Taylor Swift and Diane Warren’s Decade-Long Musical Journey

In a recent Billboard article dated 11/17/2023, legendary songwriter Diane Warren expresses gratitude to Taylor Swift for resurrecting their co-written power ballad, “Say Don’t Go,” as part of the “From the Vault” extras on Swift’s re-released 1989 (Taylor’s Version) album. The track, originally penned in 2013 for the original version of “1989,” resurfaced as a fan-favorite, showcasing Swift’s thoughtful acknowledgment of Warren’s contribution.

Warren, 67, acknowledges Swift’s intelligence in strategically incorporating the song into her repertoire, stating, “Thanks for taking me along for the ride, Taylor. It’s awesome.” Swift’s gesture of sending flowers and a heartfelt note to Warren further emphasizes the camaraderie between the two artists.

The article delves into the background of the song’s creation, revealing that Swift and Warren wrote it together in 2013, with a demo recorded on New Year’s Day in 2014. Despite not making the cut for the original 1989 album, a new version produced by Swift and collaborator Jack Antonoff rekindled Warren’s appreciation for their collaboration.

Swift’s note to Warren expresses the sentiment of a dream come true, reflecting the genuine connection forged during the creative process. The article highlights the unique writing dynamic between Swift and Warren, emphasizing the surprise and joy Warren experienced upon learning that Swift chose to include the track in her re-released album.

This musical journey spanning a decade is characterized by mutual respect, unexpected twists, and the enduring impact of their collaborative efforts.