It’s as if Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift discover a “gold rush” whenever they get in the recording studio together.
The Grammy-winning producer, 39, and the pop superstar, 34, have made a lot of magic since they started working together on 2014’s 1989, and in a new interview with Vulture, Antonoff opened up about some of his favorite collaborations. Although the Bleachers frontman told the outlet that “every one” of Swift’s eras surprises him, he revealed one song in particular left him “completely punched in the gut” when he first heard it.
“The stuff that shocks me the most is someone’s vulnerability in a song. The end of ‘You’re on Your Own, Kid’ is one of those moments for me,” Antonoff said of the fan-favorite track off Midnights.
Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift. KEVIN MAZUR/GETTYTaylor Swift and Jack Antonoff’s Friendship Timeline
He added, “I remember, she wrote that right in front of me and then we put it down, and I was completely punched in the gut. Beautiful.”
Antonoff explained that he’s “not easily shocked” when it comes to lyrics, but he can find himself taken aback by the emotion they hold — which is what he recognized in Swift’s 2022 synth-pop ballad.
“The stuff that shocks or surprises me is often the most beautifully written stuff,” he said, adding: “With her, I’m constantly taken aback.”
“You’re on Your Own, Kid” is a reflective track that finds Swift recounting experiences of longing in her youth and stepping into her maturity by realizing the beauty of being her own person.
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During the bridge, which Antonoff reflected on with Vulture, she sings, “From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes / I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this / I hosted parties and starved my body / Like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss / The jokes weren’t funny, I took the money / My friends from home don’t know what to say / I looked around in a blood-soaked gown / And I saw something they can’t take away.”
In the final, revelatory verses of the bridge, the “Cruel Summer” singer makes a reference to friendship bracelets, which is in part what inspired Swifties’ Eras Tour tradition of wearing them to her show. She sings, “Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned / Everything you lose is a step you take / So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it / You’ve got no reason to be afraid.”
Jack Antonoff. JEFF KRAVITZ/FILMMAGICMargaret Qualley Says She Absolutely Loves Married Life with Jack Antonoff: ‘It’s the Best’
Antonoff and Swift’s work on Midnights is nominated for multiple Grammy awards, including album of the year and the single “Anti-Hero” up for both song and record of the year.
Due to his work on the hit 2022 album, as well as Lana Del Rey’s Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, he’s nominated for the coveted producer of the year award. Last year, he took home the prize, and the 2024 Grammy Awards marks his third time being recognized in the category.
With six total nominations, Antonoff is among the most-nominated stars at the award show. (He’s actually in the song and album of the year categories twice, with Del Rey’s “A&W” and ninth studio album nominated, as well.)
Although Antonoff has gained a reputation for his chart-topping, award-winning collaborations, next year he’ll also turn his focus to his own band Bleachers. Their fourth studio album, a self-titled effort, is due out Mar. 8, and they’ll be hitting the road for the From the Studio to the Stage tour throughout the spring.
