Global music phenomenon Taylor Swift has disclosed the extraordinary speed at which she created the theme song for the much-anticipated 'Toy Story 5'. Swift shared that the entire process of writing and recording 'I Knew It, I Knew You' spanned a mere eight hours, describing the day as "hectic" but one of the most enjoyable of her life.
The track, which debuted this month, offers a warm and nostalgic feel, signalling a return to Swift's country music origins. It plays during the end credits of the Pixar sequel, which premiered in UK cinemas today, Friday 19th June. Swift took to Instagram yesterday to share insights into her creative sprint, including a childhood photo and a studio clip where she detailed the tight schedule. She explained seeing the film at 11 am, being inspired, writing the song, producing it, and recording vocals by 6:57 pm, just before Disney and Pixar executives were due to hear it.
The secrecy surrounding Swift's contribution was so stringent that even the film's cast and crew were reportedly unaware until shortly before the public announcement. Disney apparently employed a "decoy version" of 'Toy Story 5' to maintain the confidentiality of her involvement. Swift had previously expressed her lifelong dream of contributing to the 'Toy Story' universe, having adored the characters since childhood. She stated that she "fell instantly in love" with 'Toy Story 5' during an early screening and composed the song immediately afterwards.
'I Knew It, I Knew You' was co-written and co-produced by Swift alongside her frequent collaborator, Jack Antonoff. The song is uniquely crafted from the perspective of the cowgirl character Jessie, who plays a central role in the latest instalment. Swift had subtly teased her new song in May through a cryptic countdown on her website, sparking widespread speculation among her dedicated fanbase.
This release marks Swift's first new material since her 12th studio album, 'The Life Of A Showgirl', which was released last year. Swift gave 'I Knew It, I Knew You' its live premiere with a surprise performance at the 'Toy Story 5' premiere, where she also joined Randy Newman for a duet of the original 'Toy Story' theme, 'You've Got a Friend in Me'. She lauded the sequel as "insanely beautiful" and a "masterpiece," expressing her honour at being a small part of its universe.
For UK audiences, 'Toy Story 5' is available to watch in cinemas now. Streaming availability on platforms such as Disney+ will likely follow in the coming months, typically after its theatrical run. Swift's work often receives critical acclaim, and while 'I Knew It, I Knew You' is a standalone track, her previous albums have garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, though specific UK industry recognition like BRIT Awards for this particular song are yet to be seen.