Taylor Swift has revealed that she connected deeply with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff over their shared childhood attachment to Toy Story, describing how the animated franchise helped shape both of their creative sensibilities. Speaking in a recent interview, Swift explained that her experience working on music tied to the Toy Story universe sparked immediate nostalgia, prompting her to reach out to Antonoff as soon as she saw an early screening of the film.
Shared Childhood Influence
The pair quickly bonded over how strongly the Pixar franchise influenced them growing up. Swift said that both she and Antonoff felt Toy Story was more than just a children's series, describing it as something that "really shaped our childhoods" and left a lasting emotional imprint. Their shared reaction helped inspire their collaboration on a new song for the upcoming Toy Story 5 soundtrack.
New Song for Toy Story 5
The track, titled I Knew It, I Knew You, was written and produced by Swift and Antonoff after she left the screening and immediately began working on ideas for the song. Swift has previously said the experience felt both like a creative departure and a return to something familiar, particularly because of the emotional themes tied to memory, friendship and growing up that define the Toy Story films.
Premiere Performance
At the film's premiere, Swift also performed the new track and joined composer Randy Newman for a rendition of the iconic Toy Story song You've Got a Friend in Me, underscoring her long-standing admiration for the franchise's musical legacy.
Emotional History in Collaboration
Swift and Antonoff have collaborated on numerous projects over the years, but the singer said this particular experience stood out because it tapped into a shared emotional history rather than just a studio partnership. Their conversation about Toy Story reportedly became a key creative starting point for the song. The interview highlights how Swift continues to draw inspiration from childhood influences, blending nostalgia with her evolving songwriting style as she expands into film music projects alongside her longtime collaborators.
