What Does So It Goes Mean in Taylor Swift's Music
The phrase so it goes appears in Taylor Swift's song "So It Goes..." from her 2020 album Folklore. The line reflects a reflective, almost resigned acceptance of messy relationships and unfinished stories. In the lyrics, it frames small, fleeting moments and imperfect decisions as part of a larger, inevitable pattern. The track uses soft indie folk production, short vignettes, and character-driven details to emphasize emotional distance and nostalgia. The song is credited to Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner, and Jack Antonoff, and it is one of the more introspective cuts on Folklore. Forbes described Folklore as a departure into indie folk and noted its introspective storytelling.
So it goes functions as a refrain that underscores impermanence and the acceptance of unresolved feelings. The lyric pairs everyday scenes, like driving through a town or exchanging glances, with a sense of inevitability. Critics and fans have interpreted the phrase as a way to acknowledge that some connections fade or end without dramatic closure. The song's production, built around minimal piano and layered synths, reinforces the calm, observational tone. The track is one of several Folklore songs co-produced with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, who are credited on multiple songs across the album. Taylor Swift's public filings and business disclosures outline her corporate structure and music rights management.
How So It Goes Fits Into Taylor Swift's Broader Songwriting and Catalog
Folklore and the Indie Folk Shift
So It Goes... sits within Taylor Swift's Folklore, an album that marked a shift toward indie folk and alternative production. The record was released in July 2020 and became one of the fastest-selling albums of that year. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and broke streaming records on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The album's critical and commercial success reinforced Swift's ability to pivot genres while maintaining a large, global audience. Forbes noted that Folklore's storytelling and production style set it apart from her previous pop-centric work.
Recurring Themes Across Swift's Discography
The themes in So It Goes... echo recurring motifs in Taylor Swift's catalog, including nostalgia, memory, and the passage of time. Earlier albums like Fearless and Red explored similar emotional territory but with more overtly pop and country arrangements. Folklore's stripped-back production and character-driven narratives represent a more subdued, literary approach. The song's focus on small, mundane moments aligns with Swift's broader songwriting technique of turning personal details into universal stories. SEC filings provide details on Swift's corporate entities and music publishing structures.
Financial and Market Impact of Taylor Swift's Music and Releases
Streaming, Sales, and Catalog Value
Taylor Swift's music, including tracks from Folklore, continues to drive significant streaming and sales revenue. The album's tracks regularly appear on