Taylor Swift performs ‘I Hate It Here’ Live for the first time alongside ‘The Lakes’

On June 18, Taylor Swift delighted fans at her Eras Tour stop in Cardiff, Wales, with a special acoustic set that featured a live debut mashup of The Tortured Poets Department’s “I Hate It Here” and her own “The Lakes” from the Folklore album. Performing at Principality Stadium, Swift captivated the audience with this unique combination of melancholy melodies.
Sitting at her piano, Swift began with a playful mic check before announcing, “This is a song I’ve never played live before.Wish me luck!” She then launched into the poignant lyrics of “I Hate It Here,” capturing the crowd with the chorus: “I hate it here so I will go to secret gardens in my mind / People need a key to get to, the only one is mine.”
Instead of continuing with the second verse, Swift smoothly transitioned into “The Lakes,” singing wistfully, “Take me to the lakes, where all the poets went to die / I don’t belong, and my beloved, neither do you.” This seamless blend of songs created a reflective and moving experience for the audience.
Throughout the performance, Swift remained attentive to her fans. Noticing someone in need, she paused the show to ensure they received help, remarking, “I’m not gonna sing until they get help, but you guys are so awesome and so on top of it.”
Earlier in the set, Swift entertained the crowd with an acoustic mashup of “I Forgot That You Existed” from Lover and “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” from Reputation. Her light-hearted approach and the audience’s laughter added a joyful touch to the evening.
Swift's Eras Tour continues with three consecutive nights at Wembley Stadium in London from June 21-23, promising more surprises and memorable moments.

About Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a celebrated American singer-songwriter known for her influence on the music industry and popular culture. Starting her career at just 14, Swift quickly rose to fame with her country pop albums Taylor Swift (2006) and Fearless (2008). She has continually evolved her musical style, experimenting with rock, electronic, and indie folk genres.
Her albums Red (2012) and 1989 (2014) featured hits like "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and "Shake It Off," solidifying her status as a pop icon. Swift's later works, including Reputation (2017) and Lover (2019), showcased her versatility and lyrical depth.
In 2020, Swift ventured into indie folk with Folklore and Evermore, receiving critical acclaim. Her ongoing Eras Tour and its accompanying concert film have set new records for highest-grossing tour and concert film of all time.
Beyond music, Swift has directed films such as Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions and All Too Well: The Short Film, and continues to be a powerful voice in the entertainment industry.