Shawn Mendes’ single ‘When Youre Gone’ deals with Camila Cabello split

Shawn Mendes is working through his public split with Camila Cabello in his new single “When You’re Gone”. 

Calling the up-tempo tune therapeutic, Mendes said the track is about the “essence of processing a breakup and what that is and memories and all of these feelings kind of start flowing”, as per Reuters. 

The singer added, “I think after the breakup happened, I realized how much of myself I was being protected by this person and that I needed to be able to protect that part of me too. And that’s a huge moment, and I think that you don’t really get to see those weak spots are those vulnerable spots that you need to care and love until they’re open.” 

Also Read | Shawn Mendes on life after Camila Cabello split: On my own and I hate that

While the hook of the song has lyrics that go “It’s hard for me to let go of you, I’m just trying to hold…”, Mendes replied, “No, I’m not holding on”. 

The couple called it quits over Instagram, in November 2021, bringing an end to their three-year relationship. Mendes, 23 years old, said that releasing new music is nerve-racking but he’s glad that fans can relate to it. 

Mendes begins his ‘Wonder: The World Tour’, across 86 arenas, in Portland, Oregon, in June. The Canadian asserted that touring happens to be a creative life force powering the part of him that lets Mendes be artistic, and create music. This is something showcased in “When You’re Gone”, and Mendes addressed the same, saying “I wanted to like just film that and put it out there to be like, ‘Guys, this is what this is.’ You know, it’s been a minute.”

Also Read | Camila Cabello posts about ‘Living Life’ after reunion with Shawn Mendes

Meanwhile, Cabello, on Sunday, came out with a long post on body image issues and societal expectations of women’s bodies a day after the paparazzi clicked photos of her in a bikini, on Miami beach.