Exploring Taylor Swift's Collaborations with Ex-Boyfriend Joe Alwyn as William Bowery

Every Song Taylor Swift Cowrote With Joe Alwyn as William Bowery

Taylor Swift, Joe Alwyn. Getty Images (2)

During their relationship, Taylor Swift not only found inspiration from Joe Alwyn but also collaborated with him on some of her songs. Alwyn used the pen name William Bowery and was credited as a songwriter on several of Swift's tracks. Swift confirmed this herself in her November 2020 documentary, Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions.

There has been much talk about William Bowery and his true identity, with many speculating that he is not a real person. Taylor Swift clarified that William Bowery is actually Joe, as many had suspected.

In 2021, Alwyn was awarded a Grammy when Swift won Album of the Year for Folklore. During her acceptance speech, Swift made sure to give a shoutout to her boyfriend at the time.

During the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, she mentioned that Joe is the first person she plays every song she writes, and she had a great time writing songs with him during quarantine.

Two years later, Alwyn revealed that he didn't envision writing more songs with Swift in the future.

The actor confirmed to Elle magazine in April 2022 that he has no plans to continue songwriting with his then-girlfriend. However, he did collaborate with Swift on the song "Sweet Nothing" from her 2022 album Midnights.

A year later, Swift and Alwyn ended their six-year relationship. Despite their breakup, Alwyn continues to receive payment for his work. Reports state that he will earn a five-figure sum annually for his contributions to Swift's songs.

Keep scrolling to see which songs Alwyn penned under the name Willam Bowery:

Every Song Taylor Swift Cowrote With Joe Alwyn as William Bowery

Taylor Hill/WireImage

‘Exile’

During a chat with Vulture in May 2022, Alwyn mentioned how he casually played around on the piano and ended up creating a melody that turned into a duet with Swift and Bon Iver.

He explained, "It was all spontaneous, just a happy accident. Taylor suggested we work on it together, and so we did. It was as simple as baking sourdough for some people."

‘Betty’

In addition to writing “Betty,” Alwyn is also credited as a coproducer of the track. He admitted that the song came about thanks to the encouragement of Swift.

Alwyn remembered, "I had probably had a drink and was just stumbling around the house." They couldn't agree on a movie to watch that night, so she suggested, "Do you want to try and finish writing that song you were singing earlier?" They grabbed a guitar and worked on it together.

‘Champagne Problems’

Alwyn is credited as a co-writer on the ballad "Coney Island," which is a song where Swift narrates the tale of "longtime college sweethearts" with contrasting plans for the same evening - one looking to break up and the other planning to propose with a ring. This information can be found on Swift's Evermore note page.

In addition to Alwyn and Swift, Aaron and Bryce Dessner, who make up The National are also credited as songwriters on the duet.

‘Evermore’

Alwyn contributed to the second duet Swift sings with Bon Iver.

‘Sweet Nothing’

The Midnights track is the last song Alwyn helped write before his breakup with Swift.

Editor's P/S:

Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn's collaboration on Swift's music has been a topic of intrigue and speculation for years. Alwyn, under the pseudonym William Bowery, has contributed to several of Swift's most acclaimed songs, including "Exile," "Betty," and "Champagne Problems." Swift's confirmation of Alwyn's identity in her documentary has shed light on the creative partnership between the two.

Despite their recent breakup, Alwyn's contributions to Swift's music continue to be recognized. His songwriting credits on "Sweet Nothing" from Swift's latest album, "Midnights," indicate that their musical connection remains strong even after the end of their romantic relationship. Alwyn's five-figure annual payment for his work on Swift's songs further solidifies his status as a valuable collaborator and songwriter. It is a testament to the enduring power of their artistic partnership that Alwyn's contributions to Swift's music will continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans for years to come.