Which two songs complete Taylor Swift’s “august” love-triangle story?

Taylor Swift’s “Cardigan” and “Betty” complete the love-triangle story begun in “august.” The three songs present the same fictional relationship from different perspectives and points in time.

In “august,” an unnamed female character recalls a summer romance with James. “Cardigan” is associated with Betty, James’s former lover, while “Betty” gives James a perspective on the relationship and his attempt to reconcile with Betty. Together, the songs form one of Folklore’s clearest examples of recurring characters and connected narratives.

Swift described these songs as a “Teenage Love Triangle,” rather than as three unrelated love songs. The arrangement encourages listeners to compare details, memories, and emotional assumptions across the tracks. “August” became the seasonal centerpiece of the group because its title and imagery fit the month, but the broader story depends on all three songs. The trilogy is fictional, so the characters should not automatically be identified with Swift or real people in her life.