Taylor Swift shared a country-tinged cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic “September” this morning (April 13) as part of the Spotify Singles collection, which had fans excited about her return to the “old Taylor.” But what most Swifties particularly pointed out was the slight revision she made to the iconic song’s lyrics — and the speculation has begun.
Instead of the song’s opening line, “Do you remember the 21st night of September,” Swift flipped the date, singing “the 28th night of September.” Now, fans are losing it on Twitter hoping to unearth the significance of that line, with many theorizing that it’s the anniversary of Swift’s relationship with boyfriend Joe Alwyn. See part of the frenzy below:
So, I decided to give that Taylor Swift cover of “September” a chance. And it was ruined in the very first line.
IT’S THE TWENTY-FIRST NIGHT OF SEPTEMBER, NOT THE TWENTY-EIGHTH
— ?? I, a Maya ?? (@ParallelLivesII) April 13, 2018
That 28th of September really made me think for a moment because I though she sung the wrong lyrics. — Then I just thought, maybe September 28 has a significance to @taylorswift13‘s life. —
It’s isn’t a mistake. It’s the touch of a genius. ? pic.twitter.com/rYdTeMqivX— Jamevir Peregrin (@Jamevir2602) April 13, 2018
TAYLOR SWOFT ON SEPTEMBER 28 AKA THE DAY SHE AND JOE FOUND WONDERLAND @taylorswift13 @taylornation13 pic.twitter.com/EmvMT6K9as
— delicate (@Wahtefz) April 12, 2018
September 28 huh, @taylorswift13? I guess we’ll have to find that out! I kind of miss her in country genre. So nice to hear fiddles again (if I’m right about the fiddles haha) https://t.co/NsmiUcCCvw
— Mayls. (@mayooools) April 12, 2018
Did anyone notice that Taylor change the lyric from “the 21st night of September” to “the 28th night of September” ??#TaylorSpotifySingles WHAT HAPPENED ON THE 28th??@taylornation13 @taylorswift13
— N.– (@ihitulikebang) April 13, 2018
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE 28TH NIGHT OF SEPTEMBER???? @taylorswift13
— i stan a pegacorn —- (@auntbeckyyy) April 13, 2018
“do you remember the 28th night of September?”
Me: “it’s the 21st not 28th, Taylor. Huh? Oh….”Queen slyly shares her anniversary in that subtle date change. I see you, @taylorswift13. #SpotifySingles
— Mina Radman (@minaradman) April 13, 2018
She replaced “21st” with “28th”, which is why Taylor Swift is out of control and must be stopped
— Shiro Sirius (@ShiroSirius) April 13, 2018
When Taylor Swift asks you if you remember the 28th night of September but you know in your heart of hearts it’s actually the 21st pic.twitter.com/iwaLYSp43P
— Jacob Griffin (@ItsJayGriff) April 13, 2018
taylor swift covered september by earth wind and fire but she changed the lyrics to “do you remember the 28th night of september” and my heart physically cannot take it send help
— little bird (@castingcura) April 13, 2018
Me, trying to figure out the significance of September 28th @taylornation13 @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/2V3eyfFGe8
— Bath Lions (@BethLyons97) April 13, 2018
So… coded reference? A simple artistic choice? Another reason? We’ve reached out to Swift’s camp for word, but as of now, your guess is as good as ours! Listen to the song and see what you think.