Taylor Swift wrote a new song for Disney+’s "Toy Story 5," according to USA Today.
Writing New Music for Jessie
Taylor Swift wrote "I Knew It, I Knew You" for the cowgirl character Jessie in the "Toy Story" franchise, USA Today reported. The film centers on Jessie returning to the farmhouse of her original kid, Emily. Swift said during a Nov. 13 Critics Choice Association virtual press conference that the project offered a fresh songwriting experience.
“[This song] truly feels like it’s a new experience for me as a songwriter,” Swift told USA Today. “In terms of the specific type of gratitude that this song is about, it just feels like it’s sort of something I’ve arrived at more recently in my life.”
Jessie's lessons on memory and acceptance resonate with Swift
The narrative addresses Jessie’s long-held belief that Emily abandoned her in 1999’s "Toy Story 2." The cowgirl eventually learns that Emily always remembered her. Swift said those storyline lessons resonated with her own life perspective.
“[When I was watching this film, I was so struck by the lessons that Jessie learned,]” Swift told USA Today. “[They resonated with me because they were lessons I’ve learned in my life, and maybe I wouldn’t have been able to write this song until I was in my 30s, because it takes you a long time to process and perceive memory with acceptance.]”
The song tops charts as Swift reflects on Jessie
Jack Antonoff co-wrote and co-produced the track with Swift. The song has already topped Billboard charts.
Swift has watched the franchise since seeing the original movie at age five. She now rewatches the films as a holiday tradition. Jessie’s character has remained a favorite throughout those years.
“[When you first meet her, she’s this unapologetic, loud, wild, unruly, fun, exciting person,]” Swift told USA Today. “[But when I look back now, there was heartbreak that she was carrying with her every day.]”
Pushing Creative Boundaries
Swift said that penning a character’s track brings unique pressure alongside relief.
“[You really want to get it right for this character you love,]” Swift told USA Today. At the same time, she added, “[there is a pressure-release valve of not having to write about my personal life and being able to absorb myself in a story.]”
She incorporated country elements to match the character’s TV cowgirl roots. She also studied Randy Newman’s music style to experiment with new chord progressions and instrumentation. She used a virginal harpsichord on the track for the first time.
Which questions arise about Toy Story 5 and Taylor Swift?
Which character is the focus of "Toy Story 5"?
Jessie the cowgirl is the central character in the narrative, returning to the farmhouse of her original kid, Emily, alongside Bullseye.
Who co-wrote "I Knew It, I Knew You"?
Jack Antonoff co-wrote and co-produced the track alongside Taylor Swift.
When did Taylor Swift discuss writing the song?
Swift spoke about the track during a virtual press conference hosted by the Critics Choice Association on Nov. 13, 2026.
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