Earlier this week, a Taylor Swift fan got a strange surprise while unpacking some of her Toy Story 5 merch. Mixed in with the recycled packing paper was a mysterious shredded image of a bearded man. After a quick Google search, she discovered it was the CD booklet for Aaron Lewis’ forthcoming country album, Give My Country Back, which hasn’t been released yet through UMG.
While Swift is famous for hiding Easter eggs, this one seems to be on another level, or, more likely, a UMG warehouse worker was sending a pointed message.
Lewis is the founding frontman of the alt-metal band Staind, best known for their 2001 hit “It’s Been Awhile.” After releasing eight studio albums with the band, he pivoted to a solo career in country music and hardcore support of Donald Trump. The shredded packing paper wasn’t just the album cover, but the entire booklet for Give My Country Back, which is scheduled for release on July 17.
The fan documented the discovery in an entertaining video, commenting, “Well, you should say you’re sorry again if this is a MAGA song,” while Staind’s “It’s Been Awhile” played in the background — specifically the lyric, “It’s been a while since I said sorry.” The video is also filled with repeated “ews” as she flips through the booklet, a reaction likely prompted by Lewis’ outspoken support for Trump. At one point she jokes, “For science, we will listen to it,” speaking of the title track that was released as a single last month.
Lewis later reacted on his socials, writing: “Oh look, there’s my new album, that hasn’t even been released yet, shredded as packaging paper in Taylor Swift merch. Ain’t that some shit.”
Swift was once documented admiring Lewis’ 13 neck tattoo at Nashville’s Music City & Wine Festival a decade ago. He probably will not be at her wedding.
Check out the unboxing below.