Taylor Swift’s 10-Minute Version of All Too Well Almost Wasn’t Recorded (Extended) | Tonight Show

Summary

In this engaging interview, Taylor Swift opens up about her creative process and personal experiences, including the re-recording of her 'Red' album and the release of the highly anticipated '10-minute version' of 'All Too Well.' She shares behind-the-scenes stories about her music, the emotional depth of her songwriting, and her connection with fans. Taylor also talks about her upcoming short film based on 'All Too Well,' starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien, and the challenges and triumphs of directing. Her genuine appreciation for her fans and creative journey shines through in this heartfelt conversation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Taylor Swift jokes about not embarrassing her guest this time, referencing a past incident where her mom secretly recorded a funny video of him after LASIK surgery.
• 😀 Taylor Swift praises the bravery and service of military personnel, highlighting their incredible contributions.
• 😀 Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Taylor Swift had a highly productive two years, releasing five albums, a documentary, and winning a Grammy.
• 😀 Taylor Swift's 'Red (Taylor's Version)' is about to be released, with fans eagerly anticipating the new version and the inclusion of unreleased songs.
• 😀 The re-recorded version of 'Red' features guest artists like Chris Stapleton and Phoebe Bridgers, adding fresh collaborations to her previous work.
• 😀 Taylor Swift shares the excitement around the release of the 10-minute version of 'All Too Well,' revealing its deeper personal significance.
• 😀 The 10-minute version of 'All Too Well' originally had a much longer format that was shortened for the radio, but now fans will hear the original lyrics in full.
• 😀 Taylor Swift explains that 'All Too Well' became a fan favorite despite not being a single, making it the most beloved song from the 'Red' album.
• 😀 She reveals that during the songwriting process for 'All Too Well,' she was going through an emotional time, and the song was born out of her cathartic, raw emotions.
• 😀 Taylor Swift discusses the personal nature of her music-making process, which includes journaling, talking to friends, and spending time with her cats as a way of dealing with tough times.
• 😀 The short film for 'All Too Well' was written and directed by Taylor Swift, starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien. The chemistry between the actors and the continuous shot in one intense scene stands out as a unique and captivating cinematic moment.

Q & A

What was the story behind the embarrassing videos Taylor's mom sent to Jimmy Kimmel?

Taylor's mom secretly recorded a video of her after she got LASIK surgery while she was high. The footage became memes and gifs, creating a funny and unexpected legacy for Taylor that lived on even after her music career.

What special feature does Taylor mention about her re-recorded 'Red (Taylor's Version)' album?

In re-recording 'Red (Taylor's Version),' Taylor unearthed several songs that were originally meant for the album but were left off. These songs are now being included in the re-recorded version, giving fans a chance to hear music that was never released before.

How did Taylor Swift approach the process of creating 'All Too Well (10-minute version)'?

The 10-minute version of 'All Too Well' was originally written in one go during band rehearsals when Taylor was feeling down. She played the guitar, ad-libbed her emotions, and the song evolved organically into a longer, intense piece, which was recorded and later cut down to a shorter version for the album.

Why did Taylor originally shorten 'All Too Well'?

Taylor had to shorten 'All Too Well' to a more conventional length because 10-minute songs are considered too long for radio play. The original, longer version was kept private until now, and it has been released in its entirety as part of 'Red (Taylor's Version).'

What is Taylor most excited for fans to hear from the 'Red (Taylor's Version)' album?

Taylor is most excited for fans to hear the 10-minute version of 'All Too Well,' as it contains the original lyrics and embodies the song's true form, which she is extremely proud of.

How does Taylor typically deal with difficult emotions?

Taylor deals with her emotions in a variety of ways, including journaling, talking to friends, writing songs, and even adopting cats. These different outlets help her process and cope with tough times.

What role did cats play in Taylor's emotional healing?

Taylor humorously mentioned that she buys cats when she's feeling down, as they are incredibly understanding and comforting during tough times.

What was the process behind the creation of the short film for 'All Too Well'?

Taylor wrote and directed a short film based on the song 'All Too Well.' She cast Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien, who delivered exceptional performances. The film was a new experience for Taylor, particularly in terms of directing, and it features a continuous one-take shot that became a standout moment.

What makes the one-take shot in the 'All Too Well' short film so significant?

The one-take shot in the short film captures a highly tense scene between the two main characters, Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien. Their electric chemistry and improvisation made it impossible to cut the scene, resulting in a long, continuous take that enhances the realism and emotional impact.

How did Taylor Swift announce the premiere of the 'All Too Well' short film?

Taylor unexpectedly announced the premiere of the 'All Too Well' short film at the AMC 13 theater in Lincoln Square, New York, the day before it was scheduled to release on YouTube. The premiere was a special event for her fans.