If we’re not together, what’s the point?
This is what 24-year-old pop star Shawn Mendes wonders.
After his breakup with Camila Cabello at the end of 2021, Mendes has worked through his emotions via song. And it’s speculated that he’s continuing to do so in his latest track, “What the H— Are We Dying For?”
Although it’s not certain who this track is about, it’s clear that this former lover of Mendes’ held a special place in his heart, and that life without that same love feels pointless.
In reference to a romantic relationship, Mendes says that he “wants to save [it]” but doesn’t “know how.”
He feels that unless things go back to the way they were, full of “love,” “care” and emotional connection, there’s no point in life itself (“Livin’ without you/Is not livin’ at all”).
Mendes repeats “what the h—” a few times in the chorus.
Since its release, fans and listeners have wondered why Mendes chose a smoky, fire-filled sky as the cover art for this track. Some are trying to make connections between the Canadian forest fires going on (as Mendes is a native Canadian) and the lyrics of this song. And perhaps these connections exist.
However, it seems that the only thing “burnin’ down” here is this relationship that is now, according to Mendes, hopeless and, tragically, a thing of the past.
Kristin Smith joined the Plugged In team in 2017. Formerly a Spanish and English teacher, Kristin loves reading literature and eating authentic Mexican tacos. She and her husband, Eddy, love raising their children Judah and Selah. Kristin also has a deep affection for coffee, music, her dog (Cali) and cat (Aslan).
