Shawn Mendes Reveals He Was ‘About to Be a Father’ in New Song

Shawn Mendes marked his birthday, Aug. 8, with a double release on Thursday — unveiling tracks “Why Why Why” and “Isn’t That Enough” from his upcoming fifth album, Shawn.

The release of “Why Why Why” was accompanied by a new video. In the video, Mendes is seen strumming his guitar and singing in a barn and by a river, with footage of solo performances on a dark stage intertwined. Directed by Anthony Wilson and Connor Brashier, the visual elements complement lyrics that reflect on past relationships and life’s cyclical nature.

“Visions of her naked in my head/But I went off and chose myself instead,” sings Mendes in the opening verse. Later in the song, he gets deeply personal, sharing, “I thought I was about to be a father/Shook me to the core I’m still a kid/Sometimes, I still cry out for my mother.”

In an upcoming interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Mendes discussed “Why Why Why,” describing the words as anthemic. According to Mendes, the song feels like a cry, a powerful and beautiful statement.

He also shared his thoughts on “Isn’t That Enough,” likening it to a conversation with his fans and the public. “I needed to address that, ‘Hey, how have you been?’ And I needed to say back, ‘I’m good. Everything’s good. It’s going to be good. It’s all right,’” he explained.

These new ballads come nearly three years after Mendes and Camila Cabello announced their breakup in November 2021. In 2019, the couple released the hit track “Señorita,” which ascended to Number One on the Billboard Hot 100.

Mendes shared his experience making his fifth album, describing it as “the most natural thing I’ve ever made.” He added that discussing and performing the album feels more effortless than ever, evoking a sense of ease and enjoyment.

Shawn is set to release on Oct. 18. Mendes announced that he will perform the album from start to finish on an upcoming six-show tour, making stops in Woodstock, London, Nashville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The tour kicked off on Thursday at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, with the next performance scheduled at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London next week.

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