Taylor Swift's First Song About Joe Alwyn
Hey guys, let's dive into the music of Taylor Swift and figure out which track was the very first one she penned about her former flame, Joe Alwyn. This is a question that has Swifties buzzing, and honestly, who doesn't love a good deep dive into Taylor's songwriting? She's the queen of spilling tea through her lyrics, and when it comes to her relationships, especially one as significant as her time with Joe Alwyn, fans are always eager to uncover the stories behind the songs. We're going to explore the timeline, the lyrical clues, and the general consensus among fans to pinpoint this elusive first song. It's not always straightforward, as Taylor often weaves subtle hints and personal narratives into her music, making deciphering her inspirations a fun, albeit challenging, game.
So, when did Taylor Swift's songwriting journey begin to feature Joe Alwyn? Their relationship, which became public knowledge around 2016-2017, coincided with a period of significant artistic output for Taylor. She had just released Reputation, an album that many fans believed was largely inspired by her new romance and the public scrutiny she faced. However, the question is specifically about the first song written about him, not necessarily the first released or the most overtly about him. This distinction is crucial, as songwriting can often precede the album release by months, or even years. We need to consider songs that might have been written during the early stages of their relationship, even if they appeared on later albums. The early days of any relationship are often filled with intense emotions, new experiences, and a desire to capture those feelings in art, and for Taylor, that art is her music. We'll be looking for those subtle nods, the recurring themes, and the specific lyrical details that point towards Joe Alwyn as the muse.
Early Whispers and Lyrical Clues
When we talk about the first song Taylor Swift wrote about Joe Alwyn, many fans and critics point to tracks from the Reputation album. However, the consensus leans heavily towards a particular song that encapsulates the clandestine beginnings of their romance. "Gorgeous", released on Reputation in 2017, is widely considered by the Swiftie community to be the first song Taylor Swift wrote about Joe Alwyn. The song itself is incredibly playful and captures the giddy, somewhat secretive thrill of falling for someone new. The lyrics, "You should think about the consequence / Of young love and the best people in life are free," hint at a relationship that might have been frowned upon or at least kept under wraps initially. Taylor herself introduced the song live by saying, "This is a song about how I felt when I first started falling for someone, and it was really, really new." This statement, coupled with the song's release date and its thematic content, strongly suggests that "Gorgeous" was indeed the inaugural track inspired by Joe Alwyn. The imagery in the song, like the "rhinestone eyes" and the "mean streaks," are often analyzed by fans as direct references to Joe. It's that initial spark, that feeling of being utterly smitten and almost disbelieving of the connection, that "Gorgeous" so perfectly articulates. It’s that feeling of being caught off guard by love, which is a very relatable and human experience that Taylor has a knack for translating into universally appealing music. The song's upbeat tempo and lighthearted tone reflect the early, exciting phase of a blossoming romance. It’s not the deep, mature reflection seen in later songs, but rather the pure, unadulterated joy and perhaps a touch of apprehension that comes with falling for someone new, especially when navigating a public life. The "consequence of young love" line is particularly telling, suggesting a playful acknowledgment of the potential drama or scrutiny that could arise from a high-profile relationship.
Another song often brought up in this discussion is "Call It What You Want", also from Reputation. While "Call It What You Want" is deeply personal and speaks to finding solace and peace in a relationship amidst external chaos, many believe it came slightly after "Gorgeous" in terms of composition or at least represented a deeper stage of the relationship. The lyrics, "This love is ours / And you'll never be alone," evoke a sense of security and commitment that might have developed after the initial "gorgeous" phase. However, the sheer immediacy and almost breathless excitement of "Gorgeous" aligns more closely with the first moments of falling for someone. The feeling of observing the person and being struck by their presence, which is central to "Gorgeous," is a powerful indicator of an early infatuation. The song’s narrative feels like a snapshot of that very moment when attraction takes hold and begins to bloom into something more significant. It’s that initial “wow” factor that Taylor captures so vividly. The comparison between "Gorgeous" and "Call It What You Want" highlights the evolution of Taylor's songwriting and her ability to capture different facets of a relationship as it progresses. "Gorgeous" is the spark, while "Call It What You Want" is the steady flame. Both are beautiful in their own right, but the prompt specifically asks for the first song, and the evidence points strongly to "Gorgeous" as that initial spark.
The Reputation Era: A Deep Dive into Joe Alwyn Inspirations
When we look at the Reputation album as a whole, it's almost undeniable that Joe Alwyn was a significant muse for Taylor Swift during this period. Following the intense public scrutiny and media storm she endured, Reputation marked a shift in Taylor's narrative, embracing a more private and defiant stance. Songs like "King of My Heart", released on the same album, are also often cited as being about Joe. The lyrics, "And all at once, you are the one I want," express a definitive commitment, suggesting a more established phase of the relationship. However, the timeline of writing versus release is key here. If "Gorgeous" captures the initial flutter, then "King of My Heart" might represent a later realization of deep love and partnership. Taylor’s ability to articulate the progression of feelings is a testament to her skill as a songwriter. It’s like watching a story unfold, and each song is a chapter, but we’re trying to pinpoint the very first sentence of that love story.
Another track that fans frequently associate with Joe Alwyn is "Delicate". Lyrically, "Delicate" explores the fragile beginnings of a new connection, the uncertainty and the hope that it might develop into something lasting. Lines like, "Is it cool that I said all that? / Is it too much that I fell in love with you?" and "My reputation's never been worse, so / You must like me for me," directly address the challenges of starting a relationship under the public eye. Many fans believe "Delicate" was written relatively early in their relationship, perhaps even overlapping with the period when "Gorgeous" was conceived. However, the tone of "Delicate" feels slightly more introspective and cautious than the pure exhilaration of "Gorgeous." It’s the feeling of testing the waters, of being vulnerable and hoping for acceptance. While "Gorgeous" is about being struck by someone's beauty and charm, "Delicate" is about the fear and excitement of a new connection taking root despite external pressures. The vulnerability in "Delicate" is palpable, and it resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced similar anxieties in new relationships. It’s that raw emotion of wanting something real but being afraid of how it might be perceived or if it's even possible to have something genuine in the spotlight. This song captures that poignant moment of hopeful uncertainty, making it a strong contender for early Joe Alwyn inspiration, but perhaps not the very first.
Ultimately, while several songs on Reputation and subsequent albums have strong ties to Joe Alwyn, the overwhelming fan consensus, supported by Taylor's own hints, points to "Gorgeous" as the first song she wrote about him. It captures that initial, breathtaking moment of falling for someone, the thrill of new love, and the subtle acknowledgment of its newness and potential complexities. It’s the spark that ignited a significant chapter in her life and music. The song's vibrant energy and almost breathless delivery seem to echo the feeling of being completely captivated. It's that feeling of seeing someone across a crowded room and being instantly drawn to them, a sentiment that Taylor masterfully translates into song. The lyrics are playful, hinting at a magnetic attraction that transcends ordinary connections. The narrative woven into "Gorgeous" is one of pure infatuation, a state of being utterly mesmerized by another person. This initial enchantment is often the very first stage of falling in love, making "Gorgeous" a fitting candidate for the inaugural song inspired by Joe Alwyn. It’s the song that captures the exhilarating, almost dizzying sensation of a new romance taking hold, a feeling that Taylor has a unique talent for immortalizing in her music. The song’s title itself, “Gorgeous,” encapsulates this immediate and powerful reaction to someone’s presence. It’s a testament to how deeply Taylor’s music resonates with her audience, as fans actively engage in deciphering the intricate layers of her lyrical narratives. The journey of understanding Taylor Swift's songwriting is an ongoing exploration, and "Gorgeous" stands as a shining example of her ability to translate personal experiences into universally relatable art, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in her musical storytelling.
Beyond Reputation: Did Later Songs Continue the Narrative?
While Reputation is where many believe the first Joe Alwyn-inspired songs emerged, it's important to acknowledge that their relationship spanned several years and influenced music across multiple albums. For instance, on Lover (2019), songs like "Paper Rings" and "Lover" themselves are often interpreted as reflections of their established relationship. "Paper Rings" speaks to a desire for a simple, committed life together, "I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings," suggesting a deep bond and a vision for the future. This is clearly a progression from the tentative feelings expressed in "Gorgeous." The song "Lover" is even more direct, painting a picture of domestic bliss and profound affection. It’s a mature and settled love, far removed from the initial breathless excitement.
Similarly, folklore and evermore (2020), released during the pandemic, offered a more introspective and nuanced look at relationships, and many fans found Joe Alwyn's influence woven throughout these works. Songs like "invisible string" from folklore are particularly poignant. This song beautifully articulates the idea of fate and how their paths were always meant to cross, despite the complexities of their lives. The lyrics, "And isn't it just so pretty to think / All along there was some invisible string / Tying you to me?" speak to a sense of destiny and deep connection that develops over time. This song feels like a mature reflection on their journey together, looking back with gratitude and wonder. It represents a deepening of their bond and a sense of peaceful certainty. It’s about the quiet understanding and the shared history that builds a strong foundation for a relationship. It’s not about the initial spark but the enduring flame.
On evermore, tracks like "willow" are often seen as continuing this narrative, with its themes of surrender and deep connection. The song's enchanting melody and lyrical imagery evoke a sense of being swept away by love. It’s about embracing the allure of a shared life and finding comfort and belonging in each other's presence. This song captures that feeling of being fully immersed in a relationship, where two souls are intertwined and moving together in harmony. It’s about a love that is both enchanting and grounding, a powerful force that guides them forward. While these later songs are undoubtedly beautiful and offer rich insights into Taylor's feelings for Joe Alwyn, they represent the evolution and deepening of a relationship that had already begun. The raw, immediate thrill and the initial spark that characterize the first song written about someone are best exemplified by "Gorgeous." It’s the moment the story truly began to unfold in her lyrics, capturing that electric feeling of new love that resonates so powerfully with listeners. The journey from "Gorgeous" to songs like "invisible string" and "willow" showcases Taylor's growth as an artist and her ability to evolve her storytelling while staying true to the core emotions that inspire her. It’s a beautiful arc that highlights the enduring nature of connection and the passage of time, all beautifully documented through her songwriting prowess. The narrative of their relationship, as told through Taylor's music, is a compelling one, and "Gorgeous" remains the definitive starting point for understanding her lyrical inspirations related to Joe Alwyn.