Taylor Swift’s Toy Story 5 Song Now Officially Available to Stream (& It’s Not What I Expected)

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Taylor Swift’s song for Toy Story 5, called “I Knew It, I Knew You,” is now available before the movie comes out in a few weeks. Last week, it was announced that Swift wrote a song for a key scene featuring the character Jessie and her original owner, Emily (who hasn’t been seen since Toy Story 2). At the time, all we knew was the song’s topic and that it would have a bit of a country sound, reminiscent of Swift’s earlier music.

The new song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” is now available on all major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and YouTube. It marks a reunion between Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff, who co-wrote and produced the track after being absent from her last album, The Life of a Showgirl. Musically, the song blends soft pop-rock with a return to the cheerful country sound and storytelling style of Swift’s early albums, Fearless and her debut. It also incorporates production elements similar to her album Folklore, and hints of inspiration from “The Bolter” on The Tortured Poets Department.

Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” Is Great For Toy Story 5

Knowing how emotionally powerful the scene with Emily and Jessie in Toy Story 2 is – it’s one of Pixar’s most heartbreaking moments – I expected Taylor Swift’s song to be deeply moving. She’s proven with her past songs, particularly those released as track #5, that she can evoke strong feelings, and I thought this song would do the same. While the song is sweet and nostalgic, it didn’t have the strong emotional impact I was hoping for.

This isn’t really a critique, just a thought – the song definitely works, and it makes a lot of sense for a movie aimed at kids! The lyrics connect beautifully with Jessie’s story and her upcoming reunion with Emily in Toy Story 5, and it will likely be even more impactful when you see it in the film. The combination of music and animation has always been a highlight of the Toy Story series, and this song fits right in, especially with the full context of the scene.

Pixar’s decision to include Taylor Swift is a win-win. It’s sure to build excitement among her fans – especially younger ones – and boost the movie’s chances of being a huge summer hit. The inclusion will likely make an already strong scene even better. Plus, it could earn Swift an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, something every other film in the series has achieved – with Toy Story 3 actually winning the award. And if she performs at the Oscars, that would be fantastic!

The song is already receiving positive reviews. Consequence called it catchy, Elle found it emotionally powerful, and USA Today noted Taylor Swift’s storytelling ability. Fans online are also responding well, particularly praising the lyrics, the return to her country roots, and its surprisingly cheerful sound.

Taylor Swift – “I Knew It, I Knew You” Full Lyrics

I first met you during carefree summer days, when everything felt simpler. We were young and reckless, and I remember every detail, like the sound of your footsteps as we ran around. It’s been a long time, and life has moved on, but seeing you tonight brings those memories flooding back.

I suddenly remembered how much I loved you. I returned just when you needed me, and there you were, standing in the window light with that familiar smile. It’s been a long time, but I instantly recognized you. I just knew it was you.

I used to know you so well, understanding all your different emotions like they were reflected in a mood ring. We were close enough to argue like family. I remember watching you leave, thinking it would be the last time I ever saw you. But love often finds a way to reconnect people, and all you said when we met again was a simple, “Hi.”

I suddenly remembered how much I loved you. I returned just when it counted, and there you were, standing in the window light with that familiar smile. It had been a long time, but I instantly knew – I just knew it was you.

[Post-Chorus]
I knew it, I knew you (I knew, I knew)
I knew it, I knew you (I knew, I knew)

Looking back, I remember the tears we shed when we parted ways, and I questioned if I’d imagined the finality of it all. But now, seeing you face-to-face, everything feels real.

You told me you loved me, and then you came back when I needed you most. I saw you standing there, bathed in the window light, with that familiar smile. It’s been a long time, but I recognized it instantly. I knew it was you, I just knew.

I recognized you, I just knew it. That familiar smile gave you away. I knew it was you, I really did. I just knew it.

Toy Story 5 releases in theaters on June 19th, 2026.

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2026-06-05 14:40