Taylor Swift Tells Us How She Wrote 'Lover' | Diary of a Song

Summary

In this insightful video script, a musician candidly discusses the creative process behind their song 'Lover.' From the late-night inspiration in Nashville to the collaborative studio sessions, the artist shares the emotional depth and personal significance of the track. The narrative highlights the importance of the bridge, the use of real reverbs for a nostalgic feel, and the meticulous attention to lyrics. The song's development, from a simple piano melody to a full production, showcases the passion and intuition that drive the artist's work.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The artist describes songwriting as capturing a 'glittery cloud' that floats before you, emphasizing the spontaneous and inspired nature of the process.
• 🎵 The song 'Lover' was conceived in bed late at night in Nashville, showcasing how inspiration can strike at any moment.
• 🎧 The artist had a clear vision for 'Lover' as a song people in love would want to slow dance to, reflecting a desire to create an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
• 🎼 The chorus of 'Lover' consists of simple, existential questions that people in love might ask, highlighting the emotional depth and vulnerability in the song's lyrics.
• 🎹 The word 'lover' was chosen for its poetic connotations, despite it being a polarizing term, indicating the artist's willingness to embrace controversy for artistic expression.
• 🎵 The artist completed the entire song in one night at the piano in Nashville, demonstrating a burst of creative productivity.
• 👥 Collaboration with Jack and Taylor involved a fast-paced exchange of ideas, requiring the artist to keep up and not hinder the creative flow.
• 🎚️ The recording process involved using real reverbs and tape echoes to give the song a nostalgic and unique character.
• 🎸 The bass line, played on a special bass referred to as the 'Paul bass,' is central to the song's structure and is considered the hook.
• 🏡 The lyrics touch on the profound nature of young adults combining their lives and making a home together, adding a layer of relatable storytelling to the song.
• 🎶 The bridge of 'Lover' introduces the concept of vows and is designed to elevate the song, using common wedding phrases in a twisted, creative way.

Q & A

What is the significance of the word 'Lover' in the context of the song?

The word 'Lover' is significant as it is a term the songwriter has always loved in the context of poetry or songs, despite not using it in everyday life. It was chosen for the song to evoke a sense of intimacy and love.

How does the songwriter describe the process of songwriting?

The songwriter describes songwriting as a process where a 'little glittery cloud' of inspiration floats in front of your face, and you grab it at the right time, then fill in the gaps using your knowledge of song structure.

Where was the songwriter when the idea for 'Lover' struck them?

The songwriter was in bed in Nashville when the idea for 'Lover' struck them.

What was the initial idea that the songwriter had for the song 'Lover'?

The initial idea for 'Lover' was a simple, beautiful chorus that people in love would want to slow dance to, envisioning the last two people on a dance floor at 3 a.m., swaying.

What was the first thing the songwriter did when they got the idea for 'Lover'?

The first thing the songwriter did was to get out of bed, stumble over to the piano, and record a voice memo with the chorus idea.

What kind of questions does the songwriter want the chorus of 'Lover' to pose?

The songwriter wanted the chorus to pose simple, existential questions that people ask when they are in love, such as 'Can I go where you go?' and 'Can we always be this close?'

How did the songwriter and their team approach the production of 'Lover'?

The songwriter and their team approached the production of 'Lover' by using real reverbs and tape echoes, playing with different instruments like a special bass and snare drums with brushes, and focusing on creating a nostalgic and dreamy sound.

What was the inspiration behind the bass line in 'Lover'?

The inspiration behind the bass line in 'Lover' was a desire to emulate a 'Paul thump,' referencing Paul McCartney's style, using a bass that belonged to the studio.

How does the songwriter view the role of a bridge in a song?

The songwriter views the bridge as a crucial element that takes the song to a higher level, introducing new ideas and providing a contrast to the rest of the song, similar to the experience of driving through beautiful scenery and then going through a tunnel.

What was the songwriter's approach to the lyrics during the recording process?

The songwriter was obsessively going over every lyric during the recording process to ensure they were the final desired versions, making sure the words accurately conveyed the intended emotions and messages.

How did the songwriter and the team feel after completing the song 'Lover'?

After completing the song 'Lover,' the songwriter and the team felt excited and satisfied, with the songwriter expressing a strong personal attachment to the song, even ready to reject negative feedback due to their love for it.