The Identity of the Subjects in ‘betty’, ‘august’, and ‘cardigan’
Taylor Swift is known for her lyrical storytelling, often drawing inspiration from her own personal experiences. The three songs ‘betty’, ‘august’, and ‘cardigan’ were all released as part of her eighth studio album, “folklore,” and are interconnected through a narrative thread exploring a teenage love triangle. While Taylor hasn’t explicitly confirmed the real-life identities of the subjects in these songs, there are some theories and speculations among fans.
betty
In ‘betty,’ Taylor sings from the perspective of James, a teenage boy who regrets his past actions and seeks forgiveness from a girl named Betty. Many fans speculate that ‘betty’ is inspired by a real-life event in Taylor’s adolescence or a fictional narrative she created. Some theories suggest that the character Betty could possibly be based on someone from Taylor’s childhood or a fictional persona she has crafted.
Furthermore, fans have speculated whether ‘betty’ could be a companion song to Taylor’s earlier hit ‘You Belong with Me.’ Both songs explore themes of misunderstood teenage love and the complexities of relationships. However, it is important to note that these theories are purely speculative and haven’t been confirmed by Swift herself.
august
In ‘august,’ Taylor tells the story from the perspective of an unnamed girl who had a summer romance with a boy named James – the same James mentioned in ‘betty.’ This song portrays the girl’s perspective and her feelings of heartbreak as the summer fling comes to an end. Similar to ‘betty,’ the identity of the real-life people behind these characters remains unknown.
Fans have been quick to draw connections between ‘betty’ and ‘august,’ considering their shared references to James and their parallel narrative viewpoints. Some speculate that ‘august’ might be providing additional insight into the love triangle, showing how the unnamed girl experienced the situation from her side. However, it is essential to remember that these theories are based on interpretation and not confirmed by Taylor Swift.
cardigan
‘cardigan’ is seen as the third perspective in this interconnected narrative. While ‘betty’ and ‘august’ tell the story from the two different characters’ viewpoints, ‘cardigan’ provides a more reflective perspective, centering around Taylor’s own emotions and experiences. The song describes the transition from a youthful infatuation to a mature reflection on past relationships.
Rumors circulated that ‘cardigan’ may have been inspired by Taylor Swift’s own romance, particularly her relationship with Joe Alwyn. The lyrics hint at a long-lasting connection and enduring love. However, speculation aside, Taylor Swift has kept the true inspiration for ‘cardigan’ ambiguous, allowing fans to interpret the song in various ways.
The Gossip and Speculation
When it comes to Taylor Swift, speculation and gossip often swirl around her lyrics and the real-life individuals who may inspire them. Right after the release of “folklore,” fans meticulously dissected every song, searching for clues and connections. There were countless theories, such as casting these songs as part of a fictional teenage love triangle or relating them to Swift’s personal relationships.
While Taylor Swift has occasionally shared insights into her songwriting process and the inspiration behind her music, she also values the power of allowing listeners to form their interpretations. By keeping the identities of the subjects in ‘betty,’ ‘august,’ and ‘cardigan’ ambiguous, she invites fans to connect with the songs in their own unique ways.
In conclusion, the theories behind the identity of the subjects in ‘betty,’ ‘august,’ and ‘cardigan’ rely on fans’ interpretations and speculations. While there is no concrete evidence to confirm the real-life inspirations behind these songs, Taylor Swift’s ability to create relatable narratives has captured the hearts and minds of her audience. It is this ability to evoke emotions and spark discussions that makes Taylor Swift a masterful storyteller in the music industry.
