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..✋🏻

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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 😂 🤣

[@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 😍😳

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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-

[@dashriprock6682]

"All Too Well" is exquisite. It's a work of art.

[@pwrrpw319]

Here Here !, either the long or short video's are absolute perfection & chock full of emotion !

[@reneeyarbrough6480]

I have days this is on repeat

[@alihire]

Imagine writing your magnum opus at the age of 21. Absolutely incredible

[@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. ❤

[@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

[@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 ?

[@RomeNowski-tw6dd]

At 65 years of age, macho, opinionated, "been there, done that" definitely not impressed by all the media attention especially during the current football play offs. Bored, and curious I decided to see for myself what's all the rage about? Until i came across this performance. "Lover" and "Red" stunned with a lump in my throat and teary eyed, speechless, lost in emotion. Taylor you sang to this harded heart. Thank you . I felt love again. Your music was key that faded through the years.

[@aleksandrap.5088]

Hi! I'm so happy you shared your opinion and you had the courage to actually give her a chance. I recommend you album folklore and evermore. They're very emotional and incredibly written. Thank you once again

[@pwrrpw319]

Similar but different story here, I'm a 56 year old male, been there done that too a degree , a washed up has been that never was , is my motto, I love music & I play guitar & I have written songs, but this woman has more talent in her little finger, than I do in my whole body !!!!, All too well is just awesome !!!! , anyone who doubts Taylor Swifts talent should go watch either the long or short version of this song !!!! , either way its sheer perfection & chock full of emotion !!! , if you don't feel like crying, your either dead or not human !!!!!!!

[@monicahonaker2224]

This comment makes me so happy ❤ Thank you for sharing.

[@bondonekat2085]

​@@pwrrpw319 you cant fool me man, this is defo a swiftie fangirl

[@elizaonthemountain3464]

Same except replace macho. I remember when Romeo and Juliette came out and thought, "Oh she's talented" but I don't really follow stuff. So with the recent Travis Kelce, politics, etc. I thought I should check it. And here you are. Wonderful to find my feelings mirrored in the most unlikely source. Peace brother❤

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@ajp4860]

Omg. Four years later, and she is a superstar around the globe

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@dvdgreen13]

This is the first time I have ever heard her music ... Whoa ... No wonder why she is popular .... she is FANTASTIC !!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-gs1eh5hr9t]

Я наблюдаю за Тейлор Свифт ещё когда она шестнадцатилетняя девочка исполняла песни в стиле кантри.

[@JG-vq6rd]

​@@user-gs1eh5hr9tmy ex-wife is a huge country music fan and had the TV tuned to a country music video station all the time. I recall a TS video that kind of had a Romeo and Juliet theme. I don't recall the name of the song but I remember being really impressed with what she was putting out as a 16 year old. You could see the poise and intelligence even back then.

[@wolfmannews]

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????Are you tone-deaf?????????????????????????????????????????????

[@cherryandrada6417]

she's really gifted! you should watch some of her live performances when she was 16

[@alexmcc13]

@@JG-vq6rdThe song is Love Story (Taylor’s Version) 💛

[@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

[@heatherpagano7878]

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

[@cowboylikeme854]

Hahahahahaha

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@alexandriatran761]

Taylor Swift out here making me cry over a breakup neither she nor I had.

[@itskashkashi]

Same girl sameee. That's kind of how i felt listening to folklore too.

[@iga279]

You should see a shrink.

[@samayakumar183]

thats called the magic of taylor swift!

[@mattsaracen7]

@@iga279 you must be dead inside

[@birdsfallsilent]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@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

[@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

[@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 ❤️

[@arakanecofi3214]

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

[@wahidishrar96]

thank you bc I only came here for all too well and you helped me find it easily

[@hannahrlundberg]

same, it helped me a lot

[@emilyschnettler7990]

Thx

[@celebiglives9842]

Thank you

[@timothygulyn2194]

Love you

[@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-

[@katebainbridge]

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

[@kjkellogg]

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

[@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

[@hendrairawan]

she looked really comfortable singing and playing instruments with that many people really close to her and in not much of space. I love that

[@porcelainflamingo]

Me too Kratos

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Why wouldn't she? She's been doing it since she was a teen.

[@folklovermore.]

cause that's her roots, playing in Cafés with small audience.

[@zaishen14]

It actually gave me a Secret Session vibe that she usually do before officially releasing her albums.

[@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...

[@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.

[@duannes]

a folklore tiny desk concert could end this pandemic.

[@ericabd6354]

Evermore*

[@ttoharr]

@@ericabd6354 BOTH

[@PrachiSharma-tl7eg]

We swifties come up with real solutions 😌❤

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!!!

[@roughhouse2232]

Nothing like an ad in the middle of a song to rob you of the emotional experience that music is intended to offer

[@ilike_color]

OMG SO IT WASNT JUST ME

[@rosieosho]

i got so angry omg

[@pablovat6104]

Well put roughy

[@reubenjoao7013]

It's an offense punishable by death

[@sandpiper_]

i got one right when Death by a Thousand Cuts was starting (like right when the lyrics started)

[@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! 👍🏻

[@aakankshapandey7552]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@stewdogg42]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@christo6167]

I consider myself an old hippie (in my 70s) who grew up during the counterculture of the 60s. Never thought much about Taylor Swift, or her music, but this tiny desk concert has converted me. I am now a committed Swifty. Thank you NPR and thank you Taylor Swift for proving that music is love and can bridge the gap between generations, political affiliations, and cultural divides. You go girl - Rock on!

[@sonicimperium]

Again another bot claiming to be a "hippie in their 70's" pretending to have just found her "music" lol!

[@xntricity6446]

​@@sonicimperiumhow is that a bot, that person has had a youtube channel for many years.

[@sonicimperium]

@@xntricity6446 Leftistbot

[@moonstonejan]

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

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@joemedley195]

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

[@kessiamarques00]

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

[@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 )

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@hannahkateusz3470]

the foreshadowing of her talking about what she would do if she were to be happy and she would tell stories through songs and that’s literally what she did on folklore is WOW 🤩🤩

[@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!

[@hoagybob]

Yup, now I’m a fan.

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-dn4ge6zx7v]

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

[@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...?

[@Elizabeth-Ferry]

“If someone’s gonna take your hand, they better take it scars and all”🥺

[@PaulDano_]

❤❤❤

[@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 💛

[@robertmoye7565]

Nice to see Taylor Swift outside of the hype and glitz. She reminds me of Joni Mitchell in some ways.

[@TruthBeTold121212]

Huh??? Joni wrote a LOT more than about teenage breakups ...

[@robertmoye7565]

Joni had longer to anguish@@TruthBeTold121212

[@katebainbridge]

@@TruthBeTold121212did you actually listen to the songs she plays in this video? 😂

[@rizielv9040]

I believe she only scratch the surface of her talent. Time can only tell if she finds the way through or just stay this way.

[@lucone2937]

Taylor is very smart and witty to explain how she makes her music. She deserves all her success as a songwriter and musician.

[@Annamarie40985]

Indeed ❤️

[@Fkdurecords]

shut up you idiot.

[@michaliskossyfas5862]

@ Don't be an elitist. She's always sang love songs, being country doesn't make them better by default. It's the lyrical quality that matters and most would argue that is has only improved as she matures.

[@KaylaBlackburnMusic]

This acoustic version of Death by a Thousand Cuts is absolutely magical.

[@luizasantiago566]

best song of the album not because its reaaaaally good but because im starting to think that its the only song in the album that even though it changed (my mixing etc) its still very good... other ones not so much, like it better raw

[@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 😅

[@trishkeller8228]

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

[@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

[@k_dellz]

what’s crazy is she still holds onto the meaning of all too well after all these years. the pure emotion is still in her voice.

[@verbimu]

personally, i think that's cause she was going through what she wrote about in all too well when she sung it here... i mean... it is -so- curious how she sung two break up songs after LOVER... ykno?

[@mmaa9199]

@@verbimu Wdym? That means nothing

[@user-wl3hh6ir3p]

cuz she remembers it all too well

[@jaredcadz]

@@verbimu she's with Joe since 2016. What nonsense are you talking about?

[@ridzzz226]

@@user-wl3hh6ir3p good one 😂

[@judithbradford9130]

Her sincerity and emotional expression are sublime. I see why she is loved so widely and so well!!

[@jimmydee935]

In terms of being a talented songwriter, this young lady is just ridiculously gifted. The amount of hits that she has put out throughout her enormously successful career is astonishing. The ability to write lyrics that consistently resonate with the audience no matter who, where, or what their life’s journey is simply incredible 👏🏻

[@BethThereseReacts]

petition for her to do another tiny desk but from home, and she sings the whole album 🥰 (folklore) 🤩

[@angieseminara3473]

Hold my long pond studio session

[@BethThereseReacts]

my comment was posted before long pond lol

[@lanainmydreams]

@@BethThereseReacts and your wish was answered. How happy you must be! 😂

[@AraJade]

Anyone else get chills on that line "if the story's over why am I still writing pages"?

[@user-sc9ky7qf7y]

The song "Lover" is so beautiful.

[@phyllisevans7421]

Wow… I loved her music already but seeing her in this bare setting… so amazing. Such incredible talent…

[@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

[@jules6631]

Can we just say that these acoustic vibes really feel like folklore

[@SuperMarksman33]

Yes we can.

[@shreyakanyal2166]

Yaaas

[@deyvedallysson462]

Even the clothes she is wearing has a folklore vibe

[@samkcatladyaks]

Imagine a fully acoustic album of the best Folklore and Red songs😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kautlight]

the best tiny desk of all time, i just watch it over and over again