When You're Gone
Shawn Mendes Lyrics


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You never know how good you have it, oh-oh
Until you're staring at a picture of the only girl that matters, ah
I know what we're supposed to do
It's hard for me to let go of you
So I'm just tryna hold on

Hold on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone
I don't wanna move on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone for good
You're slipping through my fingertips
A little bit by a little bit
I didn't know that loving you was the happiest I've ever been
So I'm just tryna hold on

I need to learn how to cope without you
I'm tryna protect myself but only you know how to, yeah
Oh, I know what we're supposed to do
Oh, but I hate the thought of losing you
So, I'm just tryna hold on

Hold on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone
I don't wanna move on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone for good
You're slipping through my fingertips
A little bit by a little bit
I didn't know that loving you was the happiest I've ever been
So I'm just tryna hold on

Starting to feel like you don't need me
Wanna believe it's all for the better
It's getting real, I'm missing you deeply
So I'm just tryna hold on
Starting to feel like you don't need me
Wanna believe it's all for the better
It's getting real, I'm missing you deeply
So I'm just tryna hold on

Hold on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone
I don't wanna move on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone for good
You're slipping through my fingertips
A little bit by a little bit
I didn't know that loving you was the happiest (oh) I've ever been
So I'm just tryna hold on





(I'm just tryna hold on)

Overall Meaning

In Shawn Mendes's song When You're Gone, the artist talks about the struggle of holding on to a relationship that is slipping away. He laments that he didn't realize how happy he was when he had her and only realizes this now that she's leaving. He has trouble coming to terms with the fact that he may have to let her go. He knows that they are supposed to move on, but it's hard for him to do so. He feels like he's losing her slowly but surely, and he can't bear the thought of what it would be like without her in his life. The chorus emphasizes his reluctance to let go "I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone, I don't wanna move on, I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone for good."


Throughout the song, Shawn Mendes's vulnerability and raw emotions are evident. He admits his struggles of trying to protect himself without her and how he is missing her deeply. The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus and him trying to hold on.


Overall, the song When You're Gone is relatable to anyone who has felt the pain of a deteriorating relationship or a loved one leaving. It's a poignant reminder to cherish those relationships that we have.


Line by Line Meaning

You never know how good you have it, oh-oh
It's easy to not fully appreciate what you have until it's gone.


Until you're staring at a picture of the only girl that matters, ah
Only in her absence are you reminded of how important she is to you.


I know what we're supposed to do
I understand what needs to be done in order for us to move on.


It's hard for me to let go of you
Despite understanding what needs to happen, it's difficult to move on from you.


So I'm just tryna hold on
I'm doing my best to hang on and not let go.


Hold on
I'm imploring myself to remain steadfast and persevere through difficult times.


I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone
I don't want to experience the feeling of being without you.


I don't wanna move on
I'm not ready or willing to move forward without you yet.


I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone for good
The thought of permanently losing you is too painful for me to bear.


You're slipping through my fingertips
It feels as though I'm losing my grip on our relationship and you're starting to slip away from me.


A little bit by a little bit
It's a slow and gradual process, but it's still happening.


I didn't know that loving you was the happiest I've ever been
You brought me immense joy and happiness, and I didn't fully realize it until you were gone.


Starting to feel like you don't need me
It seems as though you're becoming less reliant on me and don't need me as much anymore.


Wanna believe it's all for the better
I'm trying to convince myself that this change is ultimately a good thing.


It's getting real, I'm missing you deeply
The reality of the situation is setting in and I'm feeling a deep sense of loss.


So I'm just tryna hold on
Despite these difficult feelings, I'm still doing my best to hang on and stay strong.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jonah Shy, Shawn Mendes, Scott Harris

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MadilynBailey

what a jammmmmmm! you did it once again...

@marsjes5036

Cover time? :)) ♥

@evastevenson7351

Hi!! Plllsss make a cover ♥

@chuneri8448

cover plsss this song is awesome

@lizdabest6904

You know we want a cover, right? 😂

@queen_alinaxx

Cover plzzz

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@taylana3331

I'm crying because of the Coachella reunion. I truly believe that they belong together!

@multisinghual

Sadly, the most underrate song of the year 2023. I have been listening to this one on repeat at the gym and solo drives. A true amalgamation of emotions and an applaudable maturity in presentation. Such a gem ❤

@nadzhadjula5865

Same, actually right now listening to that song ❤❤❤ and it's so groovy to listened with but the song itself is trying to convey sad mood. But I kinda like it. Addicted to it 🎉❤

@everydaycoolmusic

Anyone who went through the same situation knows that every word of this song is true to its very core. 
Thank you Shawn for such a breathtakingly amazing song

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