Taylor Swift merch reveals unreleased Aaron Lewis album pages

Swifties thought they had uncovered secret Taylor Swift lyrics when they began opening packages with the singer's new "I Knew It, I Knew You" CD collection.

Instead, some fans found what few people were supposed to see: printed pages from Nashville-based country artist Aaron Lewis' unreleased album, "Give My Country Back."

TikTok creator Christa Jo (@heartwasglassidroppedit) posted a video opening her Swift order and noticed what appeared to be recycled packing paper. "My cat will like this," she joked, unfolding the pages and realizing they contained photos, lyrics and artwork from Lewis' forthcoming album, which isn't scheduled for release until July 17.

"The album isn't out yet, but I have the entire album booklet with the lyrics to all the songs," she said in the video. "What does this mean?"

Lewis, the former Staind frontman who later became known for his politically conservative country songs, acknowledged the viral videos on social media.

"Oh look, there's my new album, that hasn't even been released yet, shredded as packaging paper in Taylor Swift merch," he wrote. "Ain't that some sh**."

Lewis told USA TODAY he first learned about the incident from his team.

"I don't have any social media. I didn't have it when I was younger. It's never felt important to me," he said. "I never even had a MySpace. So I don't see anything of that type of stuff. And when this was brought to me, I was just like, 'What is going on? This is just weird.'"

Lewis's 10-song album, released through Big Machine Label Group, leans into the politically charged messaging that has defined his country career. Its title track, "Give My Country Back," expresses frustration with the country's political direction and calls for a return to traditional American values.

"That's the cover to my brand new record that hasn't even been put out yet," Lewis said. "As artists, we put our trust in the distribution companies to get our material way up front and trust that they'll be responsible with what it is that we give them."

So how did this happen?

"I don't know how this happened," he continued. "I hate to think it's malicious, but at the same time, I don't know that it's not."

Lewis said he understood the Swift merchandise was part of a promotional gift box. Yet he couldn't explain how his album materials became packing filler. It would have happened through Universal Music Group, which was overseeing product management and merchandising.

Swift's team did not return email requests for comment.

"I haven't even put the record out yet," he said. "It's not like it's old stuff that was just sitting around that they decided to make packing material out of. It's my new record. I just don't understand how something like that can happen."

Taylor Swift and Aaron Lewis have history with Big Machine

Swift and Lewis have crossed paths before.

The "Teardrops On My Guitar" singer was the flagship artist who helped launch Big Machine Records after signing with the label in 2005. Lewis later signed his solo country career to Big Machine, releasing projects such as "Sinner" through the label.

Lewis said he met Swift once during a downtown Nashville event while both were associated with Big Machine.

"There was some block party thing that was happening downtown and I played a set during it and she was there and we got pictures," he said. "We were cordial and friendly."

Lewis said they never developed a relationship beyond that encounter. During their conversation, Swift noticed the "13" tattoo behind his ear and posed for a photo pointing to it. The number holds special meaning for both artists: Lewis was born on April 13, while Swift was born on Dec. 13.

He stressed he does not blame Swift for the packaging mistake.

"We live in two very, very different worlds. And she's such a huge star that her world doesn't intertwine with anyone's worlds," he said. "I certainly wouldn't be trying to bring her into this or blame her for anything. It just so happens that it was my record cover in her gift box for her fans."

Asked what he hoped would come from the situation, Lewis said he wasn't seeking attention for his album.

"I don't want people to think that this was an opportunity to promote my new record," he said. "I don't understand how a shredded-up copy of my new record's art ended up in a Taylor Swift gift box for her fans."

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