Exile is a poignant, multi-layered song by Taylor Swift with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, part of the latter’s 2020 album folklore. The song came out on July 24, 2020 and was driven under the themes of miscommunication and emotional disconnection. Swift and Vernon wrote the lyrics together with Joe Alwyn, who released his alt ego, William Bowery, in 2020 It’s a duet full of sorrow while the vocals are smooth yet heavy in contrast.
Swift brings a soft clarity and gentleness with her high notes as she sings alongside Vernon’s deep, raspy voice, Exile. With their combined skills, Exile portrays a cinematic story for the listeners, painting a relationship where both people feel alone while bearing the weight of misunderstanding. This song is adored for its frank, piano-driven sound and poignant, lilting vocals that highlight Swift and folklore storytelling.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Exile |
| Artists | Taylor Swift. Bon Iver |
| Album | folklore |
| Release Date | July 24, 2020 |
| Writers | Taylor Swift, Joe Alwyn (as William Bowery), Justin Vernon |
| Genre | Indie Folk / Alternative |
| Producer(s) | Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift |
| Key Themes | Miscommunication, Heartbreak, Isolation |
| Critical Reception | Widely praised for vocals, emotion, and lyricism |
| Label | Republic Records |
Exile Lyrics
I can see you standing, honey
With his arms around your body
Laughin’, but the joke’s not funny at all
And it took you five whole minutes
To pack us up and leave me with it
Holdin’ all this love out here in the hall
I think I’ve seen this film before
And I didn’t like the ending
You’re not my homeland anymore
So what am I defending now?
You were my town
Now I’m in exile, seein’ you out
I think I’ve seen this film before
I can see you starin’, honey
Like he’s just your understudy
Like you’d get your knuckles bloody for me
Second, third, and hundredth chances
Balancin’ on breaking branches
Those eyes add insult to injury
I think I’ve seen this film before
And I didn’t like the ending
I’m not your problem anymore
So who am I offending now?
You were my crown
Now I’m in exile, seein’ you out
I think I’ve seen this film before
So, I’m leavin’ out the side door
So step right out, there is no amount
Of crying, I can do for you
All this time
We always walked a very thin line
You didn’t even hear me out (you didn’t even hear me out)
You never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)
All this time
I never learned to read your mind (never learned to read my mind)
I couldn’t turn things around (you never turned things around)
‘Cause you never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)
So many signs, so many signs
You didn’t even see the signs
I think I’ve seen this film before
And I didn’t like the ending
You’re not my homeland anymore
So what am I defending now?
You were my town
Now I’m in exile, seein’ you out
I think I’ve seen this film before
So I’m leavin’ out the side door
So step right out, there is no amount
Of crying, I can do for you
All this time
We always walked a very thin line
You didn’t even hear me out (didn’t even hear me out)
You never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)
All this time
I never learned to read your mind (never learned to read my mind)
I couldn’t turn things around (you never turned things around)
‘Cause you never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)All this time (so many signs)
I never learned to read your mind (so many signs)
I couldn’t turn things around (I couldn’t turn things around)
‘Cause you never gave a warning sign (you never gave a warning sign)
You never gave a warning sign
Ah, ah
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