‘That’s When” is the twenty-fourth track on Taylor Swift’s first re-recorded album ‘Fearless,’ originally released in 2008. This is one of the six brand new tracks on the re-recorded album tagged ‘From the Vault.’ The song is a back-and-forth dialogue between two former lovers talking about how and why they fell apart.
The move to re-record her first six albums stemmed from the long-standing legal feud between Taylor Swift and her former record label ‘Big Machine Records,’ first of which will be her second studio album ‘Fearless’ from 2008. The re-recorded ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)‘ contains six never-before-heard tracks including a collaboration with Keith Urban. The album releases on April 9, 2021.
On Twitter, Taylor Swift shares her thoughts on working with Keith Urban on the track; “I’m really honored that Keith Urban is a part of this project, duetting on That’s When and singing harmonies on We Were Happy. I was his opening act during the Fearless album era and his music has inspired me endlessly.” Keith Urban, too, Tweeted; “I hadn’t heard our voices together since sitting in with you on the 1989 tour in Toronto! Magic Congrats @taylorswift13. you’ve got some gems in that vault !!! Thanks for having me join you on a couple of them.”
Listen to “That’s When” by Taylor Swift Ft. Keith Urban
Buy ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ Album on Apple Music & Amazon
“That’s When” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Verse 1
In the first verse of the song, Taylor Swift sings how she brought up the topic of needing more space for herself in the relationship. This is one of the sweetest ways to say that the relationship is not going how she wants it and wants to tap out for a bit. More often than not, there is no going back. The guy respected her wishes and stepped back. He stepped further back and now Taylor cannot even call out to him for a second chance; “When can I-I-I come back?”
Verse 2
The second verse is Keith Urban’s POV in the relationship. He recalls admitting to his mistakes when she said he did her wrong. He admitted them and stepped back and let her go. But he did receive a call from a tearful Taylor later on asking “When can I-I-I come back?” and he just froze.
Bridge
Following her question above, the guy asks Taylor if she ever thought about him when they were taking a step back from their relationship. And this time, Taylor froze without an answer…
Chorus
If the song was left without the chorus, we would imagine that this relationship was never ever getting back together. However, the chorus turns the whole dynamic upside down. In the chorus, both Taylor and Keith sing how they thought about each other all the time while they were apart. And both of them sing; “I’ll let you in, and baby.” So, all is good in the world for their reunion!
Let us hear what you think about this song in the comments below. Check out the complete lyrics to “That’s When” on Genius.