When You're Ready

Shawn Mendes' song 'When You're Ready' is a heartfelt ballad that delves into the themes of unrequited love, patience, and unwavering commitment. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is deeply in love and willing to wait indefinitely for their beloved to be ready for a relationship. This sentiment is encapsulated in the recurring line, 'Baby, tell me when you're ready, I'm waiting,' which serves as both a plea and a promise.

The song's narrative is rich with emotional depth, exploring the complexities of longing and the pain of unfulfilled love. Mendes sings about the familiar disappointment he feels every time he tries to move on, only to find that no one else compares to the person he loves. This is poignantly expressed in the lines, 'Don't know why I try 'cause ain't nobody like you / Familiar disappointment every single time I do.' The lyrics also touch on the passage of time and the enduring nature of his feelings, as he vows to be there even 'ten years from now' if his love hasn't found someone else.

Cultural and personal references add layers to the song's meaning. Mendes mentions his father's belief that the person he loves is 'the one,' adding a familial dimension to his commitment. The time difference mentioned in the lyrics, 'I'm three hours back, seems like you're always six ahead,' suggests a long-distance relationship, adding another layer of complexity to his longing and patience. The song's gentle melody and Mendes' emotive delivery further amplify the sincerity and depth of his promise, making 'When You're Ready' a touching ode to enduring love and patience.