When Taylor Swift joined forces with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and producer Aaron Dessner for the folklore standout track “Exile,” few could have predicted the emotional, musical, and creative explosion that would follow. But according to Vernon himself, the moment Swift’s vision came to life, it left him — quite literally — stunned.

“I had never done something that felt so theatrical,” Vernon recalls. “They were like, ‘We want you to sing this part,’ and I was just in awe. I added my little bits here and there, but when we got the recording back and heard everything… it was hands on face, face melting. You can do nothing but stand in awe of how ‘Exile’ came together.”

THE GENIUS COLLABORATION

The track, which has become a fan favorite, was the result of a unique collaboration between Swift, longtime collaborator Joe Alwyn (under the pseudonym William Bowery), and Aaron Dessner of The National.

“Aaron hit me up and said, ‘I think there’s a song Taylor wants you to sing on,’” Vernon explains. “I was like, ‘Taylor?!’ And he tells me she’s been writing to some of the Big Red Machine demos. She heard something in them — and turned them into what I think are some of her strongest lyrics ever.”

Dessner and Swift’s creative connection proved to be electric. “She stepped right into our world and elevated everything,” Vernon said. “I just watched it happen. It felt like she belonged there.”

A MAGICAL FIRST LISTEN

One of the most unforgettable moments for Vernon came when he first heard how Swift had arranged the song. “Up to a certain point, we had the bones of it. Then I added that line — ‘So step right out’ — and when we got the track back… boom. Confetti. Everything just exploded emotionally. It was a trip.”

Swift herself has described the process as deeply moving and creatively satisfying. According to her, the song began with Joe Alwyn playing the haunting piano line and singing what would become Vernon’s part — the striking opening verse.

“I was entranced,” Swift said. “It was obvious it needed to be a duet because Joe’s voice is so low and rich, and the contrast just felt right.”

When it came time to consider who might sing opposite her, Swift admitted she was too nervous to say what she really wanted: Bon Iver. “I couldn’t say it out loud. If I said it and Justin said no, it would’ve hurt too much,” she confessed. “So I just sent it to Aaron and said, ‘This is hopefully a duet… who do you think?’ And Aaron said, ‘I think Justin would love this.’”

A SONG THAT FELT DESTINED

What makes “Exile” so special isn’t just the combination of distinctive voices or the masterful production — it’s the vulnerability, the intimacy, and the way the track captures the final moment of a relationship slipping away.

“I did my parts alone in quarantine, just looking out the window,” Vernon said. “It felt surreal, but it also felt so natural. Like I was supposed to be doing this.”

For fans and collaborators alike, “Exile” has become more than just a song — it’s a modern-day ballad that showcases the power of musical fusion. And for Vernon, being part of it is something he’ll never forget.

“I love the Taylor song a lot. It’s an exceptional song. It sent me into the universe without any chance of returning.”

And maybe that’s what great music does — it transports you, transforms you, and leaves you breathless.