august

Here, Swift sings of a summer romance that was destined not to last. It is part two of three Folklore tracks about a teenage love triangle between the characters Betty, James and an unnamed girl. This song is from the perspective of the unnamed girl, who Swift imagines being called either Augusta or Augustine; the first part, "Cardigan," is from Betty's, and the third part, "Betty," is from James'.

Swift doesn't tell us why Inez's relationship with Augusta/Augustine ended, but on the third part she explains it was because James was also seeing his regular girlfriend, Betty. However, there is a hint in the chorus when Inez admits to James, "'Cause you were never mine."

Swift wrote and produced the song with Jack Antonoff, who is also known for his work with Lorde and Lana Del Rey. A regular Swift collaborator, he has credits on six Folklore tracks. Antonoff tweeted that this song and another Folklore track, "My Tears Ricochet," are his favorite things he's ever done with Swift.