“cardigan” presents Betty’s perspective in the three-song love triangle that includes Taylor Swift’s “august.”
The connected Folklore narrative centers on Betty, James, and the unnamed narrator of “august.” “cardigan” is told from Betty’s viewpoint, “betty” is associated with James’s viewpoint, and “august” follows the girl involved in James’s summer romance.
These songs are not a conventional chronological trilogy with every event explained directly. Instead, Swift uses different perspectives, memories, and implied connections to let listeners assemble the story. That structure is one reason the songs generated extensive fan discussion after Folklore’s release.
The title is written in lowercase in the album’s styling, although capitalization may vary in ordinary writing. It is distinct from “betty,” which is the song most directly associated with James’s perspective.