Cardigan, August, and Betty: The Folklore Love Triangle
Taylor confirmed that 'cardigan,' 'august,' and 'betty' tell the same love triangle story from three different perspectives: Betty's, the other girl's (unnamed, later called Augustine by fans), and James's. The three tracks are interconnected with shared lyrical callbacks.
Evidence
Taylor confirmed the love triangle in a YouTube premiere livestream
'Cardigan' line 'when you are young they assume you know nothing' is Betty's perspective
'August' tells the story from the 'other woman' perspective during the summer fling
'Betty' is James apologizing at Betty's party — references the cardigan and the summer
All three songs reference the same events: the summer, the party, the betrayal
Revealed In
Taylor's Folklore YouTube premiere livestream, July 24, 2020
Discovered
July 24, 2020
