Taylor Swift's New 'Toy Story 5' Song Marks Return to Country Roots: 'I Knew It, I Knew You' Drops June 5
Taylor Swift has announced a new original song for the upcoming Pixar film Toy Story 5, titled 'I Knew It, I Knew You,' set for release on June 5. Co-written with Jack Antonoff, the track marks a return to Swift's country roots, inspired by the cowgirl character Jessie.
Announcement
Taylor Swift confirmed on June 1 via Instagram that she has written and recorded 'I Knew It, I Knew You' for Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5. The song will drop on all streaming platforms on June 5, ahead of the film's theatrical release. Swift co-wrote and co-produced the track with her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff.
I fell instantly in love with Toy Story 5 when I was lucky enough to see it in its early stages, and I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening.
The Song
Disney described the track as 'a return to Taylor Swift's country roots, blending styles that have defined her record-breaking career as a songwriter and artist.' The song is inspired by Jessie, the rootin' tootin' cowgirl introduced in Toy Story 2. Swift has previously contributed to film soundtracks—such as 'Safe & Sound' for The Hunger Games—but this marks a deliberate embrace of the country sound that launched her career.
Film Details and Themes
Toy Story 5 continues the beloved saga with a 'Toys vs. Tech' conflict. A new character, Lilypad, a tablet that competes for Bonnie's attention, brings fresh tension for Woody, Buzz, and the gang. Tom Hanks, who voices Woody, has said the film tackles the 'terror' of technology. Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, recalled the early days of the franchise, noting how groundbreaking the original film's computer animation was. The movie opens in some international markets on June 17, with a wide release on June 19, according to various sources.
- Taylor Swift announces 'I Knew It, I Knew You' on Instagram
- Song releases on all streaming platforms
- Film opens in some international markets (per Franceinfo)
- Film opens widely in cinemas (per most sources)
Fan Speculation and Easter Eggs
Swifties had speculated about the collaboration for weeks, fueled by a mysterious countdown on Swift's website, billboards bearing the initials 'TS' that appeared in multiple cities, and a subtle change to the cover of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) where seagulls were replaced by clouds. Swift herself teased the announcement with the phrase 'It's a Toy Story!' on social media.
