Taylor Swift’s ‘Cassandra’ Sees Rage-Filled Debut in Mashup With ‘Mad Woman’ & ‘I Did Something Bad’

 On Friday night, November 22, Toronto’s Rogers Centre was electrified as Taylor Swift delivered a landmark performance during her Eras Tour. Among her set was the long-awaited live debut of “Cassandra”, a track from The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. In a stunning acoustic medley, Swift paired the myth-inspired ballad with “Mad Woman” from Folklore and “I Did Something Bad” from Reputation, crafting a masterpiece brimming with emotion and intensity.

The Mythology Behind “Cassandra”

Swift’s “Cassandra” draws from the tale of the Greek prophet cursed to foresee the future while being perpetually dismissed. The song channels the agony of disbelief and societal silencing with lyrics like:
“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?”

Seated at a floral-painted piano, Swift’s delivery brought out the raw pain and defiance in the track, captivating the packed stadium.

A Seamless Medley of Rage and Redemption

Swift elevated the performance by transitioning into “Mad Woman” and “I Did Something Bad”, seamlessly tying the themes of defiance and societal blame. The chorus of “Mad Woman” resonated deeply:
“Every time you call me crazy/ I get more crazy/ What about that?”

Gasps swept through the crowd as she pivoted into “I Did Something Bad”, turning the medley into a narrative of self-empowerment. The closing moments saw Swift ingeniously rewrite the lyrics, fusing all three songs with a poignant refrain:
“Do you believe me now? What a shame she went mad/ Do you believe me now? They say I did something bad.”

Fan Reactions and the Power of Surprise

Fans in attendance and those streaming online marveled at the unexpected arrangement. The medley extended over seven minutes, its emotional intensity leaving a lasting impression. Swift’s choice to blend these tracks highlighted her ability to weave storytelling and musicality, creating a visceral experience for her audience.

A Night of Surprises

The Cassandra medley wasn’t the only highlight of the evening. Swift also performed “Ours” (from Speak Now) alongside “The Last Great American Dynasty” (Folklore) on acoustic guitar, bringing a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to the show.

What’s Next for the Eras Tour?

Swift wraps up her Toronto stint on Saturday, November 23, before pausing for Thanksgiving week. The Eras Tour will conclude in Vancouver with a three-night extravaganza from December 6–8, 2024.

Fans worldwide continue to revel in Swift’s artistry, as she consistently redefines live performances with innovation and emotional depth.