Greetings Witches, Wizards, and Wix!
Do you enjoy the smell of autumn in the air? I certainly do! I would like to begin this article with a small introduction. I’m Rose, your new music column writer. You’re welcome to owl me anytime you want in order to discuss songs, albums, and musicians!
I would also like to quickly add that the way I interpret the songs I write about may have a completely different meaning to you, and that’s okay. Artistic expressions through musical melodies differ for everyone. I am immensely grateful that I am allowed to explore this topic through my penmanship as a journalist for the Slytherin House’s Publication.
Today, I am going to dive into the depths of a newly released single called ‘Wonder’ by Shawn Mendes. As many of you know, Mendes is no up and comer anymore. In fact, many people in the modern era are obsessed with his music. After all, why wouldn’t you be? I sure am.
In the months of the muggle world being on lockdown in quarantine due to a sweeping global pandemic, Shawn released a surprise single. Thank Merlin for him during these tough times. This song is sure to be one of many in his developing album.
‘Wonder’ mainly explores the relationship between the singer and the person who garners his affection. Now, let’s go ahead and break the song down into its separate stanzas.
STANZA 1:
“I wonder if I'm being real
Do I speak my truth or do I filter to how I feel?
I wonder, wouldn't it be nice
To live inside a world that isn't black and white?
I wonder, what it's like to be my friends
Hope that they don't think I forget about them
I wonder
I wonder”
The opening of this musical number can be interpreted as a perspective from Mendes’ point of view about how his world functions on a daily basis. He talks about how he ponders whether or not to speak up on the platform that he’s built over the years as he has risen to fame. Shawn mentions that he wished he was raised on an Earth that isn’t “black and white”. This line can be interpreted in several ways. However, the meaning I think that he’s singing about is how he wishes the world could be perceived simply as good and evil instead of differing shades of grey. Mendes then goes on to indicate that he hopes his friends don’t think he ignores them simply because he’s too busy to hang out with them as famous singers usually do.
STANZA 2:
“Right before I close my eyes
The only thing that's on my mind
Been dreaming that you feel it too
I wonder what it's like to be loved by you
Yeah
I wonder what it's like
I wonder what it's like to be loved by…”
The next stanza delves into the singer’s love life. He talks about the person that occupies his head right before he goes to sleep at night. So, naturally, he fantasizes what it’s like to be loved by that special someone.
STANZA 3:
“I wonder, why I'm so afraid
Of saying something wrong and never said I was a saint
I wonder when I cry into my hands
I'm conditioned to feel like it makes me less of a man
And I wonder if someday you'll be by my side
And tell me that the world will end up alright
I wonder
I wonder”
The final verse that we will examine in this article is my absolute favorite. Shawn discusses how he’s scared to speak his mind since he’s terrified of being attacked for it. Whether this is solely about his fans, his love interest, or even both remains to be determined. The line that talks about Mendes crying into his hands which leads him into being conditioned to feel inferior about it since he’s a man; attacks the toxic masculinity seen in our culture today. Furthermore, Shawn sings that he hopes that his love interest will stand by him one day and that they will reassure him that everything will be okay in the end.
As my first article, I have thoroughly enjoyed writing it! Thank you, Witches, Wizards, and Wix for reading! Enjoy the rest of your November and don’t forget to owl me to discuss music at length or with questions that you may have about my music column!
Until next time!
Rose