An Anthem for a Generation: Shawn Mendes’ “Youth” Brings Hope After Tragedies

By ELIZABETH VALENTIN Arts Editor

Shawn Mendes dropped his newest single, Youth ft. Khalid, on May 3. This song is emotional and heart wrenching, while possessing a positivity that is much needed right now.

This song is supposed to be about the violence that occured last year during the London Bridge attack and the Manchester concert bombing. Mendes was in Europe when these events took place and witnessed the way that the violence took a toll on everyone.

This song also provides hope for a generation that has witnessed so much violence during their childhood. Members of the Millenial and Gen X have fallen witness to countless terror attacks and mass shootings. Many members of these generations have first memories surrounding these events.

The chorus of the song has lyrics that include “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.”

This can easily resonate with anyone who feels as though their youth has been tarnished by the horrific attacks that we have seen happen in our lifetimes.

The bridge of the song also has strong lyrics including “Pain, but I won’t let it turn into hate. No, I won’t let it change me.” These words can also allow the young generation who has witnessed the carnage understand that they must be strong through these difficult times. This song easily becomes an anthem for those who have felt low in a time where violence prevails. This song also shows that this generation must come together and find a way to unite and hold one another through this.