Taylor Swift, winner of 14 GRAMMY® awards, stunned her fans with her move to the big screen following the release of her record-breaking albums. “I Knew It, I Knew You,” on June 5, 2026, is a key piece on the official soundtrack for Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated animated blockbuster, Toy Story 5.
Written and recorded with her long-time creative collaborator Jack Antonoff, the song is something of a stylistic homecoming for Swift, eschewing the synth-heavy pop of her previous eras for an exuberant country track, replete with banjos, harmonica and pedal steel guitar.
In an official statement, The Walt Disney Company said Swift was “moved to the core” by the emotional journey of the “rootin’ tootin’ cowgirl” Jessie, and created a story about unexpected, heartbreaking reunions.
Complete Song Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I knew you
Through the daze of the blades of the grass in summer
Parachutes for the freefall of being younger
I memorized the sound of your bare footsteps
Running wild, it’s been a long time
Life has ways of leaving those days behind
But seeing you tonight
[Chorus]
I remembered I loved you
Came back when it mattered
I saw you, standing there in the light of the window
Wearing that same smile
Man, it’s been a while
But I knew it, I knew you
I knew it, I knew you
[Verse 2]
I knew you, all your blues like a mood ring changing colors
You did too, there were times we could fight like brothers (Oh)
I watched you drive around the bend
For what I thought would be the last time
I saw my friend
But love has ways of bringing things back to life
All you said was, “Hi”
[Chorus]
And I remembered I loved you
I saw you, standing there in the light of the window
Wearing that same smile
Man, it’s been a while
But I knew it, I knew you (I knew, I knew)
I knew it, I knew you (I knew, I knew)
I knew it, I knew you (I knew, I knew)
[Bridge]
Oh, the rivers I cried when we said goodbye
Wondering if I’d made it up in my mind
But now you look
And you told me I loved you
Came back when it mattered
[Chorus]
I saw you, standing there in the light of the window
Wearing that same smile
Yeah, it’s been a while (Ohh)
Wearing that same smile
Man, it’s been a while
Wearing that same smile
Man, it’s been a while
But I knew it, I knew you (Ooh, I knew you)
I knew it, I knew you (Ooh, I knew you)
Wearing that same smile (Ooh, I knew you)
I knew it, I knew you (Ooh, I knew you)
I knew it, I knew you (Ooh, I knew you)
I knew it.
The Song’s Inspiration
The song is a reference to Taylor Swift’s rural roots and is inspired by the iconic cowgirl character Jessie from the Toy Story movie and her continued adventure in Toy Story 5, which started way back in Toy Story 2.
Swift herself got personal about the creative process. On Instagram, Swift shared a video of herself as a little girl wearing a cowboy hat and boots. She wrote, “Writing this song felt like a musical departure and a coming home at the same time.” While making something for Jessie was a new task, it also felt like something I did all the time.
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The Sound & Tone
The song is bouncy and uplifting, and looks likely to serve a similar narrative purpose in Toy Story 5 as “When She Loved Me” did in Toy Story 2 – as an anthem playing over a pivotal sequence with Jessie. But although the previous song was melancholy and about separation, “I Knew It, I Knew You” has the opposite spirit, finding effortless delight in a reunion that was always meant to be.
The Build-Up & Announcement
The lead-up to the release was classic Taylor Swift mystery. On April 30, 2026, Swift’s official website briefly displayed a countdown with a sky-blue background, white clouds, and blue-outlined yellow numbers — imagery strongly associated with the Toy Story franchise. It was removed after approximately ten minutes and expired without an announcement.
On June 1, 2026, Swift teased the song with a three-hour countdown on her website. At the end of the countdown, the song’s existence was officially confirmed, along with three exclusive single CD editions.
Exclusive Editions & Formats
Pre-sales began on Taylor Swift’s website for three exclusive CD editions featuring the new single as it appears in the film, a special acoustic version, and a special piano version — all with unique vocals and production.
About Toy Story 5
Toy Story 5 will be in cinemas on 19 June 2026. The film finds Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang trying to do their duties, while a new tablet computer, Lilypad, has some unusual notions about what is best for their infant girl, Bonnie. Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton directed the film.
Also, June 19 is the date that Taylor Swift had her first great hit, “Tim McGraw.” So that date is really significant for Swift and her fans.
Where to Listen
“I Knew It, I Knew You” is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
