Taylor Swift Returns to Country Roots with New Song "I Knew It, I Knew You" for 'Toy Story 5' Soundtrack

Disney began teasing the collaboration with 'TS' billboards with the film's signature font

Taylor Swift [Christopher Polk/Getty], Toy Story 5 [Disney/Pixar]

Taylor Swift is heading to infinity and beyond with one of the most unexpected and high-profile collaborations of her career. The global superstar has written and recorded a brand-new original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” for Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated animated sequel, Toy Story 5. The track, which will be released on June 5, serves as Swift’s first new music since her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl and marks her first major contribution to a Pixar feature film. The movie comes out on June 19 - the 20th anniversary of Taylor's first single "Tim McGraw" from her self-titled debut album. Fittingly, the forthcoming "I Knew It, I Knew You" will be a return to Taylor's country sound.

According to Swift, the opportunity was deeply personal; she revealed that she has loved the Toy Story franchise since childhood and was inspired to write the song immediately after viewing an early cut of the movie.

The single will be available on three different limited edition CDs. The three different versions are Original, Acoustic, and Piano - each CD featuring a different version of the song and cover art. Hit the link below to pre-order while supplies last.

The collaboration had been the subject of intense speculation among fans for weeks before the official announcement. Mysterious “TS” billboards featuring Toy Story-style clouds appeared in major cities around the world, while Pixar and Swift both dropped subtle hints across social media. A countdown appeared on Swift’s website using the familiar visual aesthetic of the Toy Story universe, fueling rumors that she was involved with the film. On June 1, Swift confirmed the news through social media, announcing “I Knew It, I Knew You” and describing the project as a dream come true. Disney and Pixar quickly followed with their own confirmation, positioning the song as a key part of the film’s soundtrack campaign.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the song is its reported connection to Jessie, the beloved cowgirl character voiced by Joan Cusack. Several reports indicate that the track was inspired by Jessie’s role in the story and reflects themes of loyalty, friendship, growth, and finding one's place in a changing world—core emotional elements that have defined the Toy Story franchise for three decades. Director Andrew Stanton praised Swift’s understanding of the character and reportedly felt her songwriting captured Jessie’s spirit perfectly. The title itself, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” suggests a reflective and emotional perspective that aligns naturally with Pixar’s storytelling style.

Musically, the song appears to represent a return to Swift’s country roots. Multiple reports have described the track as blending the storytelling style and acoustic sensibilities that helped launch her career in the mid-2000s. The release is particularly notable because it arrives during the 20th anniversary year of her breakthrough debut single, “Tim McGraw,” creating a symbolic full-circle moment. Promotional images for the single feature Swift embracing a nostalgic aesthetic, including her signature natural curls and country-inspired fashion, reinforcing the idea that the project reconnects her with the sound and imagery of her earliest musical era.

The song is also expected to play a significant role in the marketing campaign for Toy Story 5, which arrives in theaters on June 19. The film reunites iconic characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, while exploring the challenges toys face in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Early previews suggest that the story centers on the toys' struggle to remain relevant as children become more attached to digital devices, creating a modern conflict that balances humor with the emotional depth audiences expect from Pixar.

For Swift, “I Knew It, I Knew You” represents another major milestone in a career that has increasingly expanded beyond traditional pop music. Following blockbuster tours, record-breaking album releases, and ventures into filmmaking and directing, her partnership with Disney and Pixar places her at the center of one of Hollywood’s most beloved franchises. With Toy Story 5 poised to be one of the biggest family films of 2026 and Swift contributing what many expect to be an emotionally resonant centerpiece song, “I Knew It, I Knew You” is already shaping up to be one of the year’s most talked-about musical releases.

Pre-order now HERE