Aaron Dessner has addressed two common misconceptions surrounding Gracie Abrams’ song Death Wish, offering new details about how the track came together. During a recent interview, he explained that the version released on the album was actually recorded months before Abrams performed the song live on piano, despite many listeners believing the studio version was a later reworked arrangement.
Dessner also clarified that the song is not about Taylor Swift. He said Abrams wrote it after seeing a close friend struggle through a relationship with a narcissistic partner, and that experience became the foundation for the lyrics.
The producer has worked closely with Abrams across multiple projects, including her latest album, Daughter From Hell. He described the record as a more personal collection of songs that reflects her growth as a songwriter while moving away from a more traditional pop sound.
The conversation also touched on Dessner’s recent collaboration with Noah Kahan. After severe weather forced the cancellation of an earlier appearance, the two were finally able to perform together at a later show, giving fans the collaboration they had been waiting to see.