“If I Can’t Have You” by Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes’ single “If I Can’t Have You”, expresses a very intense love that is unwilling to give up.
It adequately describes how almost every aspect of his life revolves around this person as he mentions he can’t write songs or even drink without thinking of her.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Shawn Mendes's If I Can’t Have You at Lyrics.org.

On the contrary, the intensity of the feelings Shawn expresses towards this person is not reciprocated. It is possible there has been a break-up, considering the third and fourth lines of the chorus which question if it’s too late to tell her that everything means nothing without her.

The first verse and the pre-chorus reveal how he can’t keep his mind off this person though he may be far-away from her. The writer also confesses that he may not have shown his true feelings to his partner when she was around, but is regretting it now that it’s too late.
Shawn goes on to apologize about his desire to want this ‘lover’ all to himself, though he has been friend-zoned. The fact that they still communicate makes it more difficult for him to move on.

Lyrics of "If I Can't Have You"

The bridge elaborates his unwillingness to give up on his love as he says he’s trying to move on, and forget about her but everything means nothing so he’s holding on.

Shawn Mendes, in an interview with Beats 1, described this song as a ‘confident pop record’ he consistently plays for himself, friends and family to make them smile.
In essence, “If I Can’t Have You” speaks about being more honest to the people we love, and persisting to win back lost love.

4 Responses

  1. elina says:

    i love the song thx shawn 🙂

  2. Paula Camac says:

    I love this song l always sing it to myself every time l hear it.

  3. Adelle legesse says:

    Hey Shawn mendes you are my boyfriend I ❤️ Love you forever and please calling me on the phone

  4. anonymous says:

    Love this song sooooooo much

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