Lyrically, Mendes sings to his romantic interest, promising to be a better boyfriend than the one she currently has. There was some speculation that this song was about Camila Cabello, the Fifth Harmony member who was rumored to have been dating Mendes in 2016. Both of them, however, insist that they’re just friends.
In Seventeen, Mendes did talk about how he’s matured since his last album, referencing a past relationship:
I have songs about growing up, about ex-relationships—ex-relationship, I should say. I haven’t had relationships. A couple of songs about relationships with girls since fame.
This song’s instrumentation is heavy on guitar. Teddy Geiger and Scott Harris helped pen the lyrics (they were behind two of the major hits on Mendes' previous album Handwritten). Gieger contributed to production alongside Dan Romer, a veteran in the music industry who’s also worked with film, most notably scoring 2011’s Beasts of the Southern Wild.
Treat You Better
Shawn Mendes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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 cryin'
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can
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
'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 cryin'
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can
Better than he can
Give me a sign
Take my hand, we'll be fine
Promise I won't let you down
Just know that you don't
Have to do this alone
Promise I'll never let you down
'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 cryin'
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can (can, oh)
Better than he can
Better than he can
The lyrics of Shawn Mendes's song "Treat You Better" describes a man's desire to "treat" a woman better than her current partner is able to. He notices that she is in a "wrong situation" and may not necessarily be happy with her current partner, but is afraid to leave. The singer believes that he could give her the love and attention she deserves and is willing to do whatever it takes to prove that he can treat her better than her current partner. Throughout the song, he repeatedly assures her that she deserves a gentleman and that he can "stop time" for her and give her everything she needs.
The first verse, starting with "I won't lie to you," establishes the singer's desire to be honest, direct and upfront with the woman. He recognizes that her current partner is not treating her well or making her happy, which is confirmed by her facial expression. He is asking her to be honest with him about her feelings so that he can offer an alternative. He is also making it clear that he is not just another man trying to take advantage of her vulnerable position but is genuinely interested in giving her the love and respect she deserves. The chorus "I know I can treat you better" is the central message of the song, which reflects the singer's unwavering belief in his ability to love and care for the woman better than her current partner.
The song has been interpreted by some as a problematic and potentially possessive narrative because it implies that women need a man to rescue them from their suffering. Fans argue that the song is meant to be a message of hope and encouragement, that there is someone out there who can love and care for her better than her current partner. The song has become very popular, and it has won multiple pop awards since its release.
Line by Line Meaning
I won't lie to you
I will be completely honest with you
I know he's just not right for you
I can see that the person you are with is not suitable for you
And you can tell me if I'm off
You are free to disagree with me
But I see it on your face
I can tell by your expression
When you say that he's the one that you want
Even though you say you want him
And you're spending all your time
You are devoting your time
In this wrong situation
To this unsuitable relationship
And anytime you want it to stop
And whenever you want it to end
I know I can treat you better
I am confident that I can treat you better
Than he can
Better than the person you are with can
And any girl like you deserves a gentleman
You deserve someone who treats you with respect and kindness
Tell me why are we wasting time
Why are we spending time needlessly
On all your wasted cryin'
On your unnecessary tears
When you should be with me instead
When you ought to spend time with me instead
I'll stop time for you
I will do anything for you
The second you say you'd like me to
As soon as you ask me to
I just wanna give you the loving that you're missing
I want to be the one to give you the affection you are lacking
Baby, just to wake up with you
Just the act of waking up beside you
Would be everything I need
Would complete all my needs
And this could be so different
Our relationship could be unlike anything you have experienced
Tell me what you want to do
Let me know what you want to happen
'Cause I know I can treat you better
Because I am sure I can treat you better
Give me a sign
Indicate to me what you want
Take my hand, we'll be fine
Trust me and we will be okay
Promise I won't let you down
I make a vow not to disappoint you
Just know that you don't
Be aware that you are not
Have to do this alone
Required to go through this by yourself
Promise I'll never let you down
I make an assurance that I will always be there for you
Better than he can
I can treat you better than the person you are with
Better than he can
I can treat you better than the person you are with
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Scott Harris, Shawn Mendes, Teddy Geiger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@juujuuchannel2211
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
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
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
'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
Better than he can
Give me a sign
Take my hand, we'll be fine
Promise I won't let you down
Just know that you don't have to do this alone
Promise I'll never let you down
'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
Better than he can
Better than he can
@youngsinger3275
So I just got my first girlfriend (Im a junior, shes a freshmen) and as
soon as I showed her this song, she started to cry when she watched the
music video. Now it's basically "our" song. We've been dating for a
month and we're always making references about this song and having fun
with it. Now what she doesn't know right now is I'm going to be
perforimng this song for her at this talent-show-like thing at my school
with a couple of my friends. Hoping you all can wish me luck as the
performance is in like 3 weeks haha. Let me know if you guys want me to
post the video when it happens because I will be happy to do so! Hahaha
@mangndif6735
Treat you better 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
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
I'll stop time for you
The second you say you'd like me too
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
'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
Better than he can
Give me a sign
Take my hand, we'll be fine
Promise I won't let you down
Just know that you don't
Have to do this alone
Promise I'll never let you down
'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, oh
Better than he can
Better than he can
@TaylorSchandler
I literally love his face sm
@JazzmineParis
everyone love his facee he's such a cutieeeeee
@aubreyjaucian1347
Sameee here lmao
@cenafan216
his face sm-ile?
@flowerboy9222
+CarsonFacePalmer No, lmao😂
@khaoula2729
+CarsonFacePalmer so much*
@roxy6601
Anyone in 2024 🙃?
@ellibabs13
Ye
@anonymouslast6501
Me lol
@sathiputa
ほい