I didn't think it was possible, but here it is: I officially like a Taylor Swift song. Not only that, I like a Taylor Swift video, which I really didn't predict, being as how she's usually prancing around in sundresses and cowboy boots batting her cat-swoosh eyeliner and singing about John Mayer or whatever. But her video release for "Safe & Sound," well, it's a brand new Taylor—and I think I'm a fan of this version.

"Safe & Sound" is her contribution to The Hunger Games soundtrack, and the music video is startlingly perfect for the film's dark vibe. Who knew blonde, perky Swift could create such a gorgeously eerie mood?

Swift wrote and performed the folk ballad with the Grammy-winning duo The Civil Wars, and the combination is fantastic. You may have already heard the song—it debuted online in December, and apparently was performed live for the first time last month at a Civil Wars’ concert in Nashville, when Swift made a surprise appearance—but the video just premiered on MTV yesterday.

There was a lot of anticipation built up for this particular video, and I think it delivers on all fronts: Swift looks absolutely amazing (the bangs are really working for her, and I'm glad to see her take a break from that ubiquitous eyeliner) as she wanders through a stark, stripped-down environment that somehow cleverly evokes both an Appalachian winter and the dystopian nature of The Hunger Games. Civil Wars bandmates Joy Williams and John Paul White appear now and then, but mostly it's just Swift: raw, mournful, lilting.

Check it out:



Nice, right? I love the quality of her voice in this song—there's a really lovely breathless feel to it that adds to the sense of yearning. Oh, and also how awesome is it towards the end when she picks up the Mockingjay pin?



Okay, so here's the real question: when will this song appear in the actual film? Let's take a look at some of the lyrics:

Everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold onto this lullaby
Even when the music's gone

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

I initially thought "Safe & Sound" would accompany (spoiler alerts!) Rue's death, but now I'm thinking it'll play during the scene when Katniss gives Peeta the sleeping syrup. What do you think? Either way, it's going to be dramatic and emotional and holy shit, you guys, I'm a 38-year-old woman—am I going to be crying during the damn Hunger Games? GAH.

What do you think of Taylor Swift's "Safe & Sound" video? Are you a fan?


Image via YouTube