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Foolish One is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her third re-recorded album, Speak Now (Taylor's Version) (2023). It is one of the tracks originally intended for her third studio album, Speak Now. Produced by Swift and Aaron Dessner, the song deals with unrequited love and painful realizations in admiring someone.

Incorporating themes of country music and pop, the song blends the storytelling tradition of country music with catchy pop melodies, allowing Swift's heartfelt lyrics to take center stage. "Foolish One" peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Background and release

American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her third studio album, Speak Now, on October 25, 2010, under the record label Big Machine Records. After her contract expired in November 2018, Swift departed the label and shifted to a new deal with Republic Records, securing her the rights to own the masters of any new music she would release. In 2019, American record executive Scooter Braun acquired Big Machine; in which the ownership of Swift's first six masters, including Speak Now, was transferred to him. In August 2019, Swift denounced Braun's purchase and announced that she would re-record her first six studio albums to own their masters herself. She began the re-recording process in November 2020.

On May 5, 2023, at the first Nashville date of her sixth concert tour, the Eras Tour, Swift announced Speak Now (Taylor's Version) and its release date of July 7. She subsequently said in social media posts, "I love this album because it tells a tale of growing up, flailing, flying and crashing ... and living to speak about it". Swift emphasized the hardships she faced in her life during the time she wrote the record, among them "brutal honesty, unfiltered diaristic confessions and wild wistfulness". On June 5, 2023, Swift announced the track-list of the album, which consists of 22 songs. Among them are six "From the Vault" songs that were written for the 2010 album but did not make the final track-list, including "Foolish One". Speak Now (Taylor's Version) was released by Republic on July 7, 2023.

Music and lyrics

"Foolish One" has a duration of 5 minutes and 11 seconds. The track is rooted in a midtempo production that blends Taylor Swift's signature country elements with a modern twist, showcasing her evolved songwriting style. Critics noted its delicate acoustic guitar accompaniment, which underpins the introspective lyrics, alongside soft percussion and layered harmonies that evoke the bittersweet tone of the song.

Thematically, "Foolish One" delves into unreciprocated love and the inner turmoil of clinging to hope despite clear signs of rejection. Swift's lyrics are raw and diaristic, resonating with listeners through lines such as "You give me just enough attention to keep my hopes too high," which encapsulate the emotional vulnerability of the track. Toward the end, the song transitions into a poignant realization, marking a turning point in the narrative. The lyrical content and tone have been likened to tracks from Swift's Reputation (2016) era, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend emotional storytelling with sonic experimentation. The combination of tender melodies and self-aware lyrics has solidified "Foolish One" as a standout addition to Speak Now (Taylor's Version).

Notes

1. Officially titled "Foolish One (Taylor's Version) (From the Vault)"

References

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13. Hutchinson, Emily (July 7, 2023). "What's The Real Meaning Of Foolish One By Taylor Swift? Here's What We Think". Nicki Swift. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
14. Cord-Cruz, Nicole (July 7, 2023). "Taylor Swift's Foolish One Is A Heartbreaking Anthem For Anyone Stuck In A Situationship". The List. Retrieved January 13, 2025.

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