Taylor Swift Вђ“ Illicit Affairs (official Lyric Video) -

The refrain "it dies and it dies and it dies a million little times" emphasizes that the relationship doesn't end all at once; rather, the participant's self-esteem and identity are eroded incrementally. Musical Composition and Bridge

"Illicit Affairs," the tenth track on Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album, folklore (2020), is a haunting, acoustic guitar-led exploration of the psychological and emotional toll of infidelity. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the song represents a pivotal shift in Swift’s songwriting toward "mythopoeic" fictional narratives rather than strictly autobiographical accounts. Narrative and Lyricism Taylor Swift – illicit affairs (Official Lyric Video)

Swift details the logistical burden of an affair, from using "hoods over your head" to avoid being seen to leaving "perfume on the shelf" to erase any evidence of presence. The refrain "it dies and it dies and

The Official Lyric Video on YouTube uses the cottagecore aesthetic of the folklore era, featuring a monochromatic, wooded visual that aligns with the album’s themes of isolation and introspection. Narrative and Lyricism Swift details the logistical burden

The verses are delivered in a whispered, calm tone that mimics the secrecy of the subject matter.