*REACTION* Taylor Swift - Cardigan (The Long Pond Studio Sessions)

[@JuneHeinssen]

This song is part of a trilogy. Cardigan is from Betty's perspective. August is from Augistine's perspective, and Betty is from James perspective.

[@david21158]

I was just here to explain exactly that. 😂 Thanks.

[@michelekanda703]

Also add that she said this is a fictional love triangle. Cardigan is from Betty’s point of view, looking back at the time from later on in life. The bridge to this song is one of her best ever IMO

[@reneeharkness1337]

And, the songs all have Blake Lively and Ryan Reynold’s kids names in them!

[@Azx12345]

And it is fiction more importantly😂

[@jessicamartin8552]

“I don’t think Caridgan is about anyone in particular.” Every swiftie before April 19, 2024.

[@maryannes9235]

“Now, pretty baby, I'm running To the house where you still wait up, and that porch light gleams To the one who says I'm the girl of his American dreams.” “And I knew you would be standing on my front porch light, I knew you’d come back to me, come back to me, come back…”

[@MikkiHjalmquist]

Hahahaha

[@Azx12345]

​@maryannes9235 what if only this porch light line is fictional in the whole song it could be other way round too😂

[@purpl3loverz]

The swifties who underestimate her writing ability really get to me. She has always said she draws inspiration from current or old feeling but this album is something she has always been proud to say she used more or her writing ability and making scenarios up. Not a single writer writes a piece of fiction without writing about things they lived or know. Just enjoy the song and the trilogy and world that Taylor created. You don’t have to make every song about Taylor’s life to enjoy it.

[@sweeeeeet85]

Listening to it again just now there are so many lyrics that stand out as relating to a certain someone or at least seem directly related or repeated in TTPD: "I knew you'd come back to me." "Tried to change the ending, Peter losing Wendy." "Sequined smile, black lipstick, sensual politics." "I knew you'd haunt all of my what-ifs." "You'd be standing in my front porch light."

[@alyzzzzard5089]

leaving like a father 🥲 running like water 🥲

[@JannelChantel]

The long pond sessions are so intimate, the way the songs are stripped down it makes her voice and melodies stand out

[@LittleFrosty333]

These Long Pond sessions feel like such a gift. Three musicians at the absolute top of their game.

[@ZATennisFan]

The long Pond Sessions is possibly Taylor's best vocal performance. It's just perfect in every sense. And the sheer joy of performing just shone out of her. She was glowing.....

[@wrench_in_the_works]

Definitely MUST do the trilogy. If you hit August next and then wrap up with Betty, they will ALL intertwine for you. Amazing AMAZING story telling

[@lek116]

Evan’s right 😊 it’s not really based off of any lore, it’s a fictional story about a teenage love triangle and this is one of three songs about that fictional story (the other songs apart of the trilogy are Betty and August).

[@yara5502]

Well... Yes and also no. After TTPD we now know that Cardigan is also part of the lore, as well as being part of the fictional trilogy.

[@ashleypearson3567]

It’s about Matty Healy my dude

[@lek116]

@@ashleypearson3567 says who? you? lol Taylor herself explains the entire premise of the trilogy in the long pond sessions 😂

[@ashleypearson3567]

@@lek116 yes and more came out obviously. Do some digging.

[@raedee6575]

@@ashleypearson3567it’s Harry Styles actually.

[@rnzrnz7238]

Her vocals in this 🤌🏽 chef's kiss

[@sandybourdeau9300]

According to Taylor this is part 1 of a 3 part trilogy. August is part 2 and Betty is part 3. Also according to her this was the first time she decided to create a fictional account. The third song Betty was co written with her Ex Joe (who used a pen name William Bowery) these were written during Covid.

[@mr287s]

There is some lore. Taylor has said this is part of the teenage love triangle, but we’ve learned some new information from the Eras Tour and Tortured Poets. A night on his tour, while Taylor was dating Matty Healy, he looked into the camera and mouthed “I love you. This song is about you. You know who you are,” during a song that everyone knows is about Taylor. The next night on the Eras Tour, Taylor looked into the camera and mouthed the same thing during Cardigan. On Tortured Poets, there’s a song called Peter using Peter Pan as an allegory that people speculate is about Matty. (Cardigan: “Peter losing Wendy…”) Also on Tortured Poets, on Fresh Out the Slammer, which people also speculate is about Matty, there’s the lyric, “You still wait up and that porch light gleams.” (Cardigan: “You’d be standing in my front porch light…”)

[@Alma-lo7wj]

I suspect a that a lot of songs on folklore/evermore were guised as fictional but were based-or partially based in reality. since she was with joe at the time

[@bler03]

Also “chasing shadows in the grocery line” because Peter Pan notoriously chased after his shadow. And “you’d come back to me” to the “said you were gonna grow up, then you were gonna come find me”… these songs are connected, there isn’t a doubt in my mind.

[@monicabori]

CONGRATS ON 40K BOYS!!🥳 you deserve it all and more ❤️ thanks for the great reactions every week:)

[@karinrommel5925]

Much deserved!!!!!

[@Alfrodo8]

A pond is a small body of STILL water, while a lake is a large body of water surrounded by land, it doesn't have to be still, it can have rivers flowing into and out of it. So basically all ponds are small, still lakes, but not all lakes are large ponds

[@musicfangirl7403]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@dogloversmith7139]

Yes!!! Hope you do the whole trilogy. Love your Taylor reactions and the bantering between you. Fun and cute.

[@philiphoy1373]

A little Tay-Lore. Betty, James, and Inez are Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's three daughters (yes James is a girl). Swift has been close friends with them for many years and is Godmother to them. The song 'Gorgeous' from her Reputation album opens with then two year old James Reynolds saying "Gorgeous". Reynold has said to his kids Taylor was just Auntie Tay who likes to play guitar and sing them songs and they had no idea she was famous until he and Blake took them to a Swift concert. When she Came on stage and started singing his eldest said "That's Auntie Tay". After their fourth child (a boy) was born Reynolds joked that he and Blake couldn't reveal his name until Swift wrote a song naming him for them.

[@KateinVA]

This one isn’t about Taylor herself. She wrote a trilogy about a love triangle between three high school age kids and did a song from each one’s perspective. Betty & James were sweethearts, and James had a summer fling with Augustine, then realized he wanted Betty back. Cardigan is Betty, looking back on it years later. August is Augustine reflecting on her summer love. Betty is James’ perspective when summer is over and he knows he messed up. (As a side note, Betty, James and Ynez, who is mentioned in the song Betty, are the names of Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds’ kids. Taylor is good friends with them.)

[@yara5502]

It is part of the fictional trilogy yes, but Cardigan is also part of the lore of Taylor herself too, that was confirmed with TTPD/Anthology.

[@KateinVA]

@@yara5502 Unless Taylor herself confirms something directly, which she never does, at best you can say, “I believe XYZ in TTPD/Anthology alludes to Cardigan referencing something from her own life.” She has specifically talked about the trilogy. Anything related to her own life is speculation, not confirmation.

[@bler03]

@@KateinVAexcept she literally said “this song is about you” to Matty before she sang this song on the era’s tour when they were dating.

[@benjamindeco777]

I thought that last video was my favorite but this one is definitely better! Blows my mind every time I watch you guys. Still have a crush on that little bald one on the bottom camera.

[@sophicarne]

The problem I'm having is that after TTPD, everything is Matty Healy coded. And it makes me feel this love triangle isn't so hypothetical. Also love the theory that "you put me on and said I was your favorite " is a shout out to fans not quitting on her during Rep Era (black lipstick).

[@joannburrage3371]

Yes you have to listen to the other two songs in the Love Triangle, Betty & August. Once you do, just know that Taylor is a mastermind/genius how she intertwines these three songs together. It’s AMAZING how she did it, so listen for it. In Betty at 2:45 "she said James, get in, let’s drive" and in August at the exact time 2:45, Augustine said "Remember when I pulled up and said get in the car" In Betty at 3:14 "Betty I’m here on your door step" and in Cardigan at 3:14 "and you'd be standing in my front porch light"

[@sandyczarnetzke7141]

Jake, good news that you're feeling much better and congratulations guys on hitting 40K. Taylor won 7 VMA awards last night.She's now won the most VMA'S in history. Lord she needs an Award room just to place everything but she works hard and desrves them. ❤Stay safe

[@lori39ann]

Wow beautiful 1st in the trilogy ty guys for your reaction love it & love this song. 💚

[@Kelly81687]

I’m so glad you guys liked it! It’s a lyrical masterpiece and definitely a fan favorite. I’ve been waiting on the edge of my seat every week for my song! 😂😂 Hopefully you guys can do the other two songs as well! You guys are awesome! Thanks for the awesome reaction! 🫶🫶

[@michelejohnk1598]

Wooooaahh exactly 40.000 now! Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@keicook9798]

This song started my journey of discovering TS After this, I had to listen to her other younger albums. Love her lyrics, she is a genius. Her videos are great too. I'm 56 yrs old and not afraid to call myself a Swiftie. Keep on being you. Thanks

[@heathercochrane2207]

I like the double meaning of "you put me on and said I was your favorite". To put someone on is to lie to them. Or "chase two girls, lose THE ONE".

[@maryannes9235]

Jake is right, you don’t need to know the Taylore for this one. People forget that these songs were not written with the Betty/James/August triangle in mind. Taylor said she noticed after all the songs were already written that they could connect as their own little story, but it’s not like that’s what she wrote those songs about. Famously Taylor said “this one is about you, you know who you are. I love you.” to Matty on stage when they got back together briefly on the eras tour. I personally feel like the reason why she came up with folklore was because at the time, she was with Joe and songs like this could not possibly be about Joe. She didn’t want people speculating about her love life or why she’s writing songs about her exes. She’s a genius

[@mamat8184]

Thank you, Kelly! I'm always here for the guys covering Taylor. You guys stop picking on Jake!😂 So glad you're feeling stronger, Jake. Take good care of yourself. Gentlemen, you can never go wrong with any live Taylor performances, but Long Pond Studio Sessions are definitely on another level. By now, about 100 comments have told you about the fictional trilogy, so I won't add. But, man, how her brain works...I'm no longer surprised, just in awe of her mastery of words. It is her craft, her art. Gentlemen, excellent reaction as always. Appreciate the respect you show us, your audience. You are always sincere, do not play up or sensationalize for ratings. Swifties can always see the honesty, and that's why I know you will continue to soar in this venture. Much love from Texas.❤

[@CrazyDog_Lady]

The video is great too Fun reaction guys 💜

[@StillMotion]

Someone just summoned me here.😂 Thank you for the reaction, guys.🥰

[@lunaloutfy]

The song that started it all… my favorite album of hers, aside from Evermore, because Folklore is equally my favorite, so these two are like my two favorite albums OF ALL TIME, so they’re equally tied as number one for me. Anyway, I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH and it was the lead single that came out. The lyrics are so pretty in it too. Her words are so well done and her cadence is sublime. Her delivery is simply immaculate. I seriously love the way she sings “leaving like a father, running like water” 🥺🥰

[@michelejohnk1598]

Slowly peaking out of my Ren Kujo rage reaction rabbit hole THIS was a nice pallate cleanser 🥰🥰🥰

[@clnorm6831]

Y’all are so cute, I swear. I love this song, glad you enjoyed it, too!

[@BonnieJ1955]

There is at least one line in each of her songs that is brilliant. If she had only written one song in her life, like this one, it would have been enough to show her genius and earned her place among songwriters. Fortuntely for us, she keeps giving us new songs and there is always something new and brilliant to discover.

[@dogloversmith7139]

Long pond or small lake. Hmmm..love the conversation always

[@Seven_13-elf]

Ohh, yess!!, keep it going, luv this

[@Naat.roman14]

Its a trilogy: 1- cardigan, 2- August 3- betty ❤ Thanks for the reaction

[@plantdiva8472]

the long pond studio sessions are outstanding, love!

[@susangardner6410]

You guys need to listen to this trilogy in order: August, Betty and Cardigan. It’s a love triangle: August is from the summer fling perspective; Betty is from James’(the boyfriend’s) perspective and Cardigan is from Betty’s perspective, looking backwards. You’ll be amazed by her ability to tie it all together.

[@karinrommel5925]

No lore....just amazing storytelling! You nailed it about young love. I can't wait to hear the 2nd and 3rd part'ls of the trilogy! Congrats on 40.1 k! :)😊

[@ZATennisFan]

Folklore is one of very few albums where I can listen to it for hours on repeat and not skip a simple track. It's sheer perfection.....

[@TopNotchWatcher87]

YES, CARDIGAN, one of the greatest!!! 😊 great reaction guys!!

[@Nicolettpd]

Evan you are spot on! This isn’t about anyone particular. Cardigan, August, and Betty are all apart of the same fictional story.

[@Donna-C]

Definitely watch the video to this song too!

[@emilykathleen6959]

We all thought it wasn’t about anyone in particular but then at one of her concerts she kinda not so secretly says that this is about Matty Healy. The Peter Pan reference and then she has a song on TTPD called Peter about the same thing which is about him as well. Many more connections to him on folklore and evermore than we ever knew, until she hints at things in TTPD ❤

[@alohasargent]

Oh there is most definitely lore here.

[@emilykathleen6959]

You HAVE to give last great American dynasty another chance listening to the studio version cause it’s sooo good! The only one that is better as studio version than long pond version!

[@TopNotchWatcher87]

Glad you’re feeling better!!

[@sonicAndHedgehog]

listening to this after TTPD like "I GAVE SO MANY SIGNS" 😂😂😂

[@alexavmtz]

YYYEEESSSS!! The first of the trilogy

[@melissadean6874]

I came to say the trilogy but everyone has it covered. 😂

[@marlanadiana]

Omg please do August and Betty. The teenage love triangle will be complete after ❤️ Taylor is an absolute genius for creating these characters and creating a love triangle via lyrics!! Also congrats on 40k!!! Yall deserve it!!!

[@raedee6575]

It’s Harry Styles. In the video she had a paper airplane fly out of the piano bench. Her and Harry’s thing was a paper airplane. Both videos are them solo at the piano drowning in water.

[@karenmfrazer]

Glad you are getting better!!! ❤️‍🩹

[@Kelly-i4j]

The MV is amazing

[@SwiftieXinfinity]

Lore is part of the album name, people aren’t wrong in saying there is lore to this song, even though Betty is a fictional character. Having said that, Jake didn’t know the lore behind the particular song as it doesn’t reference Betty, James, or Augustine in any way. 😊 Folklore is one of my very favorite albums from Taylor and the Long Pond Studios Session videos are fabulous!! I love seeing her just sitting there all relaxed and enjoying telling the story behind each of the songs. I would LOVE to see her do that for each album, I don’t know when she would find the time though!! She’s the definition of workaholic! 😅🥰

[@MatayaLopez]

The Long Pond version is of course beautiful, but this is one of those songs where I HIGHLY recommend listening to the original recorded version too. The vocal layering and harmonies she does paired with the music swelling is so powerful. Goosebumps every time!

[@sh4dylol]

Congrats on 40k🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@Eiko286]

"Sequin smile, black lipstick” maybe refers to Taylor’s 2016 Met Gala look.

[@tylersamuels420]

Alex I would love for you to continue reminding me that you have the same headphones as Taylor 🎧

[@spookybingus]

you’ve entered some heavy lore here bois 🤣

[@nicoleterceira]

crying laughing at evan having no shame in saying "you're not a good singer cause your voice sucks" lmfaoo😭

[@patriciaoutland1453]

😆

[@sashabowerbank5445]

Folklore supremacy!!! I love all of taylors creations but Folklore is by far my favourite and the facts surrounding this trilogy of songs is just mind blowing! Betty and August are the other 2 in the trilogy. Explaining the 3 perspectives in a love triangle based on fictional characters. August is the girl on the side, cardigan is from the longstanding girlfriends perspective and Betty is from the guy apologising to his girlfriend and trying to win her back. It's rumoured illicit affairs is by the girl on the side Augustines perspective years later looking back on the situation with hindsight. Makes alot of sense when you consider the lyrics. Perhaps the most incredible part of these songs is the time signatures for certain lyrics that mirror through the songs. Undoubtedly intentional, when they talk about meeting outside the mall and get in the car and being under streetlights they all coincide with the same point in each song 🤯🤯🤯

[@RawrGoesTheGreenDino]

Oh you need to know the Lore 😂 This song is a story about high school lovers. You gotta listen to them all Cardigan (is from Betty’s perspective) August (from the side’s perspective) Betty (from Jame’s perspective) It makes the song hurt so good. Lmao

[@veronicabonilla7086]

Cardigan is from Betty’s perspective but she older looking back at a teenage relationship. So it is about young love but looking at it from an older wiser perspective.

[@ElisabethsTeam]

But the video! Please consider doing a double feature of the videos for Cardigan & Willow. They were each the lead single from Folklore & Evermore.

[@layla_at1469]

It's the Betty, James, August trilogy.

[@lka9900]

The only potential tay-lore is that there are some interpretations of songs (Peter primarily) on TTPD believe it is implied that the cardigan trilogy was based on Taylor (cardigan) and Matty Healy (betty) and some third party (august) back when they first started hanging out in 2014 in their early 20s and still felt like young love. But it’s all speculative.

[@patriciaoutland1453]

I hope you are getting better Jake. Alex, I like your head phones lol.

[@veronicabonilla7086]

Next you have to listen to Betty and August it is a trilogy. Each song is from a different perspective of the same situation.

[@tylersamuels420]

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 happy ThursTay fellas #TaySway

[@danameyer9198]

Redo the listen to include the whole trilogy. You’ll put all the pieces together and LOVE it. ❤

[@dogloversmith7139]

❤

[@husnidevgan3045]

Okee alex , next u should react “August” . I will waiting

[@ashleypearson3567]

ITS ABOUT MATTY HEALY

[@tralala1865]

This is about you, you know who you are, I love you!!

[@tralala1865]

Realizing that outside of Taylore saying that in a comment is wild but you know what I’m leaving it without context.

[@tralala1865]

I think it can seem very loving if you don’t dive into the lyrics. But a lot of the clues come with the double entendres she uses. Put me on like a cardigan and put me on like deceiving someone. That portion gets more clear with the next verse in the friend to all is a friend to non and chase two girls lose the one. Essentially the song is about deception and betrayal and how when you’re young people tell you it’s not a big deal or you just don’t know what you’re talking about when in reality it haunts you beyond that youth

[@maryannes9235]

“And I knew you would come back to me, come back to me, come back….. And when I felt like I was an old cardigan under someone’s bed, you put me on and said I was your favorite” hits so differently now. She was begging him to reappear in her life the way he did before.

[@tcconnection]

Yes, growing up in the Nashville area as a teen, some ways of speaking do rub off.

[@PauTay942]

is it time for a patreon for these guys.

[@leredheadkitty]

If you do August do the lyric video. Studio version is supreme!

[@Ebethexilesmile]

Unless you watch the Eras live version and get that August run

[@Ebethexilesmile]

You guys don’t realize you’ve turned into folklore girlies lol. BUT you have neglected the Evermore album and it’s criminal. I can’t believe no one has requested Champagne Problems from the Eras tour. It’s a whole experience, particularly her speaking before she plays it ❤

[@Ebethexilesmile]

Betty and August should be next though. 💯. And it’s young love!

[@pokrdotbkini]

I can't believe you guy's have not reacted to JADE Angel of my dreams...S.A.D Version One of the members of little mix. 😭😱😭😱

[@dswiftie7719]

I think Mr. Clean is hot and he cleans!

[@allieeff9078]

Jokes aside…. I really need to know the model number of those headphones 😅

[@АсельЖаксымурат]

can you film the reaction to the song (LYA) by ZAQ and AZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JRay.R]

Evan idk why you insist on lying to Jake hahaha

[@TAHBofficial]

I would never lie to Jake! 😅

[@jaimebreen1165]

Ya so this is about Matty Healy...unfortunately .

[@Caillin_]

Congrats on 40k 🎉❤