Introduction
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift is a song about love, regret, and how short moments can stick with us for a long time. It talks about those times when you meet someone special, but things just don’t work out. It’s a bit like when you have a great summer camp friend and then summer ends. Let’s break down the song to see what it’s all about.
Verse 1: The Forgotten Plan
Taylor starts by singing about being left behind, saying, “I was supposed to be sent away / But they forgot to come and get me.” This is like making plans with a friend, but they forget to include you, making you feel invisible. She mentions being a “functioning alcoholic” and no one noticing her “new aesthetic,” showing that people didn’t see her struggles or changes. She cares about the person she’s singing to, saying, “I hope you’re okay,” but also feels hurt because of them. She asks, “What about your quiet treason?” which makes us think about those silent betrayals we sometimes face from friends or loved ones.
Chorus: Short-Lived Forever
The chorus talks about a brief but intense relationship, saying, “for a fortnight there, we were forever.” It’s like those two-week crushes that feel super important at the time. Taylor talks about bumping into this person and making small talk about the weather, but underneath, there’s a lot of unresolved feelings. When she sings, “Your wife waters flowers, I wanna kill her,” it shows jealousy and the lingering pain from seeing someone move on.
Verse 2: Stuck in the Past
In the second verse, Taylor describes her mornings as “Mondays stuck in an endless February,” which feels like being in a never-ending winter. Imagine waking up every day feeling like it’s a cold, gray Monday. She talks about trying to move on with “the miracle move-on drug” but it only works for a while. She admits, “I love you, it’s ruining my life,” showing how love can sometimes make things worse instead of better. She remembers touching this person “for only a fortnight,” meaning their time together was short but unforgettable.
Chorus: Bittersweet Encounters
The chorus repeats, but this time Taylor adds that her husband is cheating, and she wants to kill him. This adds another layer to her story, showing her current relationship is also troubled. Running into the person she once loved and making small talk about things like the weather or sweaters just makes everything more complicated.
Bridge: Love Hurts
The bridge repeats the line, “I love you, it’s ruining my life,” over and over, driving home how deeply she feels this. It’s like when you can’t stop thinking about something that’s bothering you, even though you know it’s not good for you. The line “I touched you for only a fortnight” reminds us again how short but impactful their time together was.
Outro: Moving On?
In the outro, Post Malone joins Taylor, and they talk about thinking of calling but not getting an answer. This feels like wanting to reach out to an old friend but knowing it won’t help. The idea of “another fortnight lost in America” suggests more time passing without resolution. Moving to Florida and buying a car that won’t start until touched is like trying to start fresh but being held back by the past.
Conclusion
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift is a song that hits home for anyone who’s had a short but powerful relationship that they can’t forget. It’s about how these brief moments can leave a lasting mark, making us feel a mix of love, regret, and frustration. Whether you’re a teenager with a first crush or an adult looking back on past loves, Taylor’s song captures those feelings perfectly. Her storytelling and emotional depth make “Fortnight” a song that resonates long after it’s over.