It’s a totally different side of Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes is gearing up for a HUGE year. With a new album on the way and performances to follow, the #MendesArmy anxiously awaits for their next glimpse of this Canadian crooner. Last week, we were treated to a special surprise with the release of not one, but TWO new songs from him. The first being “In My Blood”. It’s safe to say this song is a new and totally welcomed sound for Shawn. It’s mature, vulnerable and honest. “In My Blood” really shows how Shawn has grown over the years and gives us a glimpse of some of his personal struggles.
Since we love it so much, we thought we’d dig a little deeper to bring you the true meaning behind Shawn’s latest hit. Take a look!
[Verse 1]
Laying on the bathroom floor, feeling nothing
I’m overwhelmed and insecure, give me something
I could take to ease my mind slowly
Just have a drink and you’ll feel better
Just take her home and you’ll feel better
Keep telling me that it gets better
Does it ever?
Days before the release of the track, Shawn Mendes tweeted “This song is the closest song to my heart that I’ve ever written” and he wasn’t lying. Right from the start of the song, we’re introduced to a side of Shawn that’s never been seen before. He’s exposing his true feelings for the entire world to see. It’s a brave move and we’re so incredibly proud of him for allowing himself to be so vulnerable.
[Chorus]
Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
No medicine is strong enough
Someone help me
I’m crawling in my skin
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can’t
It isn’t in my blood
It isn’t in my blood
In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1, Shawn spoke about his struggle with anxiety for the first time. No doubt, being famous can be overwhelming and isolating as many people don’t truly understand what it feels like to be in his shoes. All Shawn wants is an escape and luckily he is able to find strength through his music.
[Verse 2]
I’m looking through my phone again feeling anxious
Afraid to be alone again, I hate this
I’m trying to find a way to chill, can’t breathe, oh
Is there somebody who could…
A common theme in most of Shawn’s music is his relationships, but this time around, he’s singing about the lack of and his fear of being alone. It’s incredibly personal and proves that Shawn has not only matured as a result of these experiences, but that he’s come into his own with his artistry. It’s a pivotal transition and we’re extremely excited about a future full of incredible music by Mr. Mendes.
What are your thoughts on the song? We know it’s an impossible question to ask, but if you had to choose, would it be “In My Blood” or “Lost in Japan”? Let us know in the comment or on Twitter @umusic!