If I Can't Have You

Shawn Mendes' 'If I Can't Have You' is a poignant expression of unrequited love and the all-consuming nature of such an emotion. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing and the inability to escape thoughts of the beloved. Mendes sings about the futility of trying to engage in creative or leisure activities because his mind is preoccupied with someone he cannot have. The repetition of 'I can't write one song that's not about you' emphasizes how the artist's muse has overtaken his creative process, rendering him unable to separate his art from his feelings.

The song also touches on the idea of presence and absence. Despite being in Toronto with a presumably beautiful view, Mendes feels as though he might as well be in a nondescript hotel room, indicating that without the person he loves, his surroundings are meaningless. This sentiment is encapsulated in the chorus, 'Everything means nothing if I can't have you,' which serves as a powerful declaration of the intensity of his feelings. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of the need to maintain emotional distance, yet he admits to missing the feeling of being with the person he desires.

Towards the end of the song, Mendes expresses a desire for a complete relationship, not wanting to settle for anything less than the full emotional commitment ('I want all of you, all the strings attached'). The struggle to move on is evident as he tries to forget the person but finds himself holding on, further highlighting the theme of attachment and the difficulty of letting go. 'If I Can't Have You' resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of loving someone they cannot be with, and the way such an experience can overshadow every aspect of life.