Anderson Cooper’s Hilarious Dramatic Reading of Taylor Swift’s ‘Wood’ on New Year’s Eve

Anderson Cooper’s funny struggle with Taylor Swift’s ‘Wood’ lyrics made New Year’s Eve extra memorable.

When News Meets Pop Culture: Anderson Cooper Meets Taylor Swift’s ‘Wood’

Imagine tuning in to a serious New Year’s Eve broadcast only to be treated to a dramatic reading of Taylor Swift’s cheeky, innuendo-packed song “Wood.” That’s exactly what happened with Anderson Cooper, who couldn’t keep a straight face during CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live when asked to read the viral lyrics of Swift’s hit.

Cooper, clearly unfamiliar with the song’s double entendres, struggled to get through lines like “Redwood tree, his love was the key that opened my thighs,” and references to “New Heights of manhood.” His fellow co-host was loving it, joking, “Oh yeah, oh yeah, knock on wood, baby!” which only made Cooper’s attempts to read more entertaining.

Between bouts of laughter, Cooper admitted, “You’re probably familiar with this song, I was not.” His co-host’s simple but sweet reply: “Sweetie, yeah.” This lighthearted moment turned a traditional countdown into a pop culture highlight.

Watch Anderson Cooper’s Dramatic Reading Here

Check out the clip of Anderson’s unforgettable reading:

What’s 'Wood' Really About? A Playful Nod to Taylor’s Fiancé

If you’re wondering what stirred such laughter, “Wood” refers to Taylor Swift’s fiancé, Travis Kelce, and was one of the most buzzed-about tracks from her October release, The Life Of A Showgirl. While Taylor’s mom apparently thinks it’s about superstitions, fans and critics alike have noted the sly nods to Kelce’s, well, prowess both off and on the field.

Interestingly, Kelce weighed in on his podcast, New Heights, joking about the lyrics that playfully reference his “manhood.” He said, “It’s a great song. I love that girl… any song that she would reference me in that way…” His brother added a humorous take, calling it “an appendage,” while Travis teased that maybe the song’s meaning was lost on some listeners.

From Innocent Origins to Cheeky Hits

Taylor Swift shared with Jimmy Fallon how “Wood” began as a simple, innocent idea: “I wanna do a throwback, timeless-sounding song... with all superstitions.” But as the session progressed, the song took on a life of its own.

“I don’t know what happened, man,” Swift confessed. “I got in there, we started vibing and I don’t know how we got here, but I love the song so much.”

That spontaneous energy is what makes Swift’s songwriting so captivating—equal parts playful and personal.

Taylor’s Generosity Shines Off the Stage

Beyond the provocative lyrics and playful banter, Taylor’s kindness shines through. This holiday season, she made generous donations to children’s charities in Nashville and Kansas City. The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Operation Breakthrough—an organization supporting children impoverished in Kansas City—were among the grateful beneficiaries.

Taylor’s thoughtful philanthropy reminds us that her influence stretches far beyond music, touching communities in meaningful ways.

Wrapping It Up: Who Knew a New Year’s Eve Broadcast Could Be This Entertaining?

Anderson Cooper’s attempt to read “Wood” gave us all a reason to smile and maybe press replay on those cheeky lyrics. It’s fun to see how celebrity, music, and a bit of humor collide unexpectedly—and honestly, who wouldn’t want to hear more dramatic readings of Taylor Swift’s songwriting genius?

What’s your favorite Taylor Swift lyric that made you laugh or blush? Share your thoughts!

FAQ

• Why did Anderson Cooper struggle to read 'Wood' on live TV?
  The song’s lyrics are filled with playful innuendos and suggestive phrases that caught Cooper off guard, making it hard to keep a straight face.
• Who is ‘Wood’ about?
  The song is believed to reference Taylor Swift’s fiancé, Travis Kelce, with clever double meanings hinting at his charm and charisma.
• Where did the idea for ‘Wood’ come from?
  Taylor started with the idea of creating a timeless, superstition-themed song but it evolved into a cheeky, playful track during studio sessions.
• How did Travis Kelce respond to the song?
  He joked about the lyrics on his podcast, expressing affection for Taylor and engaging humorously with the song’s references.
• What charities did Taylor Swift support recently?
  She donated to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Operation Breakthrough, aiding children facing serious health and social challenges.

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