The Deeper Meaning Behind the Lyrics

Taylor Swift has shed light on the intricate lyrical composition of her track “I Know It, I Knew You,” featured in the latest Pixar blockbuster, Toy Story 5. During a recent interview on the iHeartCountry House Party, the singer-songwriter explained that the song is designed to evoke a profound sense of nostalgia.


A focal point of the discussion was the use of the word “daze.” Swift noted that while the lyrics explicitly use the spelling “d-a-z-e,” she welcomes interpretations that lean toward “d-a-y-s.”


“I thought of it, like, a childhood daze—you look back and you see this sort of blurry, beautiful memory that’s kind of blurry at the edges and blades of the grass in summer that harkens back to childhood and playing and using your imagination,” Swift shared.

Inspired by Jessie’s Narrative

The song, which marks a nostalgic return to Swift’s country roots, serves as an emotional backdrop for the character Jessie, the beloved cowgirl figurine. The narrative centers on Jessie’s history with her original owner, Emily, who eventually outgrew her toys. Swift penned the track after being moved by an early screening of the film.


Reflecting on the emotional resonance of the story, Swift highlighted specific lines that felt particularly poignant:

  • “I knew you / Through the daze of the blades of the grass in summer”
  • “Parachutes / For the free fall of being younger / I memorized the sound of your bare footsteps.”

Joining the Toy Story Legacy

Previously, while appearing on a 20/20 special dedicated to the film, Swift expressed how deeply the movie affected her. She emphasized her desire to provide a moment of catharsis for Jessie’s character, stating, “I watched you drive around the bend for what I thought would be the last time I saw my friend... so I’m really happy to give her a happy moment.”


Swift also expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the franchise. According to the artist, she felt honored to receive the blessing of Randy Newman—the iconic composer behind the series' music—to participate in the Toy Story universe. She noted that the film stands as her personal favorite in the entire series.