Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated performance of “Cassandra,” from The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology, marked its live debut on November 22 in Toronto. This powerful song captivated the audience as it was part of an electrifying three-song piano medley that overflowed with emotion and intensity. The live rendition showcased Swift’s exceptional ability to convey rage and passion, proving once again why she is one of the most celebrated artists of our time.

The medley featured “Cassandra,” “Mad Woman,” and “I Did Something Bad,” creating a dynamic and cohesive experience that transcended Swift’s usual tour structure. By intertwining songs from Tortured Poets, Folklore, and Reputation, she effectively blurred the lines of her tour’s main setlist, delivering a performance that resonated with fans on multiple levels. This unique arrangement highlighted the themes of empowerment and resilience within her music, further enhancing the connection with her audience.

You can view a fan-recorded video capturing Swift’s full performance of this exhilarating mashup here.

The live premiere of “Cassandra” was particularly poignant, drawing inspiration from the mythical figure in Greek lore who was granted the gift of prophecy but cursed to be disbelieved. This song emerged during the acoustic segment of Swift’s concert, a part known for its surprise elements, delighting fans and adding an unexpected twist to the evening’s proceedings. This fifth show in Toronto showcased Swift’s creativity, as she continued to surprise her audience with each live performance.

As she sat at her beautifully decorated piano, Swift delivered powerful lines from “Cassandra,” singing, “When the first stone’s thrown, there’s screaming/ In the streets, there’s a raging riot/ When it’s ‘burn the b—-,’ they’re shrieking/ When the truth comes out, it’s quiet.” The imagery in these lyrics evokes the chaos and struggle for truth, setting a compelling tone that resonated deeply with the audience at Toronto’s Rogers Centre.

Swift’s performance continued with the emotional chorus of “Cassandra,” where she sang, “So they killed Cassandra first ’cause she feared the worst/ And tried to tell the town/ So they filled my cell with snakes, I regret to say/ Do you believe me now? Do you believe me now?” These lines not only highlight the tragic fate of the character but also mirror the struggles faced by many in a society that often dismisses their voices and experiences.

Swift effortlessly transitioned into “Mad Woman,” further energizing the crowd: “What did you think I’d say to that?/ Does a scorpion sting when fighting back?/ They strike to kill and you know I will/ You know I will.” This bold declaration resonated with themes of feminism and empowerment, reinforcing the idea that standing up against oppression can evoke fierce responses, both from oneself and from society.

In the stirring chorus of “Mad Woman,” Swift sang, “Every time you call me crazy/ I get more crazy/ What about that?/ And when you say I seem angry/ I get more angry/ And there’s nothin’ like a mad woman/ What a shame she went mad/ No one likes a mad woman/ You made her like that.” This poignant reflection on societal perceptions of women’s anger and sanity struck a chord with many listeners, creating a shared feeling of solidarity and understanding.

Swift’s unexpected pivot to Reputation with “I Did Something Bad” drew audible gasps from the audience, both in the stadium and online. Fans who couldn’t attend eagerly sought out streams to catch this electrifying moment, highlighting the anticipation surrounding her performances. The energy in the venue was palpable as she seamlessly blended these powerful tracks, showcasing her artistic versatility.

As she sang, “What a shame she went mad,” from “Mad Woman,” Swift cleverly referenced Reputation with the line “They say I did something bad.” This intelligent lyrical interplay not only showcased her songwriting prowess but also emphasized the connections between the themes of her songs, weaving a narrative that resonated deeply with her fans.

Toward the finale of this remarkable mashup, Swift linked the couplet, transforming it into “Do you believe me now? What a shame she went mad/ Do you believe me now? They say I did something bad.” This innovative reworking of the lyrics created a cohesive narrative that paired “Cassandra” with both “Mad Woman” and “I Did Something Bad,” further enhancing the emotional depth of the performance.

The exhilarating mashup lasted for a full seven minutes, capturing the hearts of concertgoers and fans alike, as many recorded and shared the moment on various platforms, ensuring that this memorable performance would not soon be forgotten.

This electrifying segment followed a lighter moment where Swift performed “Ours” from Speak Now, blended with “The Last Great American Dynasty” from Folklore. This contrast in tone showcased her versatility as an artist, allowing her to explore different emotional landscapes within her performance.

On Saturday night (November 23), Swift will return to Toronto for another performance. Her Eras Tour, which commenced in March 2023, will take a brief pause for the U.S. Thanksgiving week, before concluding with a series of shows in Vancouver from December 6-8, 2024, offering fans one last chance to experience her incredible live performances.