The meaning of Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes

"Treat You Better" is undoubtedly one of Shawn Mendes' biggest hits, but behind its appealing melody and poignant lyrics, there's a profound message that resonates with people worldwide.

A significant aspect of the song is its stance on unhealthy relationships. Released as the lead single from Mendes' second album, "Illuminate", it anchors on the themes of love, breakup, and longing. Drawing from his own experiences and observations, Mendes crafts a compelling offer to a girl trapped in a toxic relationship. The singer expresses his feelings in a heartfelt plea, vocalizing how he could treat her better than her current, unappreciative partner.

"Mendes signifies a better option, a person who would value, respect, and treat his love interest rightly. Lyrics such as "I'll stop time for you" and "I know I can treat you better" reverberate the singer's belief that he could provide her a more caring and loving relationship.

However, "Treat You Better" is not a simple declaration of love or adoration. It sheds light on a fundamental societal issue - domestic abuse. In the official music video for the song, Mendes doesn't shy away from illustrating a relationship marred by such abuse, bringing awareness to a matter seldom addressed in pop music. This bold step in creating such a narrative portrays Mendes not just as a singer, but a storyteller with vital themes to address.

Beyond its cultural significance, the song's core message mirrors a common dilemma between wants and needs in a relationship. From the standpoint of Mendes, he sees his loved one enduring hardship and promises to treat her right if she were his, a theme many can relate to. However, it highlights the fact that it’s not always enough to be the better person, as feelings and love can often be an intricate web to untangle.

Creatively presenting serious topics in a pop song format, "Treat You Better" creates a unique blend of emotional depth, social relevance, and rhythmic appeal. With lyrics striking a chord with many listeners, the song has paved a long-lasting impact. Although it's not void of criticism, highlighting the 'white knight syndrome', its true essence lies in its bold depiction of combating toxic relationships and advocating for healthier ones.

To put it in perspective, "Treat You Better" adds to the list of Mendes' tracks that have a personal touch to them. It reflects his musical prowess and innate talent to bring serious issues to light through his art, making him not just a popular singer, but also an influential figure in the music industry.

Overall, "Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes is a powerful anthem challenging the dynamics of love, heartbreak, and unhealthy relationships. Its message interweaves deep societal issues with personal dilemmas, forming a beautiful and thought-provoking tapestry of music and storytelling.