WILLOW INTERPRETATION
I've been thinking and I feel like I finally have a willow interpretation that makes sense to me. I was watching the storyboard video and it definitely stuck out that this reflection was in some way or at some point meant to be just her, seemingly to represent thinking back on herself or her life. However, in the video, this is changed to a reflection of her and the male character. I think this represents a clue for interpretation- we are shown a man and a certain narrative in the final product, but, behind the scenes, Taylor has a different story. Ultimately, I think willow is about protecting a relationship through hiding it from the public narrative. Let's examine!
I'm like the water when your ship rolled in that night
Rough on the surface but you cut through like a knife
I feel like this line is very vague, but emphasizes the difference between how she shows herself to be and how she is- potentially highlighting that someone unique cut through her walls/plans/etc. and changed her or her outlook.
And if it was an open-shut case
I never would've known from that look on your face
Lost in your current like a priceless wine
I feel like she's saying that things are complicated with our situation, but I'm "lost in your current" and still drawn to you. I don't know what plan would be best or what's going to happen, but it doesn't necessarily matter and them being together is the ultimate priority. Note, Taylor uses wine as a metaphor for sex frequently. To call lesbian sex a priceless wine is just kind of lowkey iconic. Moving on.
The more that you say
The less I know
Wherever you stray
I follow
I'm equating the more that you say the less I know as the further this public narrative goes, the less I'll "know" about the situation. Wherever we stray from the truth, I will follow the path that will allow me to be with you.
I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
I want to go with you, and will prioritize that choice over any plans around constructing an ideal or truthful public narrative. I feel like I'm definitely over-interpreting "that's my man", but in context it seems like a confirmation of utilizing a male narrative, beard, etc. to protect the relationship-- more on this later.
Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind (oh)
Head on the pillow, I could feel you sneaking in
Life and plans changed as they needed to. At the end of the day, they were together and it was worth it.
As if you were a mythical thing
Like you were a trophy or a champion ring
And there was one prize I'd cheat to win
While it wouldn't be unusual to compare a love interest with a mythical thing, trophy, a champion ring, a prize, etc., I think the use of the word cheat is really key here. Why would you be doing something deceptive to ensure the success of a relationship (aside from literal adultery)? I think it makes sense to think of bearding as "cheating" in this context. You get the desired public narrative, you get the privacy, you get the relationship-- all without the costs associated with a public gay relationship or any other risks associated with their particular situation.
You know that my train could take you home
Anywhere else is hollow
I really like this line because Taylor has used the metaphor of a train in other songs. It specifically felt like a little bit of a callback to the Archer, "I jump from the train, I ride off alone". This part requires a connection, but I interpret the Archer to be about Taylor's relationship with her public narrative in the context of coming out to her fans. I have a full interpretation post from when Lover dropped-- if I can find it and figure out how to link it, I'll put it here. In any case, I interpreted that line in the Archer to mean leaving her public narrative as it was and subsequently losing public approval. The "train" in context would be the public narrative- once it starts, it's difficult to change course without running off the tracks. Relating this back to this lyric, I think it can be interpreted as I can keep you safe within the public narrative that I've created. Other options may not be guaranteed, but you know that I have the power to protect us.
"Combat, I'm ready for combat” She’s ready for the difficulty of coming out, to fight the narrative that’s been set for her. “I say I don't
Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind (oh)
They count me out time and time again
Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind (oh)
But I come back stronger than a 90's trend
Roughly, I think this section relates to how public favor will come and go. Taylor's career has been long enough and big enough to demonstrate this quite well. You can't control everything and nothing will be perfect. Unrelated, but it has to be said: this was objectively not the song to put a 90's trend reference lyric. Taylor, what were you thinking. A single out of place modern reference in an otherwise timeless, witchy, ethereal song? Ugh. And no one around to tweet it. I digress.
Wait for the signal and I'll meet you after dark
Reference to sneaking around outside of the public narrative/view in a planned way.
Show me the places where the others gave you scars
This line is just really cute and I vibe with it.
Now this is an open-shut case
Guess I should've known from the look on your face
Every bait and switch was a work of art
Now there is a plan of how the relationship will operate outside of a public narrative, and an understanding. Every bait and switch was a work of art, not something to mourn but celebrate as it allows the relationship to be protected. Also could reference the more literal bait and switch within the art and the public narrative itself with the use of beards or double meanings.
Hey, that's my man
That's my man
Every bait and switch was a work of art
Yeah, that's my man
That's my man
Hey, that's my man
I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
The repetition here is really striking, especially paired with "every bait and switch was a work of art". I think it could be interpreted a lot of ways, but to me it's almost a joke. Like hey, we're going with this bearding public narrative to protect us and I'm all in at this point, look over there, that's my man! Maybe that's my man! Here's a PR stunt, here's a lyric with a double meaning, here's the bait and switch, that's my man.
I do feel like this interpretation aligns with the music video, although the video is obviously so detailed and requires further analysis.
In general, I think the lyrics could be interpreted in so many ways-- that's part of the beauty of Taylor's writing. Let me know what y'all think!
