Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s Collaboration: The Story Behind Their Duet
The Story of Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s Collaboration on “Exile”
One of the most notable songs on Taylor Swift’s Folklore, the ballad “Exile” featuring Bon Iver, marked the first musical collaboration between Taylor and her former boyfriend, Joe Alwyn. Initially, Joe was credited under the pseudonym William Bowery. However, during Taylor’s Disney+ concert film, Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, she confirmed that William and Joe were, in fact, the same person.
Taylor’s Revelation About Joe’s Contribution
According to Taylor, Joe was responsible for writing the entire piano part in addition to lending his vocals to the track. His poignant lyrics, capturing the essence of the song, include, “I can see you standin’ honey/With his arms around your body/Laughin’ but the joke’s not funny at all.” Taylor also revealed that Joe enjoyed playing and creating music, which ultimately led to their collaboration. The COVID-19 shutdown played a significant role in bringing the couple together creatively.
The Unlikely Collaboration
During the lockdown, Taylor proposed the idea of writing a song together, acknowledging the potential awkwardness of the situation. However, with limited distractions and an abundance of time on their hands, they decided to give it a shot. Little did they know that this experiment would lead to the creation of a masterpiece.
The Fruit of Their Collaboration
Upon its release, “Exile” was met with critical acclaim, ultimately earning the duo the Album of the Year award at the 2021 Grammys. Taylor expressed her pride in their collaboration, emphasizing the seamless synergy between her and Joe. She stated, “All I have to do is dream up some lyrics and come up with some gut-wrenching, heart-shattering story to write with him,” underscoring the creative harmony they share.