Shawn Mendes Treat You Better: Lyrics And Meaning

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of Shawn Mendes' most iconic hits, "Treat You Better." This song isn't just a catchy tune; it's a powerful anthem about recognizing someone's worth and wanting to offer them the love and respect they deserve. So, grab your headphones, and let's break down the lyrics and the heartfelt message behind them!

Unpacking the Lyrics

"I won't lie to you 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"

From the get-go, Shawn sets a sincere and honest tone. He acknowledges that the person he cares about is in a relationship that isn't serving her well. He's not afraid to express his feelings, even while understanding that she might not be ready to hear it. The lyrics highlight his keen observation skills – he sees the unhappiness in her face, a stark contrast to her words. This demonstrates a deep level of empathy and genuine concern for her well-being. He emphasizes her agency by letting her know that he’s there for her, anytime she decides she wants out of the situation.

"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 crying When you should be with me instead? I know I can treat you better* Better than he can"

This is the heart of the song. Shawn confidently asserts that he can offer her a better relationship. It’s not just about empty promises; he believes she deserves a gentleman, someone who treats her with respect and love. The lyrics question why she's enduring wasted crying when she could be with someone who values her. This repetition of "I know I can treat you better" drives home his conviction and desire to provide her with the happiness she deserves. He's not just saying it; he's conveying a deep-seated belief in his ability to make her life better.

"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"

Here, Shawn expresses his willingness to go above and beyond for her. He offers to "stop time," symbolizing his readiness to dedicate himself fully to her the moment she wants him to. He identifies her need for loving that you're missing and positions himself as the one who can fulfill that void. The lyrics reveal a deep longing and affection, as he dreams of simply waking up with her. He reiterates her autonomy by asking, "Tell me what you want to do," reinforcing that the decision is ultimately hers. This stanza is all about showing his dedication and making her feel valued.

"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 crying When you should be with me instead? I know I can treat you better* Better than he can"

The chorus repeats, reinforcing the central message of the song. It's a powerful reminder of his belief in his ability to offer her a better relationship and her deserving of respect and love. The repetition emphasizes the frustration of seeing her unhappy and his genuine desire to change that.

"Better, oh Better, oh I know I can treat you better Better than he can"

This bridge serves as an emotional crescendo. The simple repetition of "Better" underscores the depth of his conviction. It’s a raw and heartfelt plea, emphasizing his unwavering belief that he can provide her with a better life than she currently has.

The final repetition of the chorus solidifies the song's message, leaving the listener with a clear understanding of Shawn's feelings and intentions. It's a strong and assertive declaration of his desire to offer her a better relationship.

The Meaning Behind the Song

"Treat You Better" isn't just about romantic interest; it's a broader statement about respect, self-worth, and recognizing unhealthy relationships. The song encourages listeners to reflect on how they treat others and how they allow themselves to be treated. It's a call to action, urging people to leave situations where they are not valued and to seek out relationships built on mutual respect and love. Shawn Mendes delivers a powerful message that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and consideration.

The Importance of Self-Worth

One of the key takeaways from "Treat You Better" is the importance of knowing your self-worth. The lyrics suggest that the woman in the song is settling for less than she deserves. Shawn's insistence that she deserves a gentleman highlights the idea that everyone should strive for relationships where they are treated with respect and kindness. Recognizing your own value is the first step in finding relationships that truly fulfill you. This song encourages listeners to assess their own relationships and ask themselves if they are truly being treated as they deserve.

Identifying Unhealthy Relationships

"Treat You Better" also sheds light on the signs of an unhealthy relationship. The lyrics mention wasted crying and being in a wrong situation, which are indicators of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. The song encourages listeners to recognize these red flags in their own relationships and to consider whether they are truly happy. It's a reminder that it's okay to leave a relationship that isn't serving you well and to seek out someone who will treat you with the love and respect you deserve. The song empowers listeners to take control of their own happiness and to prioritize their well-being.

Offering Support and Encouragement

Beyond the romantic aspect, "Treat You Better" is about offering support and encouragement to someone in need. Shawn's lyrics convey a sense of empathy and concern for the woman in the song. He wants to help her escape an unhappy situation and find the happiness she deserves. This message of support is relevant to all types of relationships, whether they are romantic, platonic, or familial. The song encourages listeners to be there for their loved ones and to offer them the support they need to make positive changes in their lives. By showing empathy and offering encouragement, we can help others recognize their worth and find the happiness they deserve.

Why This Song Resonates

"Treat You Better" resonates with so many people because it touches on universal themes of love, respect, and self-worth. Everyone has experienced either being in a relationship where they weren't treated well or witnessing someone they care about in that situation. The song's message is empowering and hopeful, reminding us that we all deserve to be treated with kindness and consideration. Shawn Mendes's heartfelt delivery and the song's catchy melody make it all the more impactful. It's a song that inspires us to seek out better relationships and to treat others with the respect they deserve.

Conclusion

"Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes is more than just a catchy pop song; it's a powerful anthem about recognizing your worth and seeking out relationships built on respect and love. The lyrics speak to the importance of self-worth, identifying unhealthy relationships, and offering support to those in need. So next time you hear this song, remember its message and strive to treat yourself and others with the kindness and consideration you all deserve. Keep rocking, and always aim for relationships that lift you higher!