We're going through the motionsCause we can't fix what's broken, noAnd I know it's gonna hurtBut darling I'll go firstI won't keep on saying those three empty wordsWe don't have to keep on saying those three empty wordsOh, I can't keep on saying those three empty words
Mendes has described the song as a personal reflection on a past relationship, capturing the moment when honesty becomes better than prolonging the pain of a "broken" connection that can't be fixed.
: The difficulty of being the first one to say it's over ("But darling, I’ll go first") to prevent further emotional "sinking". Three Empty Words - Shawn Mendes (Lyrics) рџЋµ
: Picking each other up at the "same time" and "same place" but feeling a lack of genuine connection.
Those three empty words will only make it worseI'm tired, I can't take it anymoreThose three empty words will only make it worseWe're tired, we can't take it anymore We're going through the motionsCause we can't fix
: The realization that they don't even "care enough to fight" anymore, signaling total emotional exhaustion.
Though we're still talking everydayI'm running out of things to say to yaWhat's really gonna break my heartIs to have to tell your little brother Those three empty words will only make it
Oh, we're going through the motion, yeahCause we can't fix what's brokenAnd I know it's gonna hurtBut darling I'll go firstCause I won't keep on saying those three empty words