‘Folklore’ and ‘Cardigan’: The Evolution of Taylor Swift’s Music

On July 24, 2020, Taylor Swift unexpectedly broke the musical silence of the pandemic with the release of her eighth studio album, ‘Folklore.’ Built upon the raw and emotive storytelling that Taylor Swift has come to be renowned for, ‘Folklore’ marked a significant shift in her musical style and narrative approach. Swift’s growth and evolution as an artist can be clearly seen in the song ‘Cardigan,’ which showcases the mature and introspective themes of the album.

‘Folklore’ was an intimate, indie musical project; a departure from the pop-centric ‘Lover.’ The album further cemented Swift’s narrative and song-writing skills. With its dreamlike melodies and gut-wrenching lyrics, the album reflected a notably introspective side of the artist. Swift created a product born out of isolation and introspection, which resonated with listeners on a deeper level.

Within this gallery of lyrical portraits, ‘Cardigan’ stood out. The song allowed Swift to create a narrative about a woman recalling her lost love. This powerful ballad, measured and warm, is an emotionally rich manifestation of the depth of Swift’s storytelling talent. Minimalistic, but layered with subtle complexities, ‘Cardigan’ is an ode to weathered, resilient love.

The song begins with a haunting yet beautiful piano melody, immediately setting the mood for the heartfelt tale of love and loss. These themes are prevalent in Swift’s body of work, but ‘Cardigan’ tackles them with a raw honesty and vulnerability seldom seen in her previous work. The track carefully weaves a captivating story, drawing in listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and enchanting melodies.

Swift’s mentions of the ‘cashmere jackets’ the protagonist often wore, and the cardigans he left behind continue to paint a vivid picture of their shared past. This lyric isn’t just about a piece of clothing; it’s an embodiment of comfort, love, and lingering sentiments.

However, the narrative does not merely dwell in nostalgia; it unveils growth and resilience in the face of love lost. Despite the heartache, the subject of ‘Cardigan’ finds the strength to acknowledge the beauty of the past while accepting the reality of the present, draped metaphorically in a cardigan of emotional armor.

It’s through ‘Cardigan’ and the entirety of ‘Folklore,’ that Swift masterfully uses metaphors, allegory, and vivid imagery to engage listeners in an intimate conversation about love, loss, and self-discovery. The album showcases a significant and delightful departure from her previous styles, leading to this quieter, more indie-folk genre that’s far removed from her country-pop roots.

In conclusion, ‘Folklore’ and specifically, ‘Cardigan,’ demonstrate Swift’s talent and adaptability as an artist. She created a work of music that resonates deeply with her listeners. ‘Folklore’ is more than an album. It’s a series of beautifully woven tales, each more emotive than the last. ‘Cardigan,’ with its vivid imagery of ‘cashmere jackets’ and worn cardigans, stands as the embodiment of this introspective journey, furthering her impact on the music industry and solidifying her legacy as a musical icon.