Shawn Mendes - Treat You Better: Lyrics And Meaning

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of Shawn Mendes' biggest hits, "Treat You Better." This song isn't just a catchy tune; it's a powerful message wrapped in a pop anthem. We're going to break down the lyrics, explore the meaning behind them, and see why this song resonated with so many people. Get ready to sing along and maybe even reflect on your own relationships! So, let's jump right into the heart of "Treat You Better" and uncover what makes it so special.

The Story Behind the Song

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the lyrics, let's talk about the story behind "Treat You Better." Shawn Mendes released this song in 2016 as part of his second studio album, "Illuminate." The song was an instant hit, climbing the charts and becoming a summer anthem. But what inspired Shawn to write such a compelling song about treating someone better? While Shawn hasn't explicitly stated the song is about one specific person, he has mentioned that it's inspired by observing situations where he saw someone he cared about being mistreated in a relationship. This observation fueled him to write a song that advocates for respect, kindness, and valuing your partner. It's a call to action, urging listeners to recognize their worth and choose relationships where they are treated with the love and care they deserve. The universality of this message is a big reason why "Treat You Better" struck a chord with so many fans around the world. It's a reminder that everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they feel safe, respected, and cherished.

Diving into the Lyrics

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – the lyrics themselves! We're going to go through the song section by section, breaking down the meaning and highlighting the key messages. Get ready to analyze and maybe even discover something new about this awesome track.

Verse 1

The song kicks off with Shawn setting the scene and establishing the problem:

I won't lie to you I know he's just not right for you And you can tell me that I'm wrong for you But I don't care what you say I know he's just not right for you

Right from the start, Shawn is laying it all on the table. He's telling this girl that he knows her current boyfriend isn't the right guy for her. He's confident in his assessment, even if she disagrees. This shows his conviction and his belief that he knows what's best for her, or at least, that he sees something she might not be seeing. He acknowledges that she might think he's wrong for her too, but he's determined to get his point across. This verse is all about setting up the dynamic and the conflict at the heart of the song.

Pre-Chorus

The pre-chorus builds the tension and explains why Shawn feels the need to intervene:

I see it in your face You're more than just a friend I can see it in your eyes You're hurting deep inside

Here, Shawn reveals that his feelings for this girl go beyond friendship. He sees her pain and recognizes that she's not happy in her current relationship. The lines "You're hurting deep inside" are particularly powerful. They suggest that he's not just making assumptions; he's genuinely concerned about her well-being. This pre-chorus adds emotional depth to the song and makes his offer to treat her better more compelling. He's not just trying to steal her away; he genuinely cares about her happiness.

Chorus

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for – the chorus! This is where Shawn makes his bold proposition:

I know I can treat you better than he can And any girl like you deserves a gentleman Tell me why are we wasting time On all your wasted crying When you should be with me instead I know I can treat you better Better than he can

The chorus is the heart and soul of the song. It's a direct and confident statement of Shawn's intentions. He believes he can offer her a better relationship, one where she's treated with respect and kindness. The line "Any girl like you deserves a gentleman" highlights his belief that she deserves to be treated well. He questions why she's wasting her time and tears on a relationship that's not making her happy, suggesting that she should be with him instead. The repetition of "I know I can treat you better" reinforces his conviction and his unwavering belief in his ability to make her happier.

Verse 2

The second verse delves deeper into the negative aspects of her current relationship:

I see it in your face You're always coming back for more But you're just wasting time On someone who doesn't care for you I know he's just not right for you

In this verse, Shawn observes a pattern. He sees that she keeps going back to her boyfriend, even though the relationship is clearly not working. He emphasizes that she's wasting her time on someone who doesn't appreciate her. The repetition of "I know he's just not right for you" reinforces his earlier assertion and underscores the futility of her current situation. This verse paints a picture of a toxic cycle, where she's constantly seeking validation from someone who doesn't value her.

Bridge

The bridge adds a layer of urgency and vulnerability:

Better than he can Why are we wasting all this time When you should be with me I know I can treat you better than he can

The bridge is a plea, a desperate attempt to convince her to see what he sees. He reiterates his belief that he can treat her better and questions why they're wasting time on a relationship that's not working. The repetition of "When you should be with me" emphasizes his longing and his desire to be with her. This section of the song is raw and emotional, conveying the depth of his feelings and his frustration with the situation.

Why This Song Resonates

"Treat You Better" isn't just a catchy pop song; it's a song with a powerful message that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. Here's why:

• Relatability: Many people have been in situations where they've seen someone they care about being mistreated in a relationship. This song gives voice to that feeling of wanting to protect and care for someone you care about.
• Empowerment: The song empowers listeners to recognize their worth and demand better treatment in their relationships. It's a reminder that everyone deserves to be with someone who values and respects them.
• Hope: "Treat You Better" offers hope for those who are stuck in unhealthy relationships. It suggests that there is always the possibility of finding someone who will treat you with the love and care you deserve.

Final Thoughts

"Treat You Better" is more than just a song; it's a statement. It's a declaration of self-worth, a call for respect, and a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and love. Shawn Mendes created a timeless anthem that continues to inspire and empower listeners around the world. So, next time you hear this song, remember its message and strive to create relationships where everyone is treated better.

And that's a wrap, folks! Hope you enjoyed this deep dive into "Treat You Better." Keep singing, keep loving, and always remember to treat each other better! Peace out!