Jack Antonoff created the instrumental for Taylor Swift's "august" before Swift wrote its lyrics. He and Swift are credited as the song's principal writers and producers.
According to the song's production history, Antonoff produced the instrumental first and sent it to Swift. She then wrote the lyrics on the spot, describing the process as intuitive. This order differs from the common assumption that lyrics and melody always come first.
Antonoff had already collaborated with Swift on songs for 1989, Reputation, and Lover. Their work on Folklore continued that partnership, although the album's more atmospheric sound gave the collaboration a different setting.
Aaron Dessner was also a major Folklore producer, but he is not the answer for this specific production detail. Joe Alwyn later received co-producer recognition on the track, which can create another possible confusion.