Taylor Swift’s “Cardigan” is a nostalgic journey into a past relationship, filled with youthful innocence and raw emotions. Through the song, Taylor paints a picture of a love that is comforting and intense, like the warmth of an old cardigan. It reflects on the ups and downs of love, how memories linger, and the hope of rekindling what was once lost. Written during a reflective phase in Taylor’s life, the song captures the essence of fleeting moments and everlasting memories.
Curious about the deep emotions and memories behind “Cardigan”? Hop on, let’s take a stroll through Taylor’s lyrical genius.
“Cardigan” Lyrics Meaning
The song starts with “Vintage tee, brand new phone,” painting the contrasts of old and new. While she talks about her young self “When you are young, they assume you know nothing,” she clarifies that she was insightful beyond her years.
The chorus, “And when I felt like I was an old cardigan / Under someone’s bed / You put me on and said I was your favorite,” gives us a vivid imagery. Here, Taylor feels discarded, forgotten, like an old piece of clothing. Yet, in this love, she found warmth, comfort, and recognition.
“A friend to all is a friend to none / Chase two girls, lose the one” talks about the dilemmas of love and how spreading oneself too thin can lead to loss.
But it’s not all rosy. The lines “To kiss in cars and downtown bars / Was all we needed / You drew stars around my scars / But now I’m bleeding” tell us about the intensity of their moments together, but also the eventual hurt she felt.
The latter part of the song touches on the lingering effects of the relationship. “I knew you’d linger like a tattoo kiss / I knew you’d haunt all of my what-ifs” – even after the relationship’s end, its memories remain indelible, haunting her thoughts.
Ultimately, there’s a sense of cyclicality and hope, symbolized by the repetition of the cardigan metaphor at the song’s end. Despite everything, there’s still a part of her that clings to the hope of reconnection: “And you’d come back to me.”
The Story Behind “Cardigan”
Taylor Swift has always been lauded for her ability to capture intricate emotions and weave them into relatable narratives. “Cardigan” is no exception.
Crafted during a time when Taylor was introspective, looking back on past relationships and experiences, “Cardigan” holds a special place. It is part of her “folklore” album, born during the pandemic’s isolation and quiet. This gave Taylor the space to look inward, reflect, and produce some of her most intimate work.
The song, like many in the album, tells a story. It’s not just about love and heartbreak; it’s about growth, understanding, and the passage of time. While it’s not entirely clear if the song is about a specific person in Taylor’s life, it beautifully encapsulates the feeling of young love, the intensity of emotions, and the scars they leave behind.
Taylor has often spoken about her songwriting as her way of processing emotions and experiences. With “Cardigan”, she takes us on a journey, not just of a past relationship, but through the lanes of youth, innocence, and the bittersweet memories that shape us.