Taylor Swift collaborated with her former boyfriend Joe Alwyn on the song “Exile,” which was featured on her 2020 album Folklore. This emotional ballad, sung as a duet with Bon Iver, showcases Joe’s talent as a musician and songwriter, as he wrote the piano part and sang on the track under the pseudonym William Bowery. Taylor confirmed in her concert film that William and Joe were the same person, revealing that Joe had a knack for creating and playing music.
In the song, Taylor and Joe sing about a relationship gone wrong, with lyrics like “I can see you standin’ honey/With his arms around your body/Laughin’ but the joke’s not funny at all.” Taylor explained that the COVID-19 shutdown provided the couple with the opportunity to work together on music, as they were both in quarantine with nothing else to do. Despite some initial apprehension, they decided to try writing a song together, which ultimately led to their collaboration on “Exile.”
Taylor expressed her pride in their work on “Exile,” noting that the song went on to win Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammys. She spoke about the process of writing with Joe, saying that all she had to do was come up with lyrics and a story, and he would help bring it to life. Their collaboration on “Exile” proved to be successful, with the song resonating with listeners and receiving critical acclaim.
The experience of writing and recording “Exile” together allowed Taylor and Joe to explore their creative abilities as a couple. Taylor praised Joe’s talents as a musician and noted that their collaboration on the song was a unique and rewarding experience. Despite any initial doubts they may have had about working together, their collaboration on “Exile” ultimately resulted in a successful and meaningful partnership.
Overall, the song “Exile” represents a significant moment in Taylor Swift’s career, as it allowed her to showcase her musical talents alongside her former boyfriend Joe Alwyn. The emotional ballad resonated with listeners and critics, ultimately winning Album of the Year at the Grammys. Taylor and Joe’s collaboration on the song demonstrated their ability to work together creatively and produce meaningful music. “Exile” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of their relationship as both partners and artists.
