On Taylor Swift’s “folklore” album, the teenage love triangle is a recurring theme explored in several songs, primarily in the trio of tracks “Cardigan,” “August,” and “Betty.” These songs tell a narrative from the perspectives of three characters involved in a complex love triangle during their teenage years. Each song offers a different viewpoint on the events that transpired.

“Cardigan”: This song is sung from the perspective of Betty, who feels nostalgic about a past relationship. She reflects on the ups and downs of the romance and the enduring impact it had on her.

“August”: “August” is sung from the perspective of the “other woman” in the teenage love triangle. The other woman is sometimes referred to as August, Augusta, or Augustine.  The song captures the emotions and experiences of the girl who was involved with James, the character Betty is addressing in “Cardigan.”

“Betty”: “Betty” is sung from the perspective of James, the character involved in the love triangle. In this song, James is trying to apologize and make amends for his mistakes, particularly for causing pain to Betty. I have a hot take on James’ apology but what can I say “he is only 17”.

The interconnected storytelling in these songs creates a narrative arc that unfolds across the album. Listeners can piece together the events and emotions from the different perspectives presented in each track. The teenage love triangle adds a layer of complexity to the album’s overall theme of storytelling and introspection.

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The characters and their stories contribute to the rich, narrative-driven nature of “folklore,” showcasing Taylor Swift’s storytelling prowess and her ability to craft compelling, interconnected narratives through her music.

Fun fact: James, Betty, and Inez (mentioned in Betty) are the names of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynold’s kids. They are Taylor’s close friends.