Lyrically, Sh… Read Full Bio ↴"Three Empty Words" is the fourth track on Illuminate.
Lyrically, Shawn and his lover have fallen out of love, and while they try to remain together and bring the spark back, what’s lost cannot be found. He’s saying that he is done saying those “three empty words” (being I Love You) as he no longer means them.
Three Empty Words
Shawn Mendes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll pick you up at the same time
At the same place, the same old drive
We'll just talk about our day
To try to fill the awkward space tonight
We'll play the songs we used to love
While we try to fall in love again, oh
But we don't even care enough to fight
We're going through the motions
'Cause we can't fix what's broken
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
'Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
No, I won't keep on saying those three empty words
Oh
Though we're still talking everyday
I'm running out of things to say to ya, mhm
What's really gonna break my heart
It's to have to tell your little brother
It might be easier to stay
But it'll never be the same, no oh no
And if something doesn't change
Then we'll keep on sinking further
Oh oh, we're going through the motions, yeah
'Cause we can't fix what's broken, mhm
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
'Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
Those three empty words
We'll only make it worse
I'm tired, I can't take it anymore
Those three empty words
Will only make it worse
We tired, we can't take it anymore
We're going through motions
'Cause we can't fix what's broken, no
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
I won't keep on saying those three empty words
We don't have to keep on saying those three empty words
No, I can't keep on saying those three empty words
The song "Three Empty Words" by Shawn Mendes is a ballad about a relationship that has grown stagnant, but the couple continues to go through the motions. The song talks about the monotony of their "same old drive" and "awkward space." They play songs they once loved, hoping to rekindle their love but don't even care enough to fight, indicating they have lost emotional investment in it.
The lyrics are poignant and speak to the idea that sometimes people stay in relationships despite the problems that exist. They think that it might be easier to stay, but it will never be the same again, and if something doesn't change, they will keep on sinking further. The song shows the emotion that comes with breaking up with someone you still love but acknowledges that those three empty words "I love you" won't fix anything.
In conclusion, the song 'Three Empty Words' talks about the empty expressions of love that don't mean anything in a relationship that's lost its spark. It portrays the typical story of couples who are comfortable but have lost the feeling of love that once existed in their relationship. It's an emotional song that shows how hard it is to give up on someone but recognizing the need to when things have gone sour.
Line by Line Meaning
Mhm
An expression of agreement or acknowledgement
I'll pick you up at the same time
I will maintain our usual routines to avoid awkwardness
At the same place, the same old drive
I will make sure everything remains familiar to us
We'll just talk about our day
We'll engage in small talk to fill the silence
To try to fill the awkward space tonight
We'll attempt to fill the uncomfortable void between us
We'll play the songs we used to love
We will reminisce about the past in hopes of rekindling our love
While we try to fall in love again, oh
We'll aim to feel the same emotions we felt before
And we don't who's wrong or right
We've reached a point where blame doesn't matter
But we don't even care enough to fight
We're both apathetic to the situation, and no longer wish to argue
We're going through the motions
We're keeping up with our routine, without the same emotion or sincerity
'Cause we can't fix what's broken
We've reached a point where the relationship is irreparable
And I know it's gonna hurt
We're aware of the pain that will come with a breakup
But darling I'll go first
I'll take the initiative in ending our relationship
'Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
I won't continue to profess love when it's no longer genuine
Though we're still talking everyday
Conversations between us continue, despite the problems
I'm running out of things to say to ya, mhm
I'm struggling to find things to talk about, leading to awkwardness
What's really gonna break my heart
The most painful aspect of this situation is what's to come
It's to have to tell your little brother
Breaking up with you will ultimately affect your family as well
It might be easier to stay
Breaking up may seem difficult
But it'll never be the same, no oh no
Even if we stay together, things will never be like they were before
And if something doesn't change
If we don't take action, things will only continue to worsen
Then we'll keep on sinking further
Our relationship will continue to deteriorate
Those three empty words
The phrase 'I love you,' which no longer holds true meaning
We'll only make it worse
Continuing to say those words will ultimately cause more harm
I'm tired, I can't take it anymore
I am mentally and emotionally exhausted from this relationship
We tired, we can't take it anymore
Both of us are exhausted and need to end things
No, I can't keep on saying those three empty words
Once again, I am confirming that I will no longer continue to utter meaningless words of love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Ido Zmishlany, Shawn Mendes, Geoffrey Elliott Warburton, Scott Harris Friedman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Justin Austria
My list
1. Something Big - (it's been my favourite song since it came out)
2. Memories - (I can relate to this song so much, and the lyrics are so meaningful)
3. Imagination - (this song is just too good to explain it)
4. A Little Too Much - (the lyrics are so powerful here)
5. Mercy - (the feels of this song are just mind blowing)
6. The Weight - (too good)
7. Ruin - (everthing in this song is powerful)
8. Bring It Back - (i loved that he started out slow then went fast)
9. Lost - (when i first heard this song it was shocking)
10. Never Be Alone - (this song just reminded me of my old friends/classmates, every time I hear this I just get sad)
Honorable Mentions: Treat You Better, Aftertaste, Kid In Love, and Three Empty Words
Shawn Mendes is definitely my favourite singer, even though i'm a guy I don't give a fuck what anyone says. His lyrics are so powerful and meaningful, he can sing without autotune which is the best. Most artist's need autotune too sing, that's how you know he has pure talent. Every time he posts a new song I love it so much, I can really relate too it (most of the songs I can!). This kid is gonna strive for years and years too come.
(EDIT) 04/03/18: Well I didn’t expect this comment to have this many likes haha. My list right now has completely change by me understanding and relating to each single song. I’ve become more into his lyrics than his the actual music, which I don’t mind at all. See the lyrics go far beyond than what he’s actually saying, there’s a whole story behind it. With “In My Blood” he brings a new maturity to his music and I really enjoy it. Shawn is still killing the game 👌
maxie ☆
THREE EMPTY WORDS
LYRICS
🎶Enjoy🎶
_________
I'll pick you up at the same time
At the same place, the same old drive
We'll just talk about our day
To try to fill the awkward space tonight
We'll play the songs we used to love
While we try to fall in love again
We don't know who's wrong or right
We don't even care enough to fight
We're going through the motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
No, I won't keep on saying those three empty words
We're still talking everyday
I'm running out of things to say to ya
What's really gonna break my heart
Is to have to tell your little brother
It might be easier to stay
But it'll never be the same, no oh no
And if something doesn't change
Then we'll keep on sinking further
Oh, we're going through the motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
Those three empty words
Will only make it worse
I'm tired, I can't take it anymore
Those three empty words
Will only make it worse
We're tired, we can't take it anymore
We going through the motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken, no
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
I won't keep on saying those three empty words
We don't have to keeping on saying those three empty words
No I can't keep on saying those three empty words
copodenieve 22
I'll pick you up at the same time
At the same place, the same old drive
We'll just talk about our day
To try to fill the awkward space tonight
We'll play the songs we used to love
While we try to fall in love again
We don't know who's wrong or right
We don't even care enough to fight
We're going through the motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
No, I won't keep on saying those three empty words
We're still talking everyday
I'm running out of things to say to ya
What's really gonna break my heart
Is to have to tell your little brother
It might be easier to stay
But it'll never be the same, no oh no
And if something doesn't change
Then we'll keep on sinking further
Oh, we're going through the motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
Those three empty words
Will only make it worse
I'm tired, I can't take it anymore
Those three empty words
Will only make it worse
We tired, we can't take it anymore
We going through motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken, no
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
I won't keep on saying those three empty words
We don't have to keeping on saying those three empty words
No I can't keep on saying those three empty words
Panji Prawiro
"Three Empty Words"
I'll pick you up at the same time
At the same place, the same old drive
We'll just talk about our day
To try to fill the awkward space tonight
We'll play the songs we used to love
While we try to fall in love again
We don't know who's wrong or right
We don't even care enough to fight
We're going through the motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
No, I won't keep on saying those three empty words
We're still talking everyday
I'm running out of things to say to ya
What's really gonna break my heart
Is to have to tell your little brother
It might be easier to stay
But it'll never be the same, no oh no
And if something doesn't change
Then we'll keep on sinking further
Oh, we're going through the motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
Cause I won't keep on saying those three empty words
Those three empty words
Will only make it worse
I'm tired, I can't take it anymore
Those three empty words
Will only make it worse
We're tired, we can't take it anymore
We going through the motions
Cause we can't fix what's broken, no
And I know it's gonna hurt
But darling I'll go first
I won't keep on saying those three empty words
We don't have to keeping on saying those three empty words
No I can't keep on saying those three empty words
R8xanne
I love how Shawn's breakup songs sound like apologies instead of angry disses
Laetitia Edogiawerie
R8xanne yes 😭
Sudiksha
💔💔
Allie Beatrice
STOPP IT THATS SO TRUE
Sadia Khandakar
It's because he's Canadian 😁
Vincent Samar
There was one. Bring it back.
Justin Austria
My list
1. Something Big - (it's been my favourite song since it came out)
2. Memories - (I can relate to this song so much, and the lyrics are so meaningful)
3. Imagination - (this song is just too good to explain it)
4. A Little Too Much - (the lyrics are so powerful here)
5. Mercy - (the feels of this song are just mind blowing)
6. The Weight - (too good)
7. Ruin - (everthing in this song is powerful)
8. Bring It Back - (i loved that he started out slow then went fast)
9. Lost - (when i first heard this song it was shocking)
10. Never Be Alone - (this song just reminded me of my old friends/classmates, every time I hear this I just get sad)
Honorable Mentions: Treat You Better, Aftertaste, Kid In Love, and Three Empty Words
Shawn Mendes is definitely my favourite singer, even though i'm a guy I don't give a fuck what anyone says. His lyrics are so powerful and meaningful, he can sing without autotune which is the best. Most artist's need autotune too sing, that's how you know he has pure talent. Every time he posts a new song I love it so much, I can really relate too it (most of the songs I can!). This kid is gonna strive for years and years too come.
(EDIT) 04/03/18: Well I didn’t expect this comment to have this many likes haha. My list right now has completely change by me understanding and relating to each single song. I’ve become more into his lyrics than his the actual music, which I don’t mind at all. See the lyrics go far beyond than what he’s actually saying, there’s a whole story behind it. With “In My Blood” he brings a new maturity to his music and I really enjoy it. Shawn is still killing the game 👌
Ivana Jovanovic
dude slay,don't give an f and just role with it. i agree with your choice! shawn is daddy bye.
Lovely Nafii
fatboy21 I'm the biggest fan that I can even pick a favorite cause I love all of his songs cause im not that type of fan that picks favourite songs of my favourite singers.i know everything about him.
Ash Rutella
fatboy21 I also really love his song Like This