If I Can't Have You

Album: Shawn Mendes (2019)
Charted: 9 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "If I Can't Have You" is a song about a girl that Shawn Mendes is obsessed with:

    I can't write one song that's not about you
    Can't drink without thinking about you


    Unfortunately the girl doesn't seem to feel the same way.

    I'm trying to move on, forget you, but I hold on
    Everything means nothing, everything means nothing, babe


    The infatuated singer just can't get her out of his mind.
  • Shawn Mendes penned the song with his regular writing partners Scott Harris and Teddy Geiger. Their previous collaborations include his hit singles "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," "Treat You Better" and "In My Blood."

    The fourth credited songwriter is soul and R&B singer Nathaniel Mercereau, who has worked a lot with Leon Bridges. He previously contributed to the writing of Mendes' "Lost In Japan."
  • Mendes and company originally wrote the song for Dua Lipa. But as he played it in the studio, he realized it tied in with the mood he wanted for his new music, so the Canadian decided to keep it for himself.
  • Speaking during a YouTube live chat, Mendes said he had the song's melody stuck in his head for two months before he was able to complete the track. However, once he got into the studio with the other songwriters, they quickly completed it. Shawn said, "It seems to be a pattern with my favorite songs. When it feels right it comes quick."
  • Mendes said his biggest inspiration for the song musically was the British group The 1975. He was obsessed with their A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships album while making this track.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.