Taylor Swift is set to debut an original song for the upcoming Toy Story 5, a project she’s long dreamed of contributing to. The global superstar, who turns 36 this year, revealed the news, stating her lifelong adoration for the Disney-Pixar franchise, a love affair that began when she was just five years old, coinciding with the release of the very first Toy Story film. Her new track, titled “I Knew It, I Knew You,” is scheduled for release on June 5th, and will feature on the official soundtrack when Toy Story 5 hits cinemas on June 19th.
However, the announcement has sparked a wave of confusion and discussion among fans, primarily due to the song’s title bearing a striking resemblance to a track by Swift’s close friend and fellow artist, Gracie Abrams. Abrams has a song titled “I Knew It, I Know You,” and the near-identical phrasing has led some fans to question the coincidence.
Social media has been abuzz with fan reactions, with many pointing out the similarity. Some have suggested that Swift has, perhaps unintentionally, “copied” Abrams’ title. One fan, under the handle @isthiisdesire, expressed this sentiment, claiming the pop icon was “stealing” from her fellow artist.
Another user, Hanna, shared her initial bewilderment, posting: “Me at first glance: why is Taylor Swift selling CD singles for a Gracie Abrams song.” This sentiment was echoed by @SwiftNYC, a dedicated Taylor Swift fan account, which commented: “I’m trying to recover from the Gracie Abrams jumpscare when I saw the title ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ but hers is I KNOW YOU.”
The discussion intensified with comments like Joey’s, who stated: “Really really torn by this news by Taylor Swift… I really really hate the title. For someone who has been such a champion of doing things the right way, to not mention it’s basically Gracie Abrams’ title feels very very strange. At best its tone deaf, at worst it’s a direct shot.” Asia also weighed in with a similar query: “Is it not weird that Gracie Abrams already had a song called I Knew it, I Knew You?”
Swift, addressing her 273 million followers, confirmed fans’ suspicions that she would be involved in the soundtrack. This speculation had been fuelled by a series of cryptic teasers released by Pixar and Swift’s team. Billboards bearing the initials “TS”—a clever nod to both Toy Story and Taylor Swift—began appearing in major cities worldwide, including London, Mexico City, and Los Angeles. These were accompanied by social media posts and mysterious countdowns, all hinting at an impending collaboration.
Referencing her iconic hit “Love Story,” Swift shared a post on Instagram, playfully announcing: “It’s a Toy Story. You knew it!” She further elaborated on her long-held aspirations, stating: “I’ve always dreamed of getting to write for these characters who I’ve adored since I was a five-year-old kid watching the first Toy Story movie. I fell instantly in love with Toy Story 5 when I was lucky enough to see it in its early stages, and I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening. Sometimes you just know, right?”
The new track, co-written and produced by Swift and long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff, is reportedly inspired by the beloved cowgirl Jessie. This project also marks a return to Swift’s country music roots, a genre that first launched her career.
Andrew Stanton, the director and screenwriter for Toy Story 5, expressed his profound appreciation for Swift’s involvement. He described having her write and perform the song as “meaningful” and noted that the track “instantly” felt like an integral part of the film.
A Perfect Fit for Toy Story 5
Stanton elaborated on the synergy between Swift and the film’s narrative: “Her connection to Jessie and the immediate way she understood what the character was going through was undeniable. The song is so deeply connected to Toy Story. So much so that on first listen, it instantly felt like it had always belonged there, like a long-lost family member. It was kismet.”
This new release will be Swift’s first musical offering since her critically acclaimed 12th studio album, The Life Of A Showgirl, which debuted last year. Earlier this year, she also unveiled the music video for her single “Opalite,” rumoured to be a tribute to her fiancé, NFL star Travis Kelce, which subsequently topped the UK singles chart.
What to Expect from Toy Story 5
The latest instalment in the Toy Story saga promises the reunion of fan-favourite characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear, alongside Cowgirl Jessie. The film is set to explore their adventures as they prepare to confront the challenges posed by evolving technology.
The beloved characters will be brought back to life by the original voice cast, including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack. Adding to the star-studded lineup, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is set to voice a new character, the forgotten toy known as Pizza With Sunglasses. US personality Alan Cumming will lend his voice to the villainous alter ego of Bullseye, the horse.
Taylor Swift’s new track, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” will be available for streaming on June 5th, with Toy Story 5 scheduled for release in UK cinemas on June 19th.
