Who played strings on Taylor Swift’s “august”?

Bobby Hawk played strings on Taylor Swift’s “august.”

Hawk is listed in the song’s personnel credits as the string player. The strings are an important part of the track’s atmosphere, adding a cinematic layer to the guitars, keyboards, and reverberant vocals. Critics frequently noted the song’s swelling and shimmering orchestral qualities.

The credit can be confused with other musicians associated with Folklore. Evan Smith played saxophones, flute, electric guitar, and keyboards on “august,” while Jack Antonoff handled several instrumental and production duties. Aaron Dessner was a major Folklore collaborator, but he is not the credited string player for this track.

The song’s arrangement helps explain why it sounds broader than a simple acoustic ballad. Its late-summer narrative is supported by a gradual expansion of instrumental color, with Hawk’s strings contributing to the full, emotional closing section.