In the ever-evolving world of pop music, few artists have left as indelible a mark as Taylor Swift and Rihanna. Both powerhouses in their own right, their careers have intersected in a fascinating way that highlights Swift’s versatility as a songwriter and her strategic approach to her craft. One of the most intriguing chapters in this narrative is Swift’s role in penning a billion-view hit for Rihanna, “This Is What You Came For,” under the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg. This article explores the circumstances surrounding Swift’s contribution, the reasons she chose anonymity, and the broader implications of her decision in the context of her career and the music industry.

The Hit That Took the World by Storm

Released on April 29, 2016, “This Is What You Came For” is a dance-pop anthem by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris featuring Barbadian superstar Rihanna. The song, characterized by its infectious EDM beats and Rihanna’s captivating vocals, became a global sensation, peaking at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in countries like Australia, Canada, and Ireland. As of July 2025, its music video has amassed over 2.8 billion views on YouTube, cementing its status as one of Rihanna’s most iconic hits. However, the song’s origins were shrouded in mystery, as it was initially credited to Harris and an unknown songwriter named Nils Sjöberg.

It wasn’t until July 13, 2016, that TMZ revealed the truth: Nils Sjöberg was a pseudonym for Taylor Swift, who had co-written the song with Harris during their relationship. Swift’s representative confirmed to multiple outlets, including Rolling Stone and TIME, that she had penned the lyrics and provided background vocals, while Harris handled the music production, arrangement, and Rihanna’s vocal recording. The revelation sparked widespread intrigue, not only because of Swift’s involvement but also because she had chosen to conceal her identity as the songwriter.

Why Did Taylor Swift Use a Pseudonym?

Swift’s decision to write under the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg was a deliberate and multifaceted choice, rooted in both personal and professional considerations. In a 2020 conversation with Paul McCartney for Rolling Stone, Swift explained her reasoning: “I think when a pseudonym comes in is when you still have a love for making the work, and you don’t want the work to become overshadowed by this thing that’s been built around you, based on what people know about you.” This statement provides a window into her motivations, which can be broken down into several key factors.

1. Avoiding the Spotlight of Her Relationship with Calvin Harris

At the time of the song’s creation, Swift was in a high-profile relationship with Calvin Harris, which lasted from March 2015 to June 2016. The couple’s romance was under intense media scrutiny, and Swift was acutely aware that their collaboration could be overshadowed by tabloid narratives about their personal lives. According to a July 2017 TMZ report, Swift and Harris both agreed that revealing their joint effort would shift focus from the song’s quality to their relationship, potentially diminishing its artistic impact. By using a pseudonym, Swift ensured that the song stood on its own merits, allowing listeners to appreciate it without the lens of celebrity gossip.

This decision was particularly poignant given the eventual fallout of their relationship. After their breakup, Harris expressed frustration on Twitter, defending his contributions to the song and suggesting that Swift’s team leveraged the revelation to boost her public image during her new relationship with Tom Hiddleston. The pseudonym, therefore, served as a shield, protecting the song’s rollout from the complexities of their personal dynamics.

2. Preserving Artistic Purity

Swift’s use of Nils Sjöberg also reflects her desire to prioritize the art over her fame. As one of the most recognizable names in music, Swift’s involvement in any project inevitably draws attention to her persona rather than the work itself. By adopting a pseudonym, she allowed “This Is What You Came For” to be judged for its musical quality rather than her celebrity status. This aligns with her broader approach to songwriting, which emphasizes storytelling and emotional resonance over commercial branding.

In her conversation with McCartney, Swift referenced Prince’s use of a pseudonym for writing “Manic Monday” for The Bangles, noting that he similarly delayed revealing his involvement to let the song shine independently. Swift’s choice to follow this precedent underscores her respect for the craft of songwriting and her willingness to step back from the spotlight to let her work speak for itself.

3. Experimenting with a New Genre

“This Is What You Came For” marked a departure from Swift’s typical sound, which, at the time, was transitioning from country to pop with albums like 1989 (2014). The song’s EDM and house influences were more aligned with Harris’s production style than Swift’s lyrical, narrative-driven pop. By writing under a pseudonym, Swift could explore this new genre without the pressure of aligning it with her established musical identity. This anonymity gave her creative freedom to experiment without risking criticism from fans or critics expecting her signature style.

The song’s demo, which leaked in March 2023, featured Swift’s vocals and a slightly different lyrical arrangement, further highlighting her hands-on role in its creation. Her willingness to step into the EDM space anonymously demonstrates her versatility as a songwriter and her confidence in taking creative risks.

4. Strategic Career Move

Swift’s decision to use a pseudonym can also be seen as a strategic move to diversify her portfolio as a songwriter. By 2016, Swift was already recognized as a prolific writer for her own albums, having penned every song on her third album, Speak Now (2010), and co-written the majority of her other works. Writing for other artists, such as Rihanna, allowed her to expand her influence in the industry without tying every project to her public persona. The pseudonym Nils Sjöberg—derived from two common Swedish male names—added a layer of intrigue and playfulness, reflecting Swift’s knack for creating narratives, even in her behind-the-scenes work.

The Impact of Swift’s Contribution

Swift’s involvement in “This Is What You Came For” not only bolstered Rihanna’s discography but also showcased Swift’s ability to craft universally appealing lyrics. The song’s hook, “Baby, this is what you came for / Lightning strikes every time she moves,” captures a sense of glamour and allure that perfectly suits Rihanna’s persona. The lyrics, combined with Harris’s pulsating production, created a track that resonated with club-goers and pop fans alike, contributing to its massive commercial success.

The song’s billion-plus views on YouTube and its chart-topping performance underscore Swift’s songwriting prowess, even when her name isn’t attached. It also added to Rihanna’s string of hits, complementing her earlier collaborations with Harris, such as “We Found Love” (2011), and reinforcing her status as a global pop icon. Swift’s background vocals, subtly woven into the chorus, added an extra layer of depth, though they went unnoticed by most listeners until her involvement was revealed.

The Broader Context of Swift’s Songwriting for Others

“This Is What You Came For” is not an isolated instance of Swift writing for other artists. Her songwriting credits extend to tracks like “Better Man” for Little Big Town, which won Song of the Year at the 2017 Country Music Awards, and “Babe” for Sugarland, where she also provided backing vocals. She co-wrote “Best Days of Your Life” with Kellie Pickler, “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” for Hannah Montana: The Movie, and “Two Is Better Than One” for Boys Like Girls, among others. These contributions highlight her versatility across genres, from country to pop to EDM, and her ability to tailor her songwriting to different artists’ voices.

Unlike these other projects, however, “This Is What You Came For” stands out for its use of a pseudonym and its massive commercial impact. The song’s success without Swift’s name attached proves that her talent transcends her celebrity, reinforcing her reputation as one of the industry’s most gifted songwriters.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The revelation of Swift’s involvement sparked both admiration and controversy. While fans celebrated her songwriting talent, the public fallout with Harris highlighted the challenges of navigating personal and professional boundaries in the music industry. Harris’s Twitter comments, which praised Swift’s lyrical contributions but criticized her team’s timing, underscored the tensions that can arise when personal relationships intersect with creative collaborations.

Swift herself embraced the song’s legacy, performing an acoustic version at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 22, 2016, and later mashing it up with her song “gold rush” during her Eras Tour in Liverpool on June 14, 2024. These performances reclaimed the song as part of her narrative, transforming it from a secret project into a celebrated piece of her songwriting catalog.

Conclusion

Taylor Swift’s decision to write “This Is What You Came For” under the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg was a masterstroke of artistic and strategic intent. By prioritizing the song’s integrity over her fame, she ensured its success while exploring new creative territory. The track’s billion-view milestone and enduring popularity testify to her ability to craft hits that resonate across genres and artists. Swift’s anonymity allowed her to step out of her own spotlight, proving that her songwriting talent shines just as brightly behind the scenes. As she continues to redefine the boundaries of pop stardom, this chapter in her career remains a testament to her versatility, humility, and enduring love for the craft of music.