As usual, Swifties decoded the clues before Disney and Pixar made it official.
After several days of fan theories, Disney and Pixar confirmed that Taylor Swift wrote and performed a new original song for the upcoming animated film. The track is called “I Knew It, I Knew You” and will be released on June 5, ahead of the movie’s theatrical release on June 19.
The song was written and produced by Swift alongside Jack Antonoff, her longtime collaborator behind several of her biggest and most cinematic pop moments. It will also appear on the official Toy Story 5 soundtrack.
The “TS” billboards started the theories
The speculation began when mysterious billboards featuring the initials “TS” appeared against the familiar blue-sky-and-cloud backdrop associated with Toy Story.
At first glance, “TS” could easily stand for Toy Story. But for Swifties, the initials also pointed to Taylor Swift. The detail that truly sent fans into detective mode was the number of clouds on the billboard: 13, Swift’s famously lucky number.
The studio shared a post featuring Jessie dancing on top of the billboard with the caption, “She’s making those moves up as she goes!” Fans quickly connected the line to Swift’s 2014 hit “Shake It Off,” where she sings, “I make the moves up as I go.”
That was enough for fans to believe the campaign was more than random. In true Swiftie fashion, the comments turned into a full investigation board.
The rumors were close to the truth
Before the announcement, fans had several theories. Some thought Swift might voice a new character. Others guessed that she had recorded a song for the soundtrack. A few wondered if the clues were connected to Jessie, since the character was featured in the promotional teasers.
The soundtrack theory turned out to be the correct one.
Swift confirmed the news on Instagram, writing, “It’s a Toy Story” and “You knew it!” as she announced her new original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5. She also shared that she had “always dreamed” of writing for the characters she has loved since watching the first Toy Story as a child.
The track is also being described as a return to Swift’s country roots, which feels especially fitting for a song inspired by Jessie. For longtime fans who grew up with early Taylor Swift and Toy Story, this is a very specific kind of millennial emotional trap.
What we know about the fifth installment
Toy Story 5 brings back several familiar characters, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. Tom Hanks returns as Woody, Tim Allen returns as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack returns as Jessie.
This time, the toys are facing a very current problem: screen time. The story follows Bonnie’s toys as they compete for attention with Lilypad, a high-tech tablet device voiced by Greta Lee.
The film also introduces new characters, including Bad Bunny as a character named Pizza with Sunglasses. Randy Newman, whose music has helped define the emotional world of Toy Story, is also back for the fifth installment.
When the song and movie arrive
Swift’s I Knew It, I Knew You will be released on June 5 on streaming platforms and digital music stores.
The song will also be available in three limited CD editions: the version featured in the film, an acoustic version, and a piano version. Each edition will feature different vocals and production.
Toy Story 5 opens in theaters on June 19. With Jessie, Taylor Swift, and a new song built for childhood nostalgia, Pixar is clearly aiming straight for the feelings. So …ready for it? Pun intended.
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