Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes Lyrics Meaning – Dissecting the Romantic Plea for a Love Unrequited
Lyrics
I know he’s just not right for you
And you can tell me if I’m off
But I see it on your face
When you say that he’s the one that you want
And you’re spending all your time
In this wrong situation
And anytime you want it to stop
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 cryin’
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can
I’ll stop time for you
The second you say you’d like me to
I just wanna give you the loving that you’re missing
Baby, just to wake up with you
Would be everything I need and this could be so different
Tell me what you want to do
‘Cause 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 cryin’
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can
Better than he can
Give me a sign
Take my hand, we’ll be fine
Promise I won’t let you down
Just know that you don’t
Have to do this alone
Promise I’ll never let you down
‘Cause 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 cryin’
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can (can, oh)
Better than he can
Better than he can
Shawn Mendes’s ‘Treat You Better’ isn’t just another love song; it’s a narrative intertwined with the emotional vulnerabilities and a raw plea for love and recognition. As the gentle guitar strings blend with Mendes’s earnest vocals, the track takes the listener through a journey of heartache, hope, and the often bittersweet truths layered within romantic endeavors.
Listening to the lyrics, one might mistake ‘Treat You Better’ for a simple song about desiring someone who’s taken. However, a closer inspection reveals layers of complexity and emotion, challenging the listener to uncover the hidden depths of Mendes’s message and how it reflects on universal human experiences.
The Knight in Melodic Armor: A Narrative of Rescue
The protagonist in ‘Treat You Better’ positions himself as the proverbial knight, professing that he can be the savior the object of his affection desperately needs. Mendes taps into the age-old narrative of saving someone from a distressful situation, promising a bliss that seems just out of reach.
‘I won’t lie to you / I know he’s just not right for you’ – with these opening lines, Mendes immediately establishes a sense of urgency and care. He witnesses the pain and dissatisfaction, and positions himself not just as a suitor, but as a protector offering an escape, a trope deeply ingrained in love ballads.
A Reflection of Unspoken Devotion and the Friend Zone Plight
Diving below the surface, ‘Treat You Better’ addresses the unspoken and unreciprocated feelings that often accompany the complex dynamic of the ‘friend zone.’ Mendes vocalizes the inner struggle of those who stand in the sidelines, hearts aloft, waiting for the chance to prove their worth.
The heartfelt confession, ‘And any girl like you deserves a gentleman’, isn’t just Mendes claiming his superiority over the current partner; it’s a genuine expression of self-worth tied to a belief that he can offer more – emotionally and spiritually. There’s a sincerity that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt they could be ‘more’ for someone they deeply care about.
Unwrapping the Hidden Meaning: Love’s Gambit and Self-Respect
Listen carefully, and ‘Treat You Better’ ceases to be a mere declaration of love; it’s a complex gambit juxtaposing human dignity against the yearning to be chosen. The repeated assurance ‘I know I can treat you better’ is as much an appeal to the beloved as it is a mantra of self-respect for the singer.
Mendes challenges the listener to question the fine line between expressing devotion and upholding one’s self-esteem. The risk of being open about one’s feelings must be weighed against the potential loss of dignity when love seems unattainable. It’s a poignant reminder that while love may be a battlefield, self-worth is an essential ally.
Memorable Lines: A Call to Action and an Offer of Solace
One cannot help but feel the tug at the heartstrings with Mendes’s urgent plea, ‘Give me a sign, take my hand, we’ll be fine.’ It’s a call to action, a plea to be seen, and an undying promise of companionship, all at once. These lines create a lifeline thrown into the tumultuous sea of love dynamics.
‘Promise I won’t let you down / Just know that you don’t / Have to do this alone’ emphasizes not only the desire for romantic involvement but also the profound human need for connection and support. Mendes offers solace, companionship, and a shared journey – key themes in his oeuvre.
The Humanity in Desiring Better: A Universal Relatability
Mendes speaks to a universal truth in ‘Treat You Better’ – the innate human desire for something more fulfilling, be it in love or life. It reverberates beyond a simple pop song as listeners find their own experiences reflected in the catchy, yet heartfelt lyrics.
The perennial quest for betterment, in relationships and within ourselves, is a narrative we all know too well. Shawn Mendes captures this quest with clarity and emotion, drawing in listeners with a relatable message wrapped in a melody that’s difficult to escape.
