Why Why Why — Shawn Mendes Lyrics

Credits

• Producers: Mike Sabath, Shawn Mendes, Eddie Benjamin, Scott Harris
• Writers: Shawn Mendes, Eddie Benjamin, Mike Sabath, Scott Harris
• Guitar: Eddie Benjamin, Shawn Mendes
• Drums: Mike Sabath
• Additional Production: Scott Harris, Eddie Benjamin
• Label: Island Records
• Released: August 8, 2024

Lyrics Meaning

Verse 1

In the first verse, Shawn Mendes opens up his journal to confront feelings that are still raw and unresolved, symbolizing how he keeps reliving past pain. He reveals a haunting memory of someone he loved, perhaps referencing his relationship with Camila Cabello, as he confesses, "Visions of her naked in my head." Mendes chose his independence over the relationship but finds himself asking "Why?" repeatedly, almost pleading with himself to understand his own decisions.

Chorus

The chorus reflects Mendes' uncertainty and frustration, as he questions his choices without finding answers. The repetition of "Why, why, why?" captures the cyclical nature of overthinking, with him trapped in a loop of self-questioning that he cannot escape. It highlights his inner struggle with regrets and anxieties, asking questions he may not want to face head-on.

Verse 2

The second verse brings the focus to his experience on stage, where he describes feeling drained and disoriented. Performing music is his career and passion, yet it’s also an emotionally exhausting process, leaving him to question, “Why, why, why?” This line is his attempt to reconcile the strain between the joy of performance and the toll it takes on his mental health.

Post-Chorus

In this section, Shawn repeats, "Feels like everything goes 'round and 'round," a metaphor for his endless internal cycle of doubt and regret. This reinforces his feeling of being stuck in an unbreakable loop, unable to escape from his persistent thoughts.

Bridge

The bridge is one of the song's most vulnerable parts, with Mendes confessing to fears and insecurities. He reveals his reaction to the prospect of fatherhood, admitting that he feels unprepared, even as he realizes he's "still a kid" himself. In an emotionally charged line, he admits to moments of vulnerability where he cries out for his mother, exposing an enduring need for comfort and support amid his anxieties.

Final Chorus and Post-Chorus

In the final chorus, Mendes re-emphasizes his struggles with questions he cannot answer, a powerful encapsulation of his uncertainty and self-doubt. The repetitive, circular rhythm of “’round and ‘round” in the post-chorus emphasizes the ongoing nature of his internal struggles, capturing his turmoil and longing for peace.

Top 8 Songs Similar to "Why Why Why" by Shawn Mendes

1. "In My Blood" – Shawn Mendes: Both songs delve deeply into Mendes' struggles with anxiety. In "In My Blood," he describes moments of desperation, capturing a similar internal battle to "Why Why Why" as he faces pressures and seeks hope.
2. "I Fall Apart" – Post Malone: Post Malone’s track explores heartbreak and emotional vulnerability, echoing Mendes' introspective look at his regrets and anxieties in "Why Why Why." Both artists wrestle with haunting memories and an inability to escape the past.
3. "Anyone" – Justin Bieber: Bieber sings about needing someone in his life and feeling incomplete without them, paralleling Mendes' nostalgic reflections and sense of loss. Both songs convey a longing for comfort and connection.
4. "Drivers License" – Olivia Rodrigo: Rodrigo's song tells the story of heartbreak and introspective questioning, a theme that Mendes echoes in "Why Why Why." Both songs capture that cyclical feeling of replaying memories, with neither fully able to move on.
5. "Too Good at Goodbyes" – Sam Smith: Smith’s ballad addresses self-preservation and the pain of letting go, much like Mendes’ decision to choose himself. The songs both wrestle with the need for closure while acknowledging lingering emotional scars.
6. "The Night We Met" – Lord Huron: This haunting track from Lord Huron speaks to revisiting painful memories, mirroring Mendes’ introspective style in "Why Why Why." Both artists explore feelings of regret and the haunting memories of past relationships.
7. "All I Want" – Kodaline: Kodaline’s song touches on the pain of unrequited love and longing, much like Mendes’ nostalgia for someone he’s lost. Both songs have a melancholic tone and reflect the ache of unresolved emotions.
8. "Nervous" – Shawn Mendes: Another Mendes track, "Nervous," dives into themes of anxiety and self-doubt, though from a more upbeat angle. "Why Why Why" expands on these themes, deepening the conversation around Mendes’ internal struggles.