One of the best parts of the virtual One World: Together at Home benefit concert was none other than musical icon Taylor Swift. Not only was it a complete thrill to see her singing and playing in front of some of the most gorgeous wallpaper I've ever seen—Did she paint it herself? fans wondered—but she actually performed a song she said she wouldn't perform. And yet, not only did she sing the song, she did it live for the benefit, which honors those who are suffering and those who are supporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In case you missed it, this is one of Swift's most personal songs (and probably the saddest) off of Lover. The original track features the Dixie Chicks. It's an ode to her mom, who's battling cancer, and is the most personal she's gotten about her thoughts about it. She has said it's been one of the most difficult to write and even has a hard time hearing it—much less performing it. Fans thought they might never hear it live.
The lyrics are heartbreaking. Just a few: "The buttons of my coat were tangled in my hair. In doctor’s office lighting, I didn’t tell you I was scared...That was the first time we were there. Holy orange bottles, each night, I pray to you. Desperate people find faith, so now I pray to Jesus too." And later: “And I hate to make this all about me, but who am I supposed to talk to? What am I supposed to do, if there’s no you?" (weeps)
Swift fans informed the world that this is apparently this is the first time she has performed the song. Fans were even more floored at her vulnerability—choosing this moment to share this song with the world, when it's clearly so hard for her, but understanding what her audience (and the world) needs. She was somber throughout the performance and even sounded close to tears at one point, but got through it like an absolute champ.
Here's the video for you to watch. I won't lie, I got choked up:
Taylor Swift’s first live performance of “Soon You’ll Get Better” was just right for this moment #TogetherAtHome pic.twitter.com/O6vaWe5w3hApril 19, 2020
No surprise, the Swifties were out in full force during and after her performance. The reactions honestly were the best part:
The fact that ‘Soon You’ll Get Better’ is just a deeply emotional & personal song for @taylorswift13 made it even more special, thank you ❤️ #TogetherAtHomeApril 19, 2020
taylor knows that song would mean a lot to other people right now and even though it clearly hurt her to sing i have never been so proud of herApril 19, 2020
Did @TaylorSwift13 paint her walls herself? #TogetherAtHome pic.twitter.com/nz82dBKdLWApril 19, 2020
That @taylorswift13 song kills me. Makes me think of my Mom. #togetherathome pic.twitter.com/3ZvU1QcCcxApril 19, 2020
Taylor Swift just ended this pandemia and social distancing and suddenly the world is healthy and working again! #TogetherAtHomeApril 19, 2020
Taylor Swift has just played the most personal song she’s ever written... what a brave thing to do. She’s the strongest and we are so proud of her 🤍 #TogetherAtHome pic.twitter.com/h9rS1gRvGiApril 19, 2020
I never thought I’d ever hear ‘Soon You’ll Get Better’ live.Thank you, @taylorswift13. #TogetherAtHome is so beautiful.April 19, 2020
It was honestly so sweet and meaningful.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Must-Visit Hair Colorists in New York City
I trust these talented colorists implicitly.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
Pink Calls Gwen Stefani "The Coolest, Kindest" After Their Joint Concert Appearance
A mid '00s dream.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Harry Styles Stopped His Concert So a Pregnant Fan Could Go for a Pee and "Not Miss a Thing"
I'm DYING.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Miley Cyrus Heartbreakingly Admits That She Carried "Guilt and Shame" After Her 2013 Twerking Controversy
She's let those feelings go now.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Miley Cyrus' Song 'Flowers' Was Originally Going to Have VERY Different Lyrics, She Reveals in 'British Vogue' Interview
This is unexpected.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Miley Cyrus' New Song Is Packed With References to Ex Liam Hemsworth, And People Are Obsessed With Her "Queen Behavior"
Exhibit A: She released it on his birthday.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Taylor Swift Fans Have Big Feelings About Ticketmaster Crashing Due to "Historically Unprecedented Demand"
There was heartbreak.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift Beat the *Actual* Beatles With Her New Billboard Chart Rankings
I am shaken to the very core.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published