Shawn Mendes recently shared a first listen to his unreleased song “The Mountain” at a performance in Woodstock, New York. Known for his pop hits, Mendes made waves this time by directly addressing longstanding rumours about his sexuality within the song, which will feature on his upcoming self-titled album, ‘Shawn’.
Fan recordings from the performance reveal lyrics that confront years of speculation about Mendes’ sexuality. In the song, he sings, “Some days/I have a change of heart/You can say what you need to say/You can say I’m too young/You can say I’m too old/You can say I like girls or boys, whatever fits your mold.” These lyrics respond to the gossip that has followed Mendes since he became a pop sensation, despite his history of dating women.
Before performing “The Mountain,” Mendes spoke openly about the challenges of dealing with public scrutiny, including unfounded rumours that range from questioning his relationships to suggestions of him being in a cult. Mendes admitted that these speculations once impacted him but said he has learned to accept it, attributing his peace of mind to “exploring realms” and personal growth, even hinting at experiences with “a little bit of mushrooms.” His words and lyrics reflect a new level of comfort in addressing these rumours directly.
Describing “The Mountain” as one of his favourites on the new album, Mendes explained that the song encapsulates his journey with fame and the persistent speculation surrounding his personal life. His honest lyrics convey a candid perspective on overcoming the obstacles of life in the public eye.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the November 15 release of ‘Shawn’, Mendes’ fourth studio album, which promises a more reflective and self-assured perspective from the artist. With “The Mountain,” Mendes is stepping into his narrative to dispel rumours and share his truth, demonstrating he is no longer fazed by outside assumptions.
As the album release approaches, fans can expect to see further evolution from Mendes, who continues to manage fame, identity, and public perceptions with honesty and resilience. By tackling rumours in his music, Mendes has shown he’s not only ready to tell his story but also willing to face public scrutiny head-on.
