Shawn Mendes has unveiled a deeply personal new track, “Why Why Why,” from his upcoming album Shawn, set for release on August 8. Alongside the single, Mendes has also released a poignant music video that delves into his recent experiences.
In “Why Why Why,” Mendes opens up about his hiatus from touring and his time away from the public eye. The lyrics, “I stepped off the stage with nothin’ left / All the lights were f–king with my head / But here I am, singing songs again / Why? Why? Why? Ease my mind,” reflect his struggles and sense of disorientation during this period.
The track also touches on a deeply personal moment for Mendes, revealing that he came close to becoming a father. This revelation adds a layer of vulnerability to the song, capturing a significant and emotional chapter in his life.
In a recent interview with Apple Music, Mendes shared insights into the creation of the song. “I think ‘Why Why Why,’ like I said, I felt no pressure to address anything, but it was just one of those experiences where there kind of became this joke while we were making the album that was like, if I started to experience some pretty heavy anxiety in the studio, everyone was sure that a great song was going to be coming after it because there was some sort of healing crisis, some sort of breakthrough that was supposed to happen,” he explained.
He further described the song’s impact, stating, “There was something anthemic about those words, ‘why, why, why.’ It almost felt like a cry. It felt like… I don’t know. It just felt powerful and beautiful.”
Mendes’s candidness in “Why Why Why” provides a raw and honest glimpse into his recent life and creative process, resonating with fans and offering a compelling preview of his forthcoming album.