Why I got an inkling these songs are related:
The more I think about it now, the less I know [AYHTDWS/1989]
Vs
The more that you say, The less I know [Willow/evermore]
And what is Taylor referring to in each song?
AYHTDWS: People like you always want back the love they gave away/And people like me wanna believe you when you say you've changed.
Willow: And if it was an open-shut case
I never would've known from that look on your face…Wherever you stray/I follow…
Taylor is chasing the other person in both songs. And that other person is fickle and unreliable. They say one thing and do another. The situationship is confusing as a result.
AYHTDWS: All I know is that you drove us off the road… why'd you have to go and lock me out when I let you in?
Willow: And if it was an open-shut case
I never would've known from that look on your face… you stray… I could feel you sneaking in… Guess I should've known from the look on your face/Every bait and switch was a work of art/The more that you say/The less I know
It’s giving Cowboy Like Me
In both songs Taylor opens up to the other person, is in love then is disappointed the other person ruined their chance at a stable, committed relationship:
AYHTDWS: Had me in the palm of your hand…I let you in…Well, it could've been easy (all you had to do was stay)
Willow: Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind… Lost in your current like a priceless wine… you cut through like a knife… You know that my train could take you home
Anywhere else is hollow…And there was one prize I'd cheat to win/Like you were a trophy or a champion ring/As if you were a mythical thing…I'm begging for you to take my hand/Wreck my plans/That's my man
[different order of lines for clarity of our analysis]
There is a difference in tone between the songs:
In 2014 Taylor was angry and unwilling to let the other person back in her life.
Hey, now you say you want it back
Now that it's just too late… Here you are now, calling me up, but I don't know what to say/I've been picking up the pieces of the mess you made/People like you always want back the love they pushed aside/But people like me are gone forever when you say goodbye… Let me remind you/This was what you wanted (oh, oh, oh-oh-oh) You ended it
In 2020 Taylor is more understanding and willing to work around constraints.
Wherever you stray/I follow/I'm begging for you to take my hand… Show me the places where the others gave you scars… Wait for the signal and I'll meet you after dark… Every bait and switch was a work of art
what changed Taylor’s perspective from anger in All You Had to do was Stay to more tolerance and a willingness to play along in Willow?
Hold that thought. We'll look at Cowboy Like Me next.
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