Swifties and Pixar fans, the song has landed. Taylor Swift has released “I Knew It, I Knew You”, her new original song for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5. The track, written with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, arrived today, 5 June, after days of speculation around Swift’s involvement in the upcoming film.
It marks a return to a more country-influenced sound for Swift, with the song inspired by Jessie, the beloved cowgirl character from the Toy Story films. A video for the single has also been released, made up entirely of footage from the Toy Story franchise and focusing on Jessie, who also appears on the song’s cover art.
Swift previously confirmed the song after fans spotted billboards spelling out the initials “TS” in the classic Toy Story style. She later shared that writing the track felt like “a musical departure and coming home” at the same time, adding that creating something for Jessie felt both new and familiar. “I Knew It, I Knew You” arrives ahead of Toy Story 5, which is set to be released worldwide on 19 June. The new film sees Woody, Buzz and the gang facing a very modern threat in the form of Lilypad, a tablet that competes for children’s attention.
For CultureCues, this is exactly the kind of music and film crossover that gets us immediately invested. Taylor Swift writing for Jessie feels like a full-circle moment for anyone who grew up with Toy Story, and the fact she has leaned into a country sound makes the whole thing feel even more fitting.
Basically, it’s a Toy Story, baby. Just say yes.
“I Knew It, I Knew You” is available now on streaming platforms.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.