The captivating ballad, “Exile,” marks the first musical collaboration between Taylor Swift and her former partner, Joe Alwyn. Featured on the critically acclaimed album Folklore, released in 2020, this enchanting duet features the unique sound of Bon Iver. Initially, Joe Alwyn was credited under the creative pseudonym William Bowery. However, during her intimate concert film on Disney+, titled Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, Taylor revealed that William Bowery and Joe are indeed the same individual.
Taylor shared that Joe was responsible for composing the entire piano arrangement for the song. His hauntingly beautiful vocals deliver poignant lines: “I can see you standin’ honey/With his arms around your body/Laughin’ but the joke’s not funny at all.” She described Joe as someone who is “always just playing and making things up and kind of creating things.” Their partnership may not have blossomed musically without the unique circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a period of isolation and introspection.
In her own words, she reflected, “I was like, ‘Hey, this could be really weird, and we could hate this,'” expressing her initial apprehensions about collaborating. “Because we’re in quarantine and there’s nothing else going on, could we just try to see what it’s like if we write this song together?” This experimental approach transformed into a beautiful artistic endeavor that showcased their undeniable chemistry.
The outcome of their collaborative effort was nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in the prestigious award for Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards. This recognition highlighted the depth and creativity of their partnership.
Expressing her pride in their work, Taylor exclaimed, “We’re so proud of ‘Exile,'” emphasizing the profound emotional connection that fueled their creativity. “All I have to do is dream up some lyrics and come up with some gut-wrenching, heart-shattering story to write with him.” This collaborative spirit not only enriched their relationship but also produced a timeless piece of music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
