Zach, you are such a true, true fan. Your videos are often coldly analytical, and you point out flaws in Taylor's music and marketing that only a journalist could have spotted. But when the music actually drops you completely lose yourself in it. I can tell by even your first video that you love Taylor and her work so profoundly, even though you have the guts to come out with cutting criticisms and deal with her pitchfork wielding fandom. Can't wait for your 1989 series, and thank you so much for everything you've uploaded. You made me remember how much I love blondies music
Well said honeymoonhills!! Zach, I am so glad you do what you do. You are smart and funny and irresistible! I love how much you love Taylor. I also so admire your skill with analysis and communication. Sending love and positive energy your way!
I remember first hearing this album I was in s really pretentious phase where I thought I was too edgy and cool for Taylor and this album put me in my place.
Re-watching this in 2024, and the mental panic and breakdown on hearing the first note of the 1 was SOOOO ON POINT, reminds me so much of my reaction to folklore after lover in 2019, like None of us saw it coming and the fact that we're probably getting another experimental masterpiece in about a month makes my soul feel blissful asf....also this being your first video? We snakes have really come a long way since then 😭
Seven is probably my favorite song on folklore solely because of the story I imagined around it SO I’M SHARING IT HERE! Taylor (or like the person who’s POV this is.) is friends with this other kid but their father is abusive. Mom has already passed away and the dad is so far into his grief that he’s blaming his child. So the child stays over at Taylor’s house as much as possible, this being set in the summer I imagine Taylor’s mom kind of taking the other kid under her wing. Treating both kids to sweet tea and letting them play on the swing and swim in the lake near their house. While Taylor and her friend imagine of running away together and being happy! Later as she gets older she lost touch with her friend and she sometimes wonders how they ended up and where they are
20:16 "does taylor skateboard...?" i fucking love watching this video. it's so so funny because my reactions were so similar. this woman had me thinking she's a skateboarding alcoholic woman loving real estate agent the first time i listened. 💀
I revisit this one over & over, Zach is fabulous. He’s a cynic, a bullshit caller and a diehard TS lover and the way he is overwhelmed / confused / flummoxed by the overwhelming beauty of Folklore is so fun to rewatch. I’m SO glad he captured this on video because that intro??? Chef’s kiss 🫶
I really think I’ve watched this particular video at least 20x over the past few years. It’s the perfect combo of Swiftian knowledge, delight, confusion, overwhelming emotion all delivered with Zach’s unique voice. I luv it.
Omg, just realized this is your oldest video. It’s so cool seeing your growth on the UA-cams. Also, were you actually low key a gaylor back then? I thought I picked up on that when you were talking about Seven.
it is so refreshing to watch an actual swiftie react to a ts album skfhskhf i love this also your reaction before and after the last great american dynasty is sending meeee
I've watched almost every reaction to this album on youtube and this is the first time I've seen someone interpret mirrorball the way I have. I think once you look at the lyrics as referring to the pressures of being in the public eye and feeling like you have to perform this role constantly it really adds depth to the song. A lot of the reactors I've seen didn't love this song on the first listen but it's really a masterpiece when you look at it from this angle.
it took me a few listens to appreciate it, I love it now. I also didn't get it at first, but now I get it and her trying and trying to keep being interesting to US. And, now that the Long Pond sessions are out and to here her talk about this song.... it puts it all into perspective.
Not me watching in 2024. I like how you said "wait. Is this where the folklore parts come in?" And turns back on the song and it says "it's finally sinkin' in" 🤣
Watching this two years later and it’s so funny to see a Swiftie try to decode in real time especially knowing now what we do about the songs. She switched up her formulas 😂 I was listening to this on repeat when it came out, not knowing anything about Taylor’s back story or Swiftie lore, so just trying to understand what she was conveying. It felt so emotional and soothing at the time and I really needed it. 💕
Watching this in 2024 and I think a lot of these lyrics are about the heirloom turkey… not all of this can be imaginary stories… Zach, thanks for this and all your great videos! You never leave us hanging ❤
Folklore is my absolute fave album of all, its so beautifully written, and part of me disagrees with everyone who thinks its a made up story album - i honestly believe it weaves very personal things into this "makebelieve" notion, but is secretly very honest
It was so funny when you were reacting to betty and putting the trio together haha. I can't believe this was your first video, glad you are still making videos because your insight is so point on
You know what’s iconic , that this Intro as iconic as it is to this video, it’s literally the intro of your channel and it does a perfect job doing so. Let’s go Swiftologist kingg ✨
22:07 STOP THIS TIMING COULD NOT HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN MORE PERFECT WTF! Lmao!!!! This is exactly where you figure out she must be writing about imaginary people and not people she knows then you push play and she says “It’s finally sinkin’ in” bahahhaahahahahahahahahaha
I dont think "hide in the closet" is about being gay. I think it's about a child hiding in the closet while their dad is having a raging, violent outburst. I had friends as a child who had a palette made in their closet for times when they had to hide while their dad was raging violently at their mom. ("Your dad is always mad and that must be why")
It's midnight and I just watched this entire video and I laughed so hard I think multiple demons were expelled from my body. Your reaction to "Betty" is my favorite thing on the internet. I feel cleansed and blessed after watching this. Thank you. 🙏♥
lol Sir. I have just found you this week and I'm binging like your name is Netflix. Killing me. Whomst? Youst. Loving reliving the first listens and the commentary that isn't afraid to be critical.
Watching this reaction again and it’s so obvious that there is still so much diaristic writing in the album (and evermore too). It’s definitely not as fictional as she claims it to be, but I love that it opened up her songwriting to new avenues.
Hahaaha! That part where you said “Is this where the folklore part comes in? Talking about other people’s stories?” And there you unpaused the song where Taylor sang ‘Finally sinking in’ had me choking xD
sorry but, you figuring out that it’s her writing about other people’s stories in ‘betty’ then her immediately singing ‘it’s finally sinking in’ was the BEST thing ever 😂 couldn’t be any more perfect hahaha
Stop you are making me cry although I have been listening to this album since it came out your reaction takes me back to the first time I listened to it :((
Going back and watching your old videos since I'm a new subscriber. "Is this fan fiction of the movie Dunkirk?" made me actually laugh out loud and wake people up.
i just came across this video, 3 yrs later, I love it!😂❤ Folklore is probably my fave album i loooooooooove it and loved seeing your reaction after vibing with this album for 3 yrs.
Ok this is helping me like folklore. I’ve never been a fan of folklore and evermore and heard you mention this video in another video and came to look and I’m glad you mentioned it!
watching this in 2023 is so fun
Yeah I came after the new video
I m on my tears ricochet it's soo fun
Yesss this
Yes s s for sure! :)
Zach is so awesome!
Yeah
why am I watching in 2024 and CRYING from nostalgia for when folklore was the new shiny thing... bitch 2020 was yesterday what 😭
sameee it's so nostalgic
Coming here In 2024 and hearing “she’s usually on a 2 year album cycle” is HILARIOUS! Bby let me tell you!!!
I was just saying that Taylor needs write a poetry book but then I realize her music is her poetry. Love her so much ugh
tbh I like folklore much more than the rep poetry mags lmao
she need to write a book or start writing for movies or even do movies
@@theswiftologist tbh, I really feel like those poems are the lyrics of some of the Vault songs. Oop-
@@pinoiseshe directs her videos...its only a matter of time for more from our queen. She is brilliant
i love how when this came out we didnt know she was making up characters hehe (Betty abd James) this is so cute watching you be confused!
Zach, you are such a true, true fan. Your videos are often coldly analytical, and you point out flaws in Taylor's music and marketing that only a journalist could have spotted. But when the music actually drops you completely lose yourself in it. I can tell by even your first video that you love Taylor and her work so profoundly, even though you have the guts to come out with cutting criticisms and deal with her pitchfork wielding fandom. Can't wait for your 1989 series, and thank you so much for everything you've uploaded. You made me remember how much I love blondies music
I appreciate you so much!
Well said honeymoonhills!! Zach, I am so glad you do what you do. You are smart and funny and irresistible! I love how much you love Taylor. I also so admire your skill with analysis and communication. Sending love and positive energy your way!
1:05- the 1
2:46- cardigan
3:58- the last great American dynasty
6:18- exile
8:04- my tears ricochet
9:32- mirrorball
11:10- seven
12:15- august
13:39- this is me trying
14:50- illicit affairs
15:41- invisible string
17:02- mad woman
18:42- epiphany
19:47- betty
22:47- peace
23:55- hoax
The 1 is prob my fav opener since Fearless (a perfect opener!)
the lyrics: "With you I serve/ with you I fall down"
zach: "With you I swim/ with you I surf. That's... gorgeous"
19:43
LMAOOOOO
I died when he said that😂😂😂😂
No way he was serious about it 😭😂
🤍{folklore timelaps}🤍
1. the one - 1:07
2. cardigan - 2:47
3. the last great american dynasty - 4:01
4. exile (Ft. Bon Iver) - 6:18
5. my tears ricochet - 8:09
6. mirrorball - 9:34
7. seven - 11:15
8. august - 12:19
9. this is me trying - 13:40
10. illicit affairs - 15:01
11. invisible string - 15:43
12. mad woman - 17:03
13. epiphany - 18:43
14. betty - 19:53
15. peace - 22:49
16. hoax - 23:56
🤍i hope this helps🤍
my favorite thing about being alive in 2024 is re-watching everyone’s initial confusion when listening to betty for the first time 😂
Real lol
I remember first hearing this album I was in s really pretentious phase where I thought I was too edgy and cool for Taylor and this album put me in my place.
I think this record really did that for a lot of ppl
Re-watching this in 2024, and the mental panic and breakdown on hearing the first note of the 1 was SOOOO ON POINT, reminds me so much of my reaction to folklore after lover in 2019, like None of us saw it coming and the fact that we're probably getting another experimental masterpiece in about a month makes my soul feel blissful asf....also this being your first video? We snakes have really come a long way since then 😭
Seven is probably my favorite song on folklore solely because of the story I imagined around it SO I’M SHARING IT HERE!
Taylor (or like the person who’s POV this is.) is friends with this other kid but their father is abusive. Mom has already passed away and the dad is so far into his grief that he’s blaming his child. So the child stays over at Taylor’s house as much as possible, this being set in the summer I imagine Taylor’s mom kind of taking the other kid under her wing. Treating both kids to sweet tea and letting them play on the swing and swim in the lake near their house. While Taylor and her friend imagine of running away together and being happy! Later as she gets older she lost touch with her friend and she sometimes wonders how they ended up and where they are
❤
20:16 "does taylor skateboard...?" i fucking love watching this video. it's so so funny because my reactions were so similar. this woman had me thinking she's a skateboarding alcoholic woman loving real estate agent the first time i listened. 💀
I revisit this one over & over, Zach is fabulous. He’s a cynic, a bullshit caller and a diehard TS lover and the way he is overwhelmed / confused / flummoxed by the overwhelming beauty of Folklore is so fun to rewatch. I’m SO glad he captured this on video because that intro??? Chef’s kiss 🫶
When he said “its very Bon Iver, The National” my jaw dropped. …H-how did he know…
Still my favourite swiftologist video, the intro kills me every time 😂😱
yup
I really think I’ve watched this particular video at least 20x over the past few years. It’s the perfect combo of Swiftian knowledge, delight, confusion, overwhelming emotion all delivered with Zach’s unique voice. I luv it.
The algorithm served this to me in 2024. I’m enjoying 2020 Zach. so fun. Evermore’s about the best up. ❤
Omg, just realized this is your oldest video. It’s so cool seeing your growth on the UA-cams. Also, were you actually low key a gaylor back then? I thought I picked up on that when you were talking about Seven.
I was also brought here in 2024 😂
A diva was born with this video
"The Man walked, so Mad Woman could run." #truth
men can walk. women can only run
it is so refreshing to watch an actual swiftie react to a ts album skfhskhf i love this also your reaction before and after the last great american dynasty is sending meeee
thank u !!!!!! that song had me doing the mf math
His confusion for all the songs is iconic, “does Taylor skateboard. Is this about Joe sleeping with his teacher? 💀”
I've watched almost every reaction to this album on youtube and this is the first time I've seen someone interpret mirrorball the way I have. I think once you look at the lyrics as referring to the pressures of being in the public eye and feeling like you have to perform this role constantly it really adds depth to the song. A lot of the reactors I've seen didn't love this song on the first listen but it's really a masterpiece when you look at it from this angle.
it took me a few listens to appreciate it, I love it now. I also didn't get it at first, but now I get it and her trying and trying to keep being interesting to US. And, now that the Long Pond sessions are out and to here her talk about this song.... it puts it all into perspective.
Not me watching in 2024. I like how you said "wait. Is this where the folklore parts come in?" And turns back on the song and it says "it's finally sinkin' in" 🤣
Watching this two years later and it’s so funny to see a Swiftie try to decode in real time especially knowing now what we do about the songs. She switched up her formulas 😂 I was listening to this on repeat when it came out, not knowing anything about Taylor’s back story or Swiftie lore, so just trying to understand what she was conveying. It felt so emotional and soothing at the time and I really needed it. 💕
What I would give to hear folklore for the first time again
You read my mind
2:36 did Zach predict ‘Would’ve, Could’ve, Shouldve’?
Listening to Betty: “Did she make this shit up?!?!?”
Taylor: well yes, yes I did actually
Or maybe not!
I’m hollering!! This video is hilarious in 2024 😂
Watching this in 2024 and I think a lot of these lyrics are about the heirloom turkey… not all of this can be imaginary stories… Zach, thanks for this and all your great videos! You never leave us hanging ❤
Folklore is my absolute fave album of all, its so beautifully written, and part of me disagrees with everyone who thinks its a made up story album - i honestly believe it weaves very personal things into this "makebelieve" notion, but is secretly very honest
I completely agree with you. She was clearly giving us hints that there were cracks with her and Joe.
The way he compared her to Stevie. Nix after listening to Clara bow I was gagged
The way I sat glued to this in 2024, love it. I want to listen to it again for the first time, preemptively prepping for TTPD.
Watching this after TTPD and here’s how everything started🪶
the intro is already sending me
Watching this is like a freaking time machine… 2020 pandemic era
Zach trying to figure out the plot of betty will always be hilarious to me.
It was so funny when you were reacting to betty and putting the trio together haha. I can't believe this was your first video, glad you are still making videos because your insight is so point on
Folklore is the love of my life. 1989 is my baby. I can listen to the 2 of them for the rest of my life and be happy (or sad lol)
2:39 what could've been, what should've been...... hello from Midnights 3am
i thought the same
right my jaw dropped i was waiting for him to say what would’ve been 😭😭
You know what’s iconic , that this Intro as iconic as it is to this video, it’s literally the intro of your channel and it does a perfect job doing so. Let’s go Swiftologist kingg ✨
22:07 STOP THIS TIMING COULD NOT HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN MORE PERFECT WTF! Lmao!!!! This is exactly where you figure out she must be writing about imaginary people and not people she knows then you push play and she says “It’s finally sinkin’ in” bahahhaahahahahahahahahaha
Thirteenth like! 😌
Hilarious 😂😂
I dont think "hide in the closet" is about being gay. I think it's about a child hiding in the closet while their dad is having a raging, violent outburst. I had friends as a child who had a palette made in their closet for times when they had to hide while their dad was raging violently at their mom. ("Your dad is always mad and that must be why")
That’s what I get. I used to hide in my closet as a child too and did it into my young adult too and when I first heard that lyric I busted into tears
13:10 not you predicting the spider-man meme with taylors 3 years ago 😭
i was about to say this
21:35 “IS THIS ABOUT RIVERDALE?” HELP😭😭
I don’t blame him. It’s pretty confusing at first
Don't blame me
@@everex1239 but that moment where you make the connection between August and Betty and Cardigan.... aaaaaagh so good! no one gets it the first time.
“Is she making this shit up?!” YES ZACK 😂😂😂😂❤
“WITH YOU I SWIM WITH YOU I SURF" i cant i cant i’m dying
It's midnight and I just watched this entire video and I laughed so hard I think multiple demons were expelled from my body. Your reaction to "Betty" is my favorite thing on the internet. I feel cleansed and blessed after watching this. Thank you. 🙏♥
21:30 "WHO'S JAMES?!?!" OMG HAHAHAH THIS IS WHERE IT ORIGNATED I ALWAYS WONDERED 😂
the way you described the scene you saw listening to mirrorball was exactly what taylor said during the long pond studio sessions and thats great
"is this fanfiction of the movie Dunkirk" had me howling 😂
😂😂 honestly exactly my reaction when I first heard it
with you I swim with you I surf was too funny
my favourite video to rewatch once in a while
i always thought mad woman was a message from taylor to Kim and Kanye "wanting me dead has really brought you two together"
I thought it was about Karlie Kloss (whatever her name is) and Scooter Braun
The Last Time RAN SO EXILE COULD WALK, AND BOTH DID SO BEAUTIFULLY 😢
"does Taylor skateboard?" I actually died.
i love how we're all collectively going thru your old videos 😂 anyway i'm excited to watch this!!!
it's hilarious to watch this now that we know folklore was a whole fictitious James, August, Betty trio
“she went back to someone but whomsttt" then 2024 revealed that it was the rat 😅😅😅😅😅
Could you imagine 2020 swiftologist’s reaction to that tidbit of info? ✋😭 bless him
i love the initial confusion bc that was literally me when i heard betty
lol Sir. I have just found you this week and I'm binging like your name is Netflix. Killing me. Whomst? Youst. Loving reliving the first listens and the commentary that isn't afraid to be critical.
Love to see this on 2023. God, folfklore is her best record, i dont think anyone can convince me otherwise!!
“Is this about RIVERDALE?!” 😅
You are all of us on the first listen 😅
Watching this reaction again and it’s so obvious that there is still so much diaristic writing in the album (and evermore too). It’s definitely not as fictional as she claims it to be, but I love that it opened up her songwriting to new avenues.
THIS REACTION IS PROFOUND & ICONIC
Justin Cera THANK YOU
I cant believe this reaction just reached 4 years!? 😭❤️
OMG what are the chances we would both be here within 25 minutes?😂
I love rewatching these when I want to remember what it was like listening to these albums when they just came out and how confused I was 😂
I’m here for the same reason lol
9:54 You were about to speak and then Taylor was just like HUSH!
That sent me 😂
lmaoooo
This video is one of my happy places on the internet
watching in 2024 for clear skin
same boo
YOU ARE SO WELL-SPOKEN I-
THE WAY YOU DESCRIBE THE LAST GREAT AMERICAN DYNASTY
omg thank you !!!!
Hahaaha! That part where you said “Is this where the folklore part comes in? Talking about other people’s stories?” And there you unpaused the song where Taylor sang ‘Finally sinking in’ had me choking xD
I'm 4 years late
We need a reaction video of this reaction video, an older and wiser Zach
how meta 🤣
That would be hilarious 😂
Who else watching this before TTPD drops? 🙋🏻♀️
"Is this fanfiction of the movie Dunkirk?" has me HOWLING
This is your funniest reaction by far, especially 4 years later 😂
2020 - “Now I send their baby’s presents.”
2023 - “Get the custody case moved to New York then you and the girls can stay at my place.”
I love right when you realize it’s her writing from another perspective and when you play it again taylor says “now it’s sinking in”
sorry but, you figuring out that it’s her writing about other people’s stories in ‘betty’ then her immediately singing ‘it’s finally sinking in’ was the BEST thing ever 😂 couldn’t be any more perfect hahaha
LOLLLL before you knew about the love triangle. This was adorable.
Stop you are making me cry although I have been listening to this album since it came out your reaction takes me back to the first time I listened to it :((
Watching this for the first time to get pumped for 1989 re release and i might just watch it once a month for funsies. This was soooo fun to watch.
"So betty isn't the teacher, I'm a dumbass."
-Zach (The Swiftologist), 2021
Going back and watching your old videos since I'm a new subscriber. "Is this fan fiction of the movie Dunkirk?" made me actually laugh out loud and wake people up.
girl really said august was a stand out track, 2024 swiftologist would never
Lol
I was just thinking that, after watching a recent video after the opinion had changed!
seeing you talk about potential gaylor things is absolutely shocking lmao
It's amazing how the same person who wrote The Man wrote Mad Woman only one year later. I love her lyrics in Folklore
LOL “centennial park is in AUSTRALIA?!?!” I cackled
God I wish I could listen to this album for the first time again
"It feels like she went back to someone, WHO?" hahahhaha oh man this is crazy in 2024
Cackling cause of how he's so confused with betty 😂
It is sooo fun to watch you trying to guess the meaning of each song knowing now that this is all fantasy.
New subscriber from Spain. Huggs💜
Watching this in 2024 has been a trip. I wanted to scream at you JAMES BETTY INEZ DUHHHH AHHHHGGH
i love this chaotic man sm
Your analysis of mirrorball was *chef’s kiss* and dragged my feelings
Truly the undiscovered supermodel of folklore....
i just came across this video, 3 yrs later, I love it!😂❤ Folklore is probably my fave album i loooooooooove it and loved seeing your reaction after vibing with this album for 3 yrs.
Not Zach doing the Zurich wave during betty 4 years in advance
I sometimes get scared by how accurate his predictions are 🥲 🤩
Ok this is helping me like folklore. I’ve never been a fan of folklore and evermore and heard you mention this video in another video and came to look and I’m glad you mentioned it!
My tears ricochet is just too freaking good. She says the words "cursing my name" with such quiet viciousness, amazing.
That song hits so deep. 💔
wait this is actually scary that he predicted the lyrics to bigger than the whole sky 3 years in advance at 2:41
wait do you mean wouldve couldve shouldve
@@soamer_ no i meant the part in bttws where she sing what could've should've what would've been you
@@hr682-f2l OHHHHHHHHHH OKAY whoops my bad guys
“IS THIS ABOUT RIVERDALE?!” got me 🤣
The Last Time is one of my FAVES and you are so right, Exile is the sequel.
Stan twitter needs to start clipping this vid ASAP... Im in tears
is this about riverdale??? i died