Big Red Machine is a collaboration between Bon Iver’s frontman, Justin Vernon, and The National’s keyboardist, Aaron Dessner, formed in June 2018. The group gets a new addition, Taylor Swift, for their brand new release “Renegade.”
Big Red Machine is preparing to release their second studio album ‘How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last?’ in August 2021. Ahead of the album, the group released “Latter Days” featuring Anaïs Mitchell as the lead single from the album. “The Ghost of Cincinnati” became the second single, and what followed was “Renegade” with Taylor Swift.
Taylor Swift is no stranger to working with both Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner. She worked closely with both of them on her 2020 albums ‘folklore‘ and ‘evermore.’
“Renegade” is one of the two (other track called “Birch”) Taylor Swift features on the album, and Taylor wrote a heartfelt message about her collaborators on the track on Twitter;
When @Aaron_Dessner came into my life, I was ushered into his world of free-flowing creativity where you don’t overthink, you just make music. A song we wrote for his project @BRMadjv (which also features Justin Vernon) is out! It’s called Renegade.
Listen to “Renegade” by Big Red Machine & Taylor Swift
“Renegade” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
The theme of the song winds around a couple who struggle through their relationship because of mental health issues.
I tapped on your window on your darkest night
The shape of you was jagged and weak
Taylor Swift makes it immediately clear that she is dealing with her partner who is going through some issues. A person is in good shape when they are both mentally and physically healthy. In contrast, Taylor’s partner here is both jagged-looking and exhausted from constant battles.
Dealing with someone with mental issues can be difficult for people around them. Taylor Swift knew that this person already had their plate full of their own personal struggles. Accommodating others into their lives, especially a love affair, can be very tricky for either party. But Taylor Swift stayed.
‘Renegade’ is a person who betrays their own core values. In this case, the renegade is the person who is about to give in to their inner demons.
You wouldn’t be the first renegade to need somebody
Taylor Swift was and is willing to stand by them to heal them back on their path. However, she can only help them if they are willing to receive help. Taylor Swift says that sometimes their issues take a big toll on her too. Sometimes, it makes her frustrated.
Is it insensitive for me to say “Get your sh*t together so I can love you?”
Sometimes, their behavior makes Taylor wonder if they don’t want to be saved. Does this person blame it all on their issues? Taylor wonders if it really is their problem or they just don’t want to give their all to the relationship.
For anyone struggling with any issue, don’t give up. You are not alone and let people around you help you.
Let us know what you think about this song in the comments below. Check out the complete lyrics on Genius.
