Taylor Swift: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Taylor Swift play "The Man", "Lover", "Death by a Thousand Cuts" and "All Too Well" at the Tiny Desk.
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Oct. 15, 2019 | Lyndsey McKenna -- As Taylor Swift settled in for her Tiny Desk, she looked out at the 300-plus NPR employees and guests. "Wow! This is a lot of people in a tiny office!" she said. "I love it!" Then, after introducing herself, she explained her objective: "I just decided to take this as an opportunity to show you guys how the songs sounded when I first wrote them."
It should come as no surprise that someone who commands stadium stages could hold court in NPR Music's corner of our Washington, D.C., office - specifically, behind Bob Boilen's desk - but Swift was truly at home in stripped-down, solo-session mode. ("It's just me. There's no dancers, unfortunately," she quipped.)
Opening with an acoustic rendition of "The Man," from her 2019 album, Lover, Swift delivered a critique of gender double standards with a sense of humor (and a perfectly deployed hair toss), Leonardo DiCaprio name check and all. Turning to the piano with a smile for Lover's title track, she explained the guitar-string scars of the song's bridge. Picking up the guitar again for "Death by a Thousand Cuts," Swift confronted a question that she says has haunted her career: What will you ever do if you get happy? Across the song's run-on thoughts and relentless searching, Swift offered an answer: She'll continue to excel at crafting superb story-songs.
Though most Tiny Desk concerts stop at three songs, we couldn't turn down the chance to hear "All Too Well" from Swift's 2012 album, Red. Routinely cited by critics and fans alike as a favorite, the beloved track has become the stuff of Swiftie legends, striking in its specificity (that scarf!) and relatable in a way that anyone who has loved and lost can understand.
That sense of connection is at the heart of it all. Some 800 Tiny Desk concerts since we published our very first back in April 2008, the aim remains the same: In the midst of meetings and conference calls, Tiny Desk concerts offer respite from the workday and opportunities to see artists reimagine their work in a strange setting. It's always special, but on some days, it feels downright magical. Watching Taylor Swift perform - and then interact with co-workers and guests who have grown up with her - was simply enchanting.
SET LIST
"The Man"
"Lover"
"Death by a Thousand Cuts"
"All Too Well"
MUSICIAN
Taylor Swift: vocals, guitar, piano
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, Natasha Branch; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kara Frame, Maia Stern; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistants: Jack Corbett, Mito Habe-Evans; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Bob Boilen/NPR

[@nprmusic]

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[@valeriadiaz9730]

please, make another tiny desk with taylor!!!!

[@tenaya4337]

folklore is literally the perfect album for a tiny desk concert

[@juanpena1878]

i agree

[@frasheskapr6971]

Agree with you

[@Shivam.Javeri]

Tenaya exactly

[@linglingj.7276]

this must happen

[@Straykisswhoo]

i think the same .... hi5..✋🏻

[@jericsuson3911]

Life's too short for y'all to pretend you hate TSwift.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

Gin-chan Jared no.

[@cykablyat7393]

I'll stick with the likes of emmylou Harris, dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Joni Mitchell etc. Actually, put any of these songwriters against Taylor and it would be an awkward, but obvious, mouse in a cage full of tigers deal.

[@edoardosopracolle9155]

@@cykablyat7393Taylor is in the top 50 best songwriters of all time and songwriters hall of fame for a reason. Your comment was awkward af

[@cykablyat7393]

@@edoardosopracolle9155 go listen to Nick Drake. That is true song writing talent. No money, no frills, no corporate greed. Just raw compositional talent, recorded manually on analog recording equipment. No pro tools.

[@Neuroneos]

Just the average talentend songwriter ruined by the industry.

[@SeptemberSoldier]

I finally understand the appeal of Taylor. She makes you feel as if you’re in on the secret, a fantasy world of bedsheets hung up to form a backdrop for a theater production in a tree house, of friends lying on the grass giggling at the stars, where cool kids or nerdy kids don’t matter, and all that matters is that you’re laughing in the moment. The power of her worldcraft is amazing.

[@ZATennisFan]

You either get it or you don't.....

[@johnandmarie7250]

Nice bit of wordcraft yourself.

[@pattyrech4471]

Beautifully said.

[@d.j.cantelli8074]

Wow....this comment in and of itself is impressive and I completely agree. Love it and will use this when trying to explain the magic of Taylor to those who just don't get it.

[@cobaltjones]

you need to discover real poetry, The Panther by Rainer Maria Rilke. She writes tedious prose to forgettable music.

[@catherinetong4472]

Last line from Death by a Thousand Cuts..."I ask the traffic lights if it will be alright...they say i dont know" is an amazing way to say you're trying to see if you can move on or not but you don't get the sign.

[@ShannonHermanson]

OH MY GOD. How can I just be finding this out now?! Thank you!

[@damnednation23]

Tiny Desk: Making you fall in love with artists you've never heard of, then making you fall in love with artists you thought you'd heard enough of.

[@taylorstevens9675]

Damnednation, seriously couldn’t stand her before and now, I might actually be able to stand her!! Lol death by a thousand cuts wasn’t bad!

[@katbatson]

Taylor Stevens best song on lover!!! I recommend watching her reputation tour movie, esp her acoustic songs. Love that movie and loved that tour!

[@laurahunt5485]

@@taylorstevens9675 I definitely thought she was overrated (and she still might be), but hearing her songs stripped down makes me realize she's actually a pretty good songwriter & like a lot of artists, she sounds better acoustically.

[@bex_irl1739]

Perfectly put.

[@janefoster6782]

I cried

[@yoongibearrr]

ALL TOO WELL HAS ITS OWN FANBASE

[@sofsings101]

the fact that I started crying when she SAID THE TITLE ... help

[@ZATennisFan]

And so it should... Its only one of the greatest songs ever written 👍😉😉

[@remueldignos7144]

I just hope she’ll release either the 10 min. or the 20 min. version of the song from the vault...

[@ibluess.m]

agreed. totally. and not only am i a swiftie but i am also in the "all too well" fanbase :)

[@carpediem8896]

Lol the fans who pity praise that overrated song

[@forabetterworld65]

My Grandson loved this woman. He so wanted to see her in concert. We lost him one day before his 13th to cancer last year. I so wish I could have granted his dream. Rest now beautiful Boy. I miss you so much...

[@moomad3474]

So sorry 😢

[@PhotoCalligraphy]

My condolences

[@zoponex3224]

I'm so sorry.

[@drgeff1]

❤❤❤❤❤😢❤❤❤❤❤

[@GailBrenner-vt9ou]

Blessings to you. ❤

[@Brown865]

Timestamps : 2:30 the man (on guitar) 9:00 lover (on piano) 16:00 death by a thousand cuts (on guitar) 22:53 all too well (on piano)

[@Nigelblau]

The only comment I was looking for. Thanks

[@ThatSnowLeopard10]

You would think she would do it by The man Death by a thousand cuts Lover All to well That way she only has to switch instrument once

[@Brown865]

@@ThatSnowLeopard10 Artists switch instruments between songs to allow time for the audience to take a breath and for the artist to talk about the song. They use the downtime to prepare and settle the mood :) Taylor did this perfectly and she slayed the whole thing just like she always does

[@anisanurraudah8383]

*Can we get Taylor Swift's tiny desk again but with folklore songs, please?*

[@ajddjfb2664]

No there is isolation

[@weenyy]

Covid19: No

[@twistychip2906]

yes

[@amenaaktar3513]

Yes

[@ananyaanna3285]

@@ajddjfb2664 help crime trapped save me

[@xolaurababyxo]

"A lot of people in a tiny office" You can tell this was pre COVID-19

[@kamallb4650]

😂

[@tree3969]

💯💯😂

[@MeesterAgron]

It made me ansious lol

[@deannarobinson4899]

Lol 😂

[@ishane]

literally i cant imagine that happening now-

[@user-nw6em1vj9p]

I'm a 79 yr old man. I looked her up because I watched David Brooks quote her lyrics on npr last night. Now I see what I have been missing. I second all the other positive comments on this thread.

[@vivianmurphy2881]

I’m an old gal too, I feel all the young men disrespecting her don’t understand her artistry.

[@squirrelbutler2119]

I'm not sure you need to qualify your comment by stating your age. She is, by any objective standard, a great singer and songwriter. That should be good enough for any of us.

[@hannahlong1688]

⁠@@squirrelbutler2119I think they’re just pointing out that her music can be enjoyed at any age and not just the age that people stereotype for her. Nothing degrading or anything.

[@squirrelbutler2119]

Totally get that, and agree that there's nothing degrading about the comment, and that her music can be enjoyed by anyone. But my point was that we shouldn't feel it necessary to ever qualify our opinions by stating our age, race, gender, etc. The fact that sometimes we do that, is revealing of an insecurity many of us have, that we're somehow different from others in some significant way because of that particular quality. It's like we're either hedging our bets or we're bragging about somehow being different. When someone comments on a great piece of guitar work, it's irrelevant if they are (insert qualifying characteristic here) or not. All that matters is their opinion. Now, if that person lets us know that he or she is a professional guitarist, and gives some insights unique to that perspective, then it makes sense to state that fact up front. But to comment on a singer or a song doesn't require an age qualifier or any other. It should be enough for us to say, "Hey, I like this singer or song, because the melody is awesome and the lyrics really reach me". @@hannahlong1688

[@charliechan578]

@@squirrelbutler2119 well. you likely will feel differently when you are in your 70's if you see that day. you should try to understanding the idea that music is finally bridging the generations for the first time. people who are 30 and 70 listening to the same thing is a new thing. honor it.

[@StewartMidwinter]

This tiny desk concert was literally the first time I've ever seen Taylor Swift sing a song. I'm glad I've had a chance to be introduced to her as a single singer songwriter in a small room, rather than the product of a big pop music machine on a vast stage in front of enormous audience.

[@worksupermodel]

Same - not my cup of tea at all. I only knew the Haters Gonna Hate Hate Hate song (which I love love love!)

[@rollandelliott]

how could you not have seen her before ??????

[@StewartMidwinter]

@@rollandelliott well of course I know about her, but since I'm in my 60s my musical interests are more in other areas. So much good music, so little time!

[@worksupermodel]

@@rollandelliott speaking for myself, I’m not really in her target market, and while I have obviously recognized her face, I never recognized her music at all. Why would I? I don’t listen to any pop stars or stations that play them.

[@Quaker-tc8ue]

All due respect, your age has NOTHING to do with what music you like. Many people, my geriatric mother included, prefer classical to other genres, and those composers (Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms) have been dead for over a hundred years.@@StewartMidwinter

[@VanshikaGulati]

so, apparently, when she's happy we get things like folklore and evermore

[@camil2828]

I know hahahahaha 😂she loves to see us cry😭😭😭

[@Puppypower-vp6cy]

EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING

[@MichaelBarclay]

Taylor and Joe wrote champagne problems together, which has to be one of the saddest songs ever

[@nituparikh9681]

That's the talent

[@emilielarsen1980]

And when she writes a song called “happiness” it’s The saddest song ever like-

[@carmensiew6537]

That girl mouthing every word to All Too Well is me

[@wolf_biter]

She is all of us.

[@BonoLightier]

I respect you

[@jordancampbell8204]

i was looking for a comment about how sweet that was

[@lareina4487]

Same girl SAME

[@agnes5905]

23:55 lol

[@jlebowitz8325]

You know an artist is the real deal when they can pull off a perfect performance, unplugged, with just an instrument, an audience, and their voice. Who knew Taylor Swift could be top-of-the-line indie artist if she wanted to? Amazing!

[@malibudreams2873]

It's 4 years since she did this Tiny Desk concert and it's still incredible. She is a massive massive talent, and a stellar human being.

[@sonicimperium]

Stellar how? Did she cure cancer or end a war? No? You mean buying big houses and flying around on one of several private jets makes her a stellar human being? Sure.

[@gm.8805]

i love how she always says “i’m taylor” like everyone knows she’s taylor, she’s taylor freaking swift.

[@camil2828]

Yes!! That shows how humble she is, I love her 😍 she has always been like that even in her tours

[@cornelesmokodompit1683]

l"m back Tay name corneles mokodompit from indonesia asking

[@marizzemadeo9214]

I know right? Like who doesn't know you? You're the TAYLOR SWIFT! I love how humble and relatable she is

[@zfrte]

FJ Law debut songs are amazin’ breakup pop songs!

[@VenusHotline]

SAME SAME SAME 😍😳

[@AAAAAAboo]

im just waiting for an evermore/folklore tiny desk...

[@camil2828]

Same here, that would be so perfect

[@voxtur__7]

The songs I wish she performs here: 1. Illicit Affairs 2. Happiness 3. Champagne problems 4. August (They allow only 4 songs)

[@danielrey5451]

I would die if she plays This is me trying, my tears ricochet, champagne problems and tolerate it

[@angelikatopal1456]

can you do 2 tiny desk concerts?

[@mariacelestemejia5966]

me too

[@WisconsinWanderer]

I’m a 67 year old guy and this young lady gives me so much joy in how much of a genuine person she really is. She truly is wonderful artist thank you Taylor 😊

[@JereOwnby]

I'm 66 and I say Amen to that.

[@gabrielmosri6847]

kanye made her famous! but i love her nonetheless!!!

[@richardo5628]

@@JereOwnby 78 here, and yes, super talent.

[@caylinvance3569]

@@gabrielmosri6847I’m happy you still love her but she was def famous before Kanye (let’s remember she was the one getting the award when he interrupted her)

[@seoule88]

so embarrassed I've been so prejudiced based on her image never bothered to find out until now. thanks tiny desk for this opprtunity to, albeit on the late side, correct myself. deepest apologies to taylor s. you're so talented! thanks for this performance.

[@cobaltjones]

No, you had it right the first time

[@JENGshinImpact]

Taylor: "Would I not be able to write breakup songs anymore?" Exile: "Hold my Bon Iver."

[@juanpena1878]

hold my guitar and my cardigan

[@priyankasen3044]

Bon Iver is my reading music 😊

[@thegirlwith99problems90]

"I gave so many signs...so many signs..."

[@holliroll8789]

Ouch

[@alltoorebekah]

Correction:Hold my Joe Alwyn

[@lolaestevez5166]

the way she talks about her songs before singing them, explaining why or how she wrote them and what they are about. you know she´s a real artist when she does stuff like this

[@ajddjfb2664]

Why you commentung

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Uh, 100% no.

[@anirbansarwar7986]

@@sportsmediaamerica ok boomer

[@sanoj92]

In my eyes just as indicative of seeking approval. Many artist show up different, and "let the song speek", so I think Swift seem weird. But I like that she is herself 100%

[@kob3426]

@@sanoj92 I think it's also because swift is a talker. Most artist I know are more introverted in nature so would prefer to just sing the song then have to talk in a room . But swift seems to like talking and explaining the song so people get it.

[@worldadventuretravel]

I had absolutely no idea that Taylor Swift is a real musician and real songwriter instead of just another industry-manufactured pop sensation. Thank you for this, this is amazing! I'm so glad I gave it a listen.

[@severeconstipation.]

yup! she actually writes her own music unlike 90% of singers nowadays

[@rdgoulding]

She is the Paul Simon or Joni Mitchell of our time - if you *actually* listen to her!

[@pwrrpw319]

Yeah as great as our famous Australian export in Kylie Monologue ! is?, how many songs did she write ? , verses Stock Gate & Water Hole ?????? & does she play any instruments ???, , at least Delta plays Piano, in addition to singing beautifully , yeah Taylor is the real deal alright !!!

[@verbenastars]

@@rdgouldingShe's nowhere near as talented as Joni. No offense to Taylor. Joni is in a category on her own. No one is as great as her.

[@VictoriaWhitlock]

She's been around for over 15 years...

[@GarySUPERTRAMPER]

I always love to hear artists stripped down acoustic versions of their songs. That's when you really know if a song is a "Song" when you hear it without all the studio production.

[@happycommuter3523]

For sure! The bones of her songs are so strong.

[@duannes]

a folklore tiny desk concert could end this pandemic.

[@ericabd6354]

Evermore*

[@ttoharr]

@@ericabd6354 BOTH

[@PrachiSharma-tl7eg]

We swifties come up with real solutions 😌❤

[@grege.831]

Clearly Taylor should do a solo acoustic album.

[@TheUkuleleAffair]

Greg E. I’m wishing about it huhu Or just acoustic versions of her songs

[@stevenhill2256]

This is exactly what many of her fans are hoping for. I'd love a greatest hits album but all the songs to be acoustic.

[@rikkikilvington4332]

Her first 3 albums are incredible, 4th album half the songs are incredible. Then it goes off course for me personally.

[@aaliyahfoster2705]

Hoping for TS8 she does a stripped back album with pop-rock and acoustic elements again. Different than Speak Now, but unlike Ed Sheeran or Shawn Mendes.

[@nataliapettke6585]

It's clearly when she sounds best 💛

[@bradcohen1337]

She is the epitome of a decent person: generous, smart and humble. And so talented!

[@karlscott366]

How many of those bright young faces in the crowd from 4 years ago are now registered voters? Go, Tater!

[@sonicimperium]

@@karlscott366 Yeah! Let's keep flooding the country with gang members from Central America! She can just take one of her several private jets to a private island to escape the crime that's coming! 👍🏻

[@infinitewatersss5959]

60 year old male here who just fell in love with Taylor Swift... I had to wade through the electronic music and find the accoustic stuff. Wow, how great is all that?. I am shaken to my core now ive watched this. Thanks Taylor !!

[@Sarara-mv5sx]

You have to watch the Long Pond sessions on KZbin. It's all accoustic and she'll break your heart. Try "Ricochet" and that version of " August" is so beautiful. Enjoy ❤

[@lucythestrawberry]

her folklore and evermore albums are beautiful ❤️

[@JulietaR182]

Imagine a Taylor's TED talk? Just a dream

[@franks8462]

she kind of gave one during the Billboard woman of the decade award.

[@JulietaR182]

@@franks8462 yes and it was priceless

[@fatima-kn5xw]

Woman of the decade speach

[@JulietaR182]

@@fatima-kn5xw the only speeches I want in my life are hers

[@ananyaanna3285]

@@franks8462 help crime trapped save me

[@emilielarsen1980]

7:32 Taylor explaining her songs Harry explaining his songs: it’s uhm... it’s about a fish

[@vedika9466]

he literally said that help 😭

[@manimefrances]

@@vedika9466 which interview 😅😂

[@vedika9466]

@@manimefrances it's in his tiny desk concert

[@majop.r7755]

hahaha the fact that he really said that omg

[@khalilurtrahman]

But he still never goes Out Of Style 😂

[@philthomas8431]

I have to echo so many of the comments on here. 63 year old guy that never listened to Taylor Swift, ended up on this video after watching another video and said what the heck. Wow, this was great! I love the tiny desk concerts and listening to stripped down songs by great song writers. I’m going to shock my girlfriend and start exploring Taylor’s music catalog. Thanks NPR!

[@sonicimperium]

Hey there yet ANOTHER bot claiming to be a "60 some year old man" just discovering this "music" lol

[@emmyjo720]

I love her accoustic performances even more than the big concerts.

[@timoconnell5804]

yeah, unpopular opinion, I'd rather see her at something like this, just acoustic songs than at the eras tour, sure it'd be cool, lotta hype, but there is so much inherent beauty in acoustic music, it's more raw and beautiful

[@emmyjo720]

@@timoconnell5804 I love her acoustic sets

[@shiraargov6999]

She’s so Taylor in this video. I don’t know how else to describe it.

[@kluiver229]

I mean, exactly that

[@junefoy7838]

Sagittarius

[@pusheenmew810]

@@junefoy7838 It is more Cancer than Sagittarius

[@AJ-te6tf]

@@pusheenmew810 But she’s a sagittarius tho and she def gives off the vibe bc I’m also a sagi

[@helenrizswift9027]

I get what you mean lol

[@gabzd]

All Too Well really hits different every single time you hear it.

[@krystalphan8871]

One thing doesn't, I always cry, sometimes not a little.

[@MagiCalculus]

Totally agreee

[@bebaios]

She also sings it differently every time, I love everything about it

[@stevenwelsh1990]

The meaning also adapts with life

[@debs4241]

Gabrielle Dee have you watched Taylor Swift live in Chicago? When she played this song, I was totally just like the screaming girl, cry and laugh at the same time 😂 🤣

[@yanickp9973]

As a 173 year old man, I must say that I this young woman wasn’t on my radar, but it all changed when a friend showed me a concert of her through morse code and wow, she is probably the best artist there ever was. Amazing.

[@user-pm1sw5ob2s]

I am literally a piece of dust as I was born 227 years ago. I intensely watched every bit she played and have decided that she knows 3 possible four chords and is possibly the most overrated artist in the history of the planet.

[@sonicimperium]

FINALLY! Someone else who sees all these bot accounts pretending to be old people just discovering her "music" lol

[@kjkellogg]

I never realized how talented she is, to hear her playing her music with out all the background stuff is amazing thanks

[@pardsd.968]

There's a reason why she has 10 Grammys. Edit: 11 Grammys (First female artist to win Album of the Year 3 times)

[@felicia7930]

EXACTLY

[@mandyno5328]

Because in 2010s era there is no talent like mariah whitney celine selena quintanilla toni braxton madonna janet jackson sheryl crow jewel alanis morisette lisa loeb anne lenox tori amos sarah mclachlan mary j blidge aaliyah lauryn hill sade siniead o.connor brandy monica nathalie imbruglia shania twain martina mcbride faith hill lean rimes.. Too much talent from previous era already gone in 2010s era, thats why

[@BonoLightier]

@@mandyno5328 lol, you seem mad

[@mandyno5328]

@@BonoLightier no, I give you the real reason. You cant deny the fact we no longer have greatest talent like that in 2010s era

[@zondelara2682]

@@mandyno5328 Mariah had only 5 grammys. I love her so much been to her concerts several times but Grammys is not about vocals. Mariah has one of the best catalogues in the industry but she had made albums with lesser quality in the early 2000s and early 2010s. If grammys is all about vocals, she would have won more than 30. Nevertheless, music talent is not all about vocals. Both women are talented.

[@wreednelson]

Her ability as a songwriter is astonishing.

[@aimansahouli8103]

One of the greatest songwriters in our generation if you ask me! She can play instruments and sing... She have the whole package and deserve every sucess she's having!

[@user-ds6yh4dx4w]

Nina its her opinion and shes amazing. Keep your hate to yourself and get out

[@wreednelson]

@nina Watch the video she mentions for yourself and see.

[@delvallo9652]

oh please dude

[@delvallo9652]

@@user-ds6yh4dx4w nope, it's the internet. You leave if you don't want to hear ALL opinions

[@joemedley195]

Aging guy here who was ready to dismiss her. This seriously exceeded my expectations. I get why people like her now.

[@moonstonejan]

People who get tired of seeing Taylor being so popular should SEE THIS.

[@VenusHotline]

"What would happen if I were happy?" folklore/evermore: SO GLAD YOU ASKED.

[@joti_astra]

She's finally happy 😭😭😭

[@alisongreisch]

HAHAHA "THANK YOU FOR ASKING THAT. ENTER YOUR TWO NEW ALBUMS FULL OF SAD SONGS"

[@angenymphadora6576]

Yes 😭😭😭

[@VenusHotline]

@@angenymphadora6576 This is off topic but I looooove your username 🤩

[@angenymphadora6576]

@@VenusHotline awwwww thank you!!!

[@vanessamax734]

"so casually cruel in the name of being honest" best lyricccc

[@nackalack]

Yes yes yes. Genius

[@ramonapiercesalvatore5917]

ImacrumpleduppieceofpaperLYINGHERE cause I remember it aaaall aaaaall aaaaall too welll (tan tan...tan tan tan time wont fly

[@deyvedallysson462]

YEEEESSSS

[@altheaosborn2648]

So good. ❤️ Though I think my favorite lyric is still: "time won't fly, it's like I'm paralyzed by it...I'd like to be my old self again, but I'm still trying to find it." This is my favorite Taylor song and I have listened to it probably hundreds of times by now, but that line still hits me so hard every time I hear it.

[@nosering8985]

Wt song is tht a part of ?

[@katebainbridge]

That “my body my love” in death by a thousand cuts gives me goosebumps every time!!! What an incredible performance

[@killereverb3928]

The strength of her songs and love for her fans is such a phenomenal force. As a musician for 45 years I can’t help but admire Taylor Swift and her massive gifts as a songwriter and musician. Whether it’s a stadium concert or an intimate NPR gig she connects. I dug this plenty. Nicely done.

[@Wobbz9413]

A lot of people dont seem to get it. What a phenominal talent. Not many can write AND perform songs of this caliber. Especially in this solo, intimate, setting. A true star!

[@cedrickbinuya1851]

Everybody talks about how annoying Taylor's break-up songs are. But they never knew how achingly beautiful her love songs are.

[@carolynertl68]

people just love to hate on her

[@springberry007]

@@clayen19 Duuuuude THANK YOU. I've been saying this forever and nobody cares unless they already like her.

[@noursaccount]

exactly

[@reinq_5584]

Achingly beautiful is the best way I can find to describe how I feel about folklore and evermore so far......... thanks random fella cruising the internet..

[@maryannbrown5762]

@@reinq_5584 And enchanting.

[@lequinntessential]

It's like watching a live performance and a TED talk at the same time.

[@iamalimelight2346]

Quinn Lee Yes true. My school gets us to watch one at least every other week in form.

[@saimallow]

Omg yes

[@peridot2912]

yes its awful

[@TheVeek192]

No.

[@bawin384]

@@peridot2912 ok boomer

[@brendadufaur37]

I love the quiet simplicity of a tiny room performance. Ni bells and whistles. No fanfare. Just a person and her songs and her sincerity. I loved it. I loved her personality and genuineness and her total naturalness in her music.

[@stewdogg42]

All Too Well is legit one of the best songs I’ve ever heard.

[@ceylonart2559]

"You're not always gonna be inspired but that's okay" I needed that

[@CherryBlossomBlyue]

Me too

[@husseinamhareb2125]

same 😭😭😭

[@gabriellelittlefield5956]

Absolutely. So good

[@rihana1086]

MEEE

[@butchjackson4428]

". . .but that's where craft comes in". In the end, Taylor is a professional , and she makes things happen. This is a girl who wrote a top 10 hit when she was in middle school.

[@mulahbaybeetv602]

This lady deserves the rights to her MASTERS im sorry .

[@kcjustgotpremiere4907]

dont be sorry

[@jthiboo]

I agree! It's a shame she has to re-record but she's driven and will do an outstanding job taking back what's hers.

[@azramarcella6224]

Any artist who wrote their own song and contribute to the process of producing them should own it. It's their right

[@bullshark3000]

That’s not what her original contract was

[@amna6842]

She owns Fearless now :)

[@rubendawn7478]

This lady has more talent in her pinky toe than half of the rest of singers in the Billboard...

[@jdeaton5093]

Honest to God, I have never listened to Taylor Swift, ever. I am a 64 y/o aging man, product of the 1970s. Despite not being musically talented, in the least, I truly count on music to transcend and guide my every mood and have a deep love and respect for all currents of music. Until I tripped over this video, I had no idea just how talented Ms Swift actually is. She has a beautiful voice and in this format, " acoustical" , for lack of better words, is very becoming of her and has absolutely changed my perception of her. My lucky day, I guess

[@joeneil5485]

i'm a 43 year old rock and metal guy, etc... she CAN sing AND play at the same time... she's no britney spears...

[@sonicimperium]

Now we have yet another "60 something old person" suddenly discovering her "music" lol and this bot is even using God to honestly try to get people to believe they aren't a bot lol!

[@joeneil5485]

@@sonicimperiumwhoa... conspiracist much...?

[@CarrieHamptonPhotography]

Give My Tears Ricochet a listen, it’s haunting. Then Sparks Fly , great hook.

[@heatherpagano7878]

"here's a sad song about fall." MOOD AND A HALF

[@cowboylikeme854]

Hahahahahaha

[@iago07]

This and her Netflix doc have really changed my perception of her... she’s a super talented musician that deserves respect. And homegirl is a talker 🗣

[@sansiantan9840]

I love how articulate and eloquent she is

[@Sunset.swiftie]

She loves to communicate with everyone which is something I love about her. In her tours they’re so long because she gives speeches that you can relate to😭 they make you feel some type of way. Her words are so wise and deep like her songwriting

[@nilssjoberg1075]

@@kaetce define talent? Lol Taylor may not be vocally powerful but that won't make her less talented.. Songwriting is talent, playing musical instruments are talent.. But yah whatever floats your boat.. 🙄

[@andreacampo-velez3287]

Welcome to her concerts! Lol she talks a lot between songs and it's as much a part of the concert/experience as the actual performances. Love her so much.

[@krishnacousins7751]

we love her for it

[@kessiamarques00]

I love the whole speech she does before singing any songs, this is taylor swift.

[@wraithita]

“Lover” only voice and piano make me shed a tear.

[@ErikLeed]

Gosh, I just love that song...

[@happycommuter3523]

One of my favorite songs of hers!

[@svengollyg]

@@ErikLeedyou’ll probably like Neil Young’s “Helpless” then.

[@ErikLeed]

@@svengollyg Thank you, thank you🙏 I love it😍 Any chance you want to share your 3 fav songs from the last year:)?? Here are mine...Boygenius - Not Strong Enough, Karim Ouellete - L'amour, Pinegrove - Angelina

[@AlmeGonzalez]

The fact that RED didn’t won a Grammy will never make sense to me.

[@carolynertl68]

I love red so much

[@jullieanngalit5070]

Dude what about reputation album? Depressing as well

[@amihanmadayag3814]

Red was good but the competition that time was stiff, Kacey Musgrave and Daft Punk's records (which won over Taylor's) back then were great.

[@badondorkhongwar6186]

@@amihanmadayag3814 I love Kacey she's my favorite country singer right now and I love Taylor as well

[@aj-gi1yo]

Maybe the re-recording will!!

[@eduardoiiihabon6524]

All Too Well is pure poetry

[@sinner272]

I've been listening to this song since 2012, and I only got to imagine the whole story of the song from start to finish; to digest it all and view its structure. It is a masterpiece of hers. It must be sad for her to sing this when she does, but she captured a moment in her life that only she herself knows to heart.

[@treychesser9273]

It is a song that will stand the test of time. It’s amazing

[@folklovermore.]

it's not a song, it's an emotion.

[@xerox92]

2:32 - The Man 9:00 - Lover 16:02 - Death by a thousand cuts 22:58 - All Too Well

[@gbunton]

i'm 71 and I love this girl, the best of her generation for sure and reminds me on the best from my generation Joni Mitchell.

[@TuhanRock]

Don't tell my metalhead friends I'm here

[@muhammadabialwan]

I see you

[@martialag]

You're a long way from Slipknot 😭🤣😂

[@420deepthroat9]

@@martialag Slipknot is pop

[@tonytheparamorestan]

life's too short to pretend that you hate Taylor Swift

[@aldiooktapradana9939]

Taylor swift was a thrash metal guitarist

[@Devinthekiller]

Taylor Swift doesn't get enough credit. She is a genuine songwriter and performer. Also her performances on SNL are hilarious. Modern music is missing real artists/ musicians. I'm a man in my 30s, and I completely respect her ability. She is so beautiful, and talented.

[@iga279]

Devin J you mean 10 grammys is not enough? I personally would give her zero.

[@iga279]

@@aditya_raina_ who is beyonce ? or what is beyonce?

[@shreyaadahall]

@@iga279 eDgY cOoL

[@anirbansarwar7986]

@@iga279 ooooh trying to be quirky.. not gonna Work

[@iga279]

hazel eyes little girl. You don’t know the meaning of vitriol. Go and look it up in your tiny tiny dictionary.

[@donkaveen]

11:28 lover hits different. ❤ Taylor was there when I was young and madly in love. Now she is back, composing songs about where we are right now.

[@lilystanley4555]

Hearing lover and hearing her talk about it hits so different post-TTPD :(

[@DominicGo]

once you take out all the things the internet says about her, you’ll realize that taylor is a really good songwriter and artist. She doesn’t deserve all the mean things they say about her

[@VanAllenVlogs]

She is a great artist and songwriter, but not the political thought leader of our generation.

[@dsonyay]

No she's not

[@abdulbaasit1824]

@sage she's been like this for 13 years into her career.... how long will we have to wait for her "true colors" to come out????

[@Anthony-df4bs]

A really good song writer? LOL. You know who was a really good song writer? John Lennon.

[@abdulbaasit1824]

@@Anthony-df4bs "I was reminiscing just the other day While having coffee all alone and Lord, it took me away Back to a first-glance feeling on New York time Back when you fit in my poems like a perfect rhyme Took off faster than a the green light, go Hey, you skip the conversation when you already know I left a note on the door with a joke we'd made And that was the first day And darlin', it was good Never lookin' down And right there where we stood Was holy ground Spinnin' like a girl in a brand new dress We had this big wide city all to ourselves We blocked the noise with the sound of "I need you" And for the first time I had something to lose And I guess we fell apart in the usual way And the story's got dust on every page But sometimes I wonder how you think about it now And I see your face in every crowd" Taylor Swift wrote these lyrics ALONE, how can u say that she's not a good songwriter??? She's also the only artist of this generation to be in Rolling Stone's list of "100 greatest sobgwriters of all time". U seem to be ignorant rn

[@RMSS-nn8bd]

I am hearing about this Taylor Swift person on the news all the time so I came here to see what all the fuss is about. I’m a senior but I get it. The Tiny Desk is a good intro to her. I have watched some of the big production and found myself listening to , Calm Down on loop for a few times. Great, fun song. This young woman is the real deal. I guess I’m a senior Swifty now 😅

[@hoagybob]

Yup, now I’m a fan.

[@michaelpratini8525]

Death by a thousands cuts one of Taylor's best songs.

[@markosmic7018]

best bridge since all too well yet

[@danman6669]

Death by a Thousand Cuts

[@loganb.1984]

Are you a Fantano viewer?

[@allianaalcantara9067]

markosmic how about Getaway car’s bridge tho :

[@MissBelle127]

Hearing it acoustic just made me focus on the lyrics even more. That bridge in comparison to the album version is so gut punching

[@chaengdo4798]

when she said "I love break-up songs. They're so fun to write." I was like, yezzzz I love listening to your break-up songs eventhough I'm not broken lol

[@iiL06]

SAME!!! lol when I was like 11 I listened to fifteen and was really sad for no reason😂❤️

[@olivialynnae2901]

Chaeng Do omg yasss

[@franny7997]

Yess I just love put myself in her shoes and figured the song as I was the one who cry for love 😂

[@aliciamonserrat6563]

my vibe

[@jejeuniverse1921]

same 😭🤣

[@tialace4394]

She was so famous here, imagine if she saw a crystal ball to see into now? (4 years later) she couldn’t even perform at a tiny desk now the crowds would be unmanageable! I’ve loved her since 2006, she’s been on this journey for so long!! What a class act

[@reactsbysam]

I started singing "And you were tossing me the car keys-" only to realize that the 10 minute version of All Too Well hadn't been released yet.

[@ashleybree1407]

Lol

[@rebecarmansur13]

looll same

[@leafandbranch]

Saaaame hahahah

[@iandavis8762]

⭐💫✨🌟💙

[@dhruvg550]

AHAHAHAHHAHHA XD

[@danielphung6146]

I feel so embarrassed. I've never gone to a concert of her even though I love her personality and music so much. I used to have friends who teased me about liking her but I don't care. Why do men and boys have to dislike artists like Taylor? People are always surprised when they find out that I am listening to Taylor. Tbh, she is more of a friend to me than many people who I used to be friend with.

[@greglautz8470]

I am 100% shameless about my open and public confessions of being a huge monstrous Taylor Swift fan. I am not even embarrassed to play her music out loud around people that know I love hip-hop and 80s music and everything else

[@danielphung6146]

@@greglautz8470 Why must we hide our appreciation for an artist that has impacted our lives in so many different ways ? It just seems so childish to judge someone based on the artist that they like just because they have bad and big reputation in the media.

[@fireplacedude23]

Mostly insecurity. People are too afraid of what people think of them instead of just being themselves and enjoying what they enjoy.

[@danielphung6146]

@@fireplacedude23 I don't have any friends to go with so

[@lifewasawillow]

@@danielphung6146 so? i've gone to lots of concerts alone, it's super fun just screaming along with no judgement and meeting friends there.

[@mkrd2000]

Tiny Desk fan for ages but missed this one back in 2019. Came here because my daughters are total Swifties and I sought out a TS performance that wasn't auto-tuned or pitch-corrected (and Tiny Desk shows are always the real deal.) I knew Taylor could sing, but I want my daughters to appreciate how expressive a performance can be when a singer's original nuance (even if it means going a little flat or sharp here and there) is preserved.

[@bakerboycat]

As a 86 year old granny from Salt Like City, who's terminally ill, I feel lucky to chance upon this young lady who is a great story teller and a great singer.

[@mazal5549]

This world will never get another Taylor Swift.

[@mazal5549]

@csa thanks bro🥺

[@davidmendizabal9892]

I hope so

[@queenieroseofficial3043]

@@davidmendizabal9892 That will make a lot of people sad. I wonder how your nonexistence will affect others? Probably for the good since they will have lesser burden of keeping you in their life when you don't matter anyway.

[@davidmendizabal9892]

@@queenieroseofficial3043 i don't like people like her , always complaining and poinitng with finger saying; " My life isn't what it should be because men oppress me" or "OMG you treated me do bad i'm done with humanity D:" i think we can do better than that, look up the Dua Lipa concert or the Natalia Lafurcade concert they are real artists, real woman. And i don't care if people are upset i don't respecto people like Taylor, i love women who take responsability

[@ehhhno9932]

@@davidmendizabal9892 when has Taylor like... not taken responsibility?

[@kristidixonyowmusic]

All Too Well is the greatest song she's ever written.

[@capp12249]

I love "The Best Day" and "Death By A Thousand Cuts" thoughhh haha

[@intimax6415]

Yes! That song is like her magnum opus

[@JillianLovesBooks]

So true. I feel the pain in those lyrics every time. After all these years, it still hits me so hard.

[@samuelb.5153]

1000% agreeing

[@laura-ej9mm]

YES

[@mariawilliams4180]

I’m an older gal but whenever I listen to her songs, boy can she stir up those feelings, some forgotten, some remembered, some happy & sad. Such an amazing, talented artist to be able to connect with so many people traversing this life journey. When she presents her creativity in such a pared down, vulnerable raw & simple way, it’s just the best. She’s a gift to us all. 🩷

[@virginiaknighten4687]

Taylor’s performance of “All Too Well” was stunning!

[@jessicablog4668]

It’s hard to imagine that a singer who performs in stadium tours can be so humble and never forgets where she comes from. She’s down to earth, and her songs still sound good without all the pop instruments and effects. Along with Adele, they are one of the very few artists that can achieve that. Taylor should really make an acoustic album Edit: I’ve been a swiftie for so long I know that she had acoustic albums, I meant that she should make an acoustic album for her songs in her pop era (deluxe versions are not enough! Though I bought almost all of them)

[@dudshumane]

Many don't give her the credit she is due.

[@summerdehner9346]

Omg yes I wish she would do an acoustic album. It would be fantastic!

[@AkodoNoEyes]

Summer Dehner I would buy that in a heart beat!

[@farhanrafsan8937]

Taylor's 1st album "Taylor swift " was a acoustic album! (2006) Big machine.

[@aryamtnez]

Her first three albums are Country Pop/Acoustic Pop and include several purely Acoustic versions in the special and deluxe editions.

[@TokyoBlue587]

I just became a fan of hers in 2020 with Folklore & Evermore, and have realized how much I was missing out on. Now I’m watching and listening to all of her stuff. Her lyrics are wonderful, she’s really talented.

[@aminmarohomsalic1997]

Have you listened to all of her Track 5 songs? That I love.

[@sofiacota5105]

if you haven’t listened to it yet, i highly recommend listening to the “RED” album, it’s one of her best written albums along with folklore and evermore (and most of the songs there were written just by her👀)

[@toladep]

Welcome :)

[@mariamst2096]

gotta check ronan if you dont know abt it ,better man

[@charlotteb5262]

me too!

[@EdwardWright-ns5xj]

This did it for me I am now a 65 year old swifty!

[@user-dn4ge6zx7v]

i love how she always tell her name and who she is, even if like whole population on earth knows her

[@blondedivy]

she’s one of the few mainstream artists whose talent completely matches her success. she deserves every bit of success she has, if not more. a true musician🥺

[@edengallagher1044]

yes!

[@jilldurham5498]

Yes she is one of the few. She can sing, play an instrument and write songs. Avril Lavigne, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Carrie Underwood are some of the few. So is Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley

[@mattypattytube]

U

[@angelamarchetti6836]

After watching Miss Americana I totally agree

[@enchantedByVocals13]

@@jilldurham5498 honestly Avril and Taylor are my biggest inspirations

[@bowtiesncoolnes5715]

She has to be in the top 3 lyricists of all time. Holy heck

[@danman6669]

Not really. I can name three right now better than her and there are many more: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Bob Dylan.

[@littlelou050]

@@danman6669 Dude, fine. Best female songwriter promoting right now. She's definitely one of the best musicians right now

[@ajkennethsumagang683]

@@danman6669 taylor still way better than those fads

[@fatima-kn5xw]

@@danman6669 they're great but I think she's better

[@jericodavid8715]

she’s the top 8 billboard greatest artist of all time 😍🥰

[@NeheviYeptho]

Not only the boys admire her by looking at the crowd she's the inspiration of every single girl in this world ❤

[@jamesregan7768]

being witness to someone like taylor succeed and on a such a scale, i can't help tearing up a little and having some (tiny) hope for civilization

[@yoojingin1562]

8:52 I like how she says, "If someone's gonna take your hand, they'd better take your hand scars and all."

[@ananyaanna3285]

@Black Card help crime trapped save me

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Wow, now that is deep.

[@iamkerok]

I don't follow Ms. Swift, and had only preconceived notions based on news coverage... (Always a bad idea, I know) I am glad I watched this. Now I have a sense for why her fans hold her in such esteem. Preconceptions erased.

[@arrianetamor6298]

iamkerok love u 😭

[@arrvjay11]

Thank you sir. As a fan, reading this means a lot to me 😊 she has a lot of great material and i hope you get to dive into it one of these days

[@ginapeterson2901]

iamkerok I’m big on her voice. But she has been writing song sin she was 12 and collaborates with other song writers. She will always be a successful song writer for the rest of her life. She is a quality person, too.

[@lyssanicoleobias9606]

ohhhh!! I love you!

[@apriliarizkyriadini7490]

I feel fancy when i read your comment, sir.

[@barbarawiltz9453]

At 76 I admit to hearing about Taylor over and over but had never heard her music. I love Tiny desk so thought it was time to know what I've been missing. Her music, personality and all around incredible talent totally enthralled me. I'm a fan!

[@sonicimperium]

Do all you bots pretending to be "70 something old people" also have TDS lol. Willing to bet yes lol

[@theresam6170]

I know why they are so afraid of her. She is radiant. They are blinded by the light.

[@jdenino6022]

That was the Manfred Mann cover of one of Bruce Springsteen''s song.

[@aakankshapandey7552]

she was scared for not bein able to write sad songs then made us all cry with folklore and evermore. wow.

[@hellywatermelonsmellinfell3436]

"If someone's gonna take your hand, they better take your hand, scars and all." That gives me feels every time I hear it.

[@cristyhernandez25]

this phrase was what made lover my favorite of the album :)

[@eunicenogueira8583]

SAME

[@elenamandarina]

Imagine being Taylor back then singing All too well and having to stop yourself from singing the 10min version that had not been released yet, it’s all I could think during the last song, I can’t believe we once lived in a world without the full 10min version of All too well

[@dariodigioia6314]

I had never taken the time to check Taylor out, and it's only after seeing this NPR video that I can actually understand why my daughters love her. Talented, spontaneous and charming, she remains simple in spite of being in this moment the Queen of the world. Tomorrow night I am playing live, and my 12 yrs old daughter for the first time will get on the stage to perform "Nothing New". As a father, I can only say Thank You Taylor.

[@erinpracy1455]

Taylor: Lover is a happy album. Taylor again: saying goodbye is death by a thousand cuts.

[@lilliwebersik7819]

Soon youll get better, the archer and afterglow be like: am i a joke to you?

[@kamallb4650]

My tears ricochet, exile, hoax, peace said hi.

[@voxtur__7]

@@kamallb4650 she never said folklore was a sad album.

[@kamallb4650]

@@voxtur__7 neither did I say. DBTC was a sad song. Folklore and evermore are full of them😭

[@kluiver229]

This song is so gooooood

[@ashleybuttafuoco]

Anyone who has tried to sing Death By A Thousand Cuts know how hard it is and how demanding it is breath wise. Especially on the Bridge, it’s so hard, but she makes it look so effortless! It’s my favorite song on Lover!

[@AJ-te6tf]

Not just DBATC but almost all of her songs are difficult to sing😭

[@mictony999]

all her songs are fast and breathy so it's really hard

[@helenrizswift9027]

I've never had professional singing lessons but I can somehow sing the whole bridge with a really good breathe control and idk how. I'm so proud of that. I can also hit really low notes. Like, I can sing cardigan and dorothea's low notes and I love it

[@naid5533]

@@helenrizswift9027 that's amazing, you should harness that. Low notes are so difficult for me

[@khalilurtrahman]

@@helenrizswift9027 wow! You are gifted indeed. Maybe you can be a professional singer too. Hone your talents well. Taylor would be proud to see you become successful and call her your child (like she calls Olivia and Conan, much to my jealousy ಥ‿ಥ )

[@RamblinManMoto]

Not a huge fan but watching someone do this with just them and their instrument is a whole another level of talent and respect. Imagine her doing a tour with just her and an instrument. Man that would be awesome.

[@trishkeller8228]

I have never heard a Taylor Swift song, but have always seen how genuine and kind she is. This is beautiful.

[@mr.non-existent8137]

Timestamps: 0:03 Taylor Arrives 0:19 Taylor introduces herself 0:46 Taylor talking about her love for _Tiny Desk_ 1:05 Taylor talking about why she chose to do the tiny desk concert 1:43 The Man Speech 2:31 *_The Man_** Performance* 6:06 Taylor handing out picks #1 6:16 Taylor playing piano briefly 6:24 Lover Speech 8:58 *_Lover_** Performance* 12:48 Outfit ("Costume") change 13:13 Talking about inspirations and break up songs 15:10 DBATC Speech 16:00 *_Death By A Thousand Cuts_** Performance* 19:44 Taylor handing out picks #2 20:02 All Too Well Speech 22:59 *_All Too Well_** performance* 28:38 _"Thanks for having me!"_

[@santisouk1924]

Legend

[@mr.non-existent8137]

@Sudhanshu Bhardwaj no problem!

[@tombarnes7846]

Minus the ads!

[@fgilik4372]

🙌🏽

[@srikanthsidd9959]

God bless you!