth]

Then you haven't watched New Heights much I take it. He is what she wants and needs in a partner. Her two previous lovers were mostly ideas in her head. Travis is real in every way. He cares for her in a way that no one else can care for a pop star at the top of the world. She has felt lonely and even Matty was unable to fill that loneliness. Now she feels safe in every way. Physically, emotionally.

[@tompace24]

This is the first of your videos I’ve watched (but I’ve done some pretty long deep dives online on TTPD lol) but you explained this SO well!! Really enjoyed your takes on things while also providing all of the necessary context. Going to binge your other videos while working now… 🫶

[@tompace24]

Also, just wanted to add: the end telephone box thing might represent her current relationship with Travis, just a theory but she allegedly didn’t meet him the first time he reached out because she wasn’t ready and then she reached back out to him a while later and they first started hanging out. There’s a really long Reddit theory that explains fortnight that basically says “They zoom in on the bracelet and ring as a nod to her friendship bracelet which in a way represents the start of their relationship” and the Spotify canvas has this scene with the bracelet for The Alchemy, so I think it’s a nod to that

[@NinasNook]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and are here!