‘Friends’ Fans Think Taylor Swift’s “Betty” Was Inspired By a Phoebe Song

Petition for Taylor Swift to change the name of her track “Betty” to “Two of Them Kissed Last Night.” Friends fans have a sneaking suspicion that Swift’s song “Betty” off her new album Folklore may be inspired by a Phoebe Buffay original song. And, well, yeah—the proof is in the guitar-plucking pudding.

Phoebe sang the tell-all tune at Central Perk after Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) kissed, unbeknownst to Ross’s new girlfriend Julie (Lauren Tom). “This is a song, um, about a love triangle…between three people I made up. It’s called ‘Two of Them Kissed Last Night,’” Phoebe blurts out before she begins singing in the Season 2 episode. She then introduces one of the song’s main characters as…Betty.

Swift’s song Betty, for everyone who doesn’t already know the lyrics by heart, is also about a love triangle.

The singer said that Folklore has three interconnected songs, all centering on one love triangle, likely “Cardigan,” “August,” and “Betty.” But, how would Swift know about this Friends love triangle tidbit? Well, she’s spoken out about being a big fan of the show several times.

Who is the mysterious “William Bowery” who is credited on the album? Some say it’s Swift’s boyfriend Joe Alwyn. Others say it’s clearly Phoebe Buffay. (LOL.)

Of course, because this is Taylor Swift music we’re talking about, this is simply one of many theories circling “Betty.” The other two names mentioned in the lyrics are Inez and James—Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ daughters’ names. Therefore, fans think the name Betty could be the newest addition to their family.

Others believe that “Betty” isn’t actually told from a man’s perspective, but is part of the Kaylor timeline, in which fans believe that Taylor Swift dated Karlie Kloss years prior.

Aaron Dessner, who worked on Folklore, told Vulture on July 27th that “Betty” was actually the nickname of Rebekah Harkness, the wife of the heir of Standard Oil and the previous owner of Swift’s Rhode Island home. Harkness’ story is retold in Swift’s “The Last Great American Dynasty,” and because Swift purposely linked songs and stories, it’s safe to assume that “Betty” is a recall back to Harkness’ origin story. 

Or, you know, Swift is a bigger Friends stan that we originally thought.