Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Leaves Justin Vernon in Awe as Fans Sing Bon Iver’s ‘Exile’ Together

Let’s unpack this delightful moment when the worlds of indie folk and pop collide—no, it’s not a Tinder match gone wrong; it’s Taylor Swift and Justin Vernon giving us a masterclass in collaborative magic. During a recent appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, Vernon, the ethereal frontman of Bon Iver, recounted his transcendent experience of watching Swifties belt out his verses from their haunting duet “exile” during her Eras Tour. Vernon described the phenomenon as “out of body,” which, frankly, is an understatement. Imagine being a musician and witnessing thousands of fans not just singing along but harmonizing with your voice as if they were born to do it. It’s the kind of moment that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally stepped into an alternate universe where dreams come true and Spotify streams have physical power.
The collaboration between Swift and Vernon dates back to her 2020 albums, *folklore* and *evermore*, where the enchanting melancholy of “exile” became an anthem for the heartbroken. Their partnership didn’t stop there; they also joined forces on tracks like “Birch” and “Renegade” from Big Red Machine’s 2021 album. Swift’s ability to traverse genres and seamlessly blend her style with Vernon’s unique sound speaks volumes about her versatility as an artist. Last year, as if the universe conspired for pure magic, fans in Poland took it upon themselves to channel their inner Justin Vernon, joyously singing his parts during the live performance of “exile.” The crowd’s uproarious participation—from the emotional opening lines to the cathartic chorus—truly exemplified the power of music to unite and uplift.
In a world where celebrity collaborations can often feel forced or disingenuous, Swift and Vernon’s connection seems genuine and heartfelt, a rare gem in the glittering landscape of pop culture. Vernon reflected on their initial meeting after *folklore* was released, noting how he felt an instant kinship with Swift, as though they were destined to be that pair of quirky best friends who share the same taste in music and snacks. This sort of camaraderie is what makes their collaborations resonate on a deeper level, transforming mere songs into anthems of collective experience.
So, while we may be busy scrolling through social media, watching clips of Vernon’s fans belting out his lyrics, let’s take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind this beautiful collaboration. Remember, the next time you find yourself in a crowd, don’t just be a bystander—be a part of the magic. Class dismissed; try not to let this newfound wisdom go to waste.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Billboard
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed