Safe & Sound (Taylor Swift song)

"Safe & Sound" is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, featuring guest vocals from the Civil Wars. It was written by Swift, Joy Williams, John Paul White, and T Bone Burnett, and produced by Burnett. Released as a single in December 2011, it was featured on The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond, the soundtrack for the 2012 film The Hunger Games.

The song is a folk ballad characterized by its gentle instrumentation, primarily featuring acoustic guitar, banjo, and soft harmonies. Its lyrics offer a comforting message of protection and reassurance in the face of fear and uncertainty, reflecting the themes present in The Hunger Games. Thematically, it touches upon themes of loss, hope, and the power of human connection in difficult circumstances.

"Safe & Sound" received critical acclaim for its understated beauty, evocative lyrics, and the seamless blend of Swift's pop sensibilities with the Civil Wars' folk and Americana influences. It was also a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.

The song won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in 2013. Its music video features Swift wandering through a desolate forest, further emphasizing the song's somber and reflective tone.