Queen

Album: Shawn Mendes (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Shawn Mendes calls out a girl who treats him with disdain. Despite coming across to his friends as "sweet", Shawn wants nothing to do with her.

    You treat me
    Like I got nothin' on you
    Making beautiful look ugly
    You ain't the ruler of no country
    Who made you the queen?


    Shawn told Entertainment Weekly the song is not about a particular person. Instead "it's a vague concept" aimed at everybody who puts themselves above him. He added:

    "I just hate people who think they're better than other people. There's no reason to. It just bugs me, man. My least favorite trait in somebody is when you can feel them acting like they're more important than you, and I just had to write a song about it. I thought the best way to talk about it was to be like, 'You're not the queen of a country.'"

Comments: 3

  • Faith Who Knows EverythingC'mon we know this is about hailey baldwin this song describes her perfectly dear shawn we know everything
  • Destiny Who Isn't A Fan from Colorado Its okay shawn, we know its about the dear old queen of England. You don't need to keep it a secret. It was a disstrack against her and we know it, just let it out
  • Mariam O'leary from Austin TxEvery thing shawn mendes says makes since
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.