In Taylor Swift’s “august,” Augustine falls in love with James.
The song is part of a three-song narrative on Folklore involving James, Betty, and Augustine. “August” presents the story from Augustine’s perspective as she experiences a brief summer romance with James.
James is already connected to Betty, and the storyline ends with him returning to Betty. Augustine’s relationship with him is therefore temporary and unrequited, which explains the song’s wistful tone and its focus on memory, longing, and an ending summer.
The name Augustine is often treated as the character’s name even though the track itself is titled “August.” The song’s title points to the month and the character’s association with it, rather than naming a fourth person in the story.