"Mirrorball" is a metaphor for being a celebrity. During a discussion with Antonoff, Swift said she was fascinated with this concept of mirrorballs hanging in the middle of a dance floor and reflecting light. She noted that mirrorballs are so shiny because they are broken into a million pieces, and in many ways, we have people like that in society. "They hang there and every time they break, it entertains us," she said. While the song represents society's fascination with celebrities, she added that it's universal for anyone who feels like they have to be different versions of themselves in different environments, whether that be work, home, or with friends and family.
Swift believes Betty and James ended up together. When discussing the love triangle in "Cardigan," "August," and "Betty," Swift noted that she believes Betty and James actually ended up together in the end. She added that she thinks "Cardigan" is actually Betty looking back 20 to 30 years after the affair.