I’ve evaluated a few of Shawn Mendes’ songs—“Stiches” and “Treat You Better” and “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”—in prior posts. I’m not a big fan of those three songs because the lyrics are, well, somewhat questionable. But I don’t hate all of Shawn’s songs. In fact, we’re going to evaluate one today that has a great message.
How Good We Have It
You never know how good you have it, oh
Until you’re starin’ at a picture of the only girl that matters, aah
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
The lyrics in this portion of the song—verse 1, pre-chorus, and chorus—are very transparent. Shawn admits he took someone (assumedly his girlfriend) for granted. Basically, he says he didn’t realize how much he loved her until she started fading out of his life.
I know Shawn mentions he was happiest when he was with her. While I don’t want to say or imply that happiness should be our top priority, I do believe that the people in our lives who truly matter can bring us great happiness. My parents and sisters are the people I love most, and they definitely make me happier than anyone else. Unfortunately, sometimes the people we love most are the people we take for granted most.
Before It’s Too Late
Starting to feel like you don’t need me
Wanna believe it’s all for the better
It’s gettin’ 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 gettin’ real, missing you deeply
So, I’m just tryna hold on
In the bridge, Shawn describes how painful it was to watch this girl—whoever she is—move on without him. She had to fade out of his life before he figured out how much he really loved her. He missed his chance to show her.
Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not, this song applies to you. When you love people, tell them. Show them. Thank them.
Even though the Bible doesn’t specifically say “don’t take people for granted,” we’re commanded many times to love others. We have the perfect example to follow: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV).
The love of Christ is clear in both His words and His actions. By sacrificing Himself in our place, He demonstrated how deeply He loves us. And while we still have the opportunity, we should imitate His example, putting Him first and others second. The people He’s placed in our lives may not always be with us—so let’s not take them for granted.
Lyrics from AZ Lyrics.
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