Song review
Shawn taught us that it's not about what we say; it's about what we don't say.
shawn mendes & khalid
Youth
Album: Shawn Mendes
Released: 3 May 2018
Genre: Pop; R&B
The song Youth by Shawn Mendes and Khalid was in fact written in context of warfare, as a response to the 2017 terror attack in Manchester England, highlighting a symbol of hope and resilience against an act of injustice. This is evident in the first verse where both artists share an emotive exchange of lyrics highlighting the state of contentious turmoil which the world had endured at the time of the event. The following pre-chorus states,
“Pain, but I won't let it turn into hate
No, I won't let it change me
Never losing sight of the one I keep inside
Now, I know it, yeah, I know it”
Shawn Mendes & Khalid
The strumming of a guitar which accompanies these lyrics creates a subtle yet solemn tone, at a peaceful pace to accentuate a true in depth meaning to the words being sung. Mendes is making it clear that despite all the hurt that is caused we should never retaliate in a manner which will only make us equally as inconsiderate and morally flawed to the person who aggravated a situation. He colloquially states that our world will forever be united as one and these unfortunate events only strengthen the bond between us, confirming the common love we all share.
The Chorus experiences a dramatic beat change flowing well with the lyrics; amalgamating all individuals in our world to
“You can't take my youth away
This soul of mine will never break
As long as I wake up today
You can't take my youth away
You can't take my youth away”,
Victims of the 2017 Manchester Attack
connect despite contradicting factors. The composer is not necessarily referring to youth as being at a young age, however more so targeting all audiences from a range of backgrounds, faiths, races and ages, stating that there is youth in the way we live our lives. This means that there is an untouchable innocence in everyone, no matter how hard we try it will always remain as a gateway to purity and truth, although not showcased on a daily basis during times of adversity love, joy, blissfulness and purity will surface and conquer all.
Throughout the song Mendes is constantly honing his idea that unity, truthfulness, love and compassion are far stronger than violence. He elicits that our childish souls manifest personality and individuality to the world and without our youthful nature filled with hope, there is no way for us to make a change in the world. Hence linking to verse 2 with the lyrics stating;
“It's hard to sleep at night, knowing what's outside
Feeling hopeless, I need focus
You hit me with words I never heard come out your mouth
To be honest, I don't want it, no”
Across this verse, Mendes is specifying the feeling of fear during times of turmoil in society, explaining that there is no real way which we can help to annihilate the issues our community. However, by coming together to show a sense of unity and love, we are demonstrating that the effects are less severe, prompting a soothing relief to our brothers and sisters. Additionally, the words that are never heard make reference to the violence which causes terror among the innocent, impacted through the weapons used subsequently physically, psychologically and logically scarring the world.
Overall Youth is a eminently emotive and meaningful song that all generations can benefit from listening to. It reminds us that we are not alone in the world and instead will forever come together in solidarity via our youthful nature to produce a power beyond anything else. It teaches us to value each person's human dignity and even embeds morals of forgiveness, action, faith and courage, which link to our school values. I encourage you to listen to this hopeful and resilient song for a truly memorable experience.
-T Singh, Year 10