Shawn Mendes’ new single, Heart of Gold is a raw, acoustic deep-dive into loss, memory, and the confusing business of grief.
Inspired by the passing of a childhood friend, the song carries a weight that feels personal yet universal.
In Heart of Gold, Mendes doesn’t just reminisce; he carves a space for his friend Dejomi, in a way that reminds us all of those we’ve lost along the way.
The Emotional Compass of Heart of Gold
When Mendes sings, “I didn’t know what you were going through,” it’s not just a line—it’s a punch of regret.
We’ve all had those moments where we wish we’d been there, only to realise too late how much was going on behind the scenes.
It’s a reminder of what gets left unsaid, those silent spaces between moments that only grow larger after someone’s gone.
Heart of Gold feels like a modern-day ode, capturing the fragility of memory much like Miguel’s devotion in Coco.
Just as Miguel keeps his ancestors alive through memory, Mendes reminds us that honouring lost loved ones keeps them close.
He’s made this song into a little shrine for his friend—a place where his memory can live on, imperfections and all.
What’s Really Behind “Heart of Gold” Lyrics?
Opening with the line, “Honestly, it’s been a while since I thought of you,” Mendes lets us in on something brutally real.
Here’s a guy admitting he lost touch, that life got busy—and who can’t relate to that?
It’s almost a confessional: he didn’t know what his friend was going through, and the weight of that realisation lingers in every verse.
No need for high drama here; Mendes keeps it stark and straightforward, which only makes it hit harder.
This lyrical honesty is reminiscent of themes explored in The Fault in Our Stars.
Mendes’ line “I’m sorry that I wasn’t there to hug your mama at the funeral” captures the same kind of remorse as Hazel’s famous line, “I’m a grenade, and at some point, I’m going to blow up.”
Both speak to the regret and helplessness that often comes with loss, a feeling Mendes captures with just a few words.
A Tribute Without the Usual Gloss
“Grief is a really, really difficult thing to deal with,” Mendes has shared, and it’s clear he’s not here to dress up his words.
The chorus repeats, “You had a heart of gold,” almost like a chant. In a pop landscape saturated with breakup anthems and feel-good beats, here’s a song that taps into something both uplifting and gut-wrenching.
Mendes isn’t just singing about loss; he’s paying tribute to someone whose impact remains, even if their presence doesn’t.
Acoustic, Unfiltered, and Unapologetically Raw
Heart of Gold steps away from overproduced sounds, relying on a simple acoustic backdrop. This isn’t the usual pop fanfare.
By stripping things down, Mendes creates a kind of intimacy that feels like he’s sharing a story just with you.
Think of it as a late-night conversation, maybe one where you’re both avoiding eye contact because the emotions are too close to the surface.
Why the “Heart of Gold”?
Mendes keeps the chorus simple yet loaded. “You had a heart of gold” isn’t just a throwaway compliment; it’s a kind of memorial.
And if you listen closely, you’ll catch the bitterness in the words, the ache of missing out on sharing more time.
By keeping it real and relatable, Mendes turns what could’ve been a cliché into a genuine expression of appreciation and loss.
“Heart of Gold Music” Video
The music video for Heart of Gold adds another layer of vulnerability. Mendes performs against a plain backdrop, and honestly, he doesn’t need more than that.
There’s a rawness here—almost like he’s inviting you to feel the quiet moments of grief, the spaces where words can’t reach.
Mendes’ choice of this stripped-down visual tone amplifies the song’s message without any distractions.
This simplicity echoes the raw acoustic sound, making the viewer feel like they’re right there in that intimate space with him.
Upcoming Album and Special Cinema Event
Heart of Gold is part of Mendes’ highly anticipated self-titled album, Shawn, set to be released on 15 November 2024.
This album marks Mendes’ fifth studio project and promises to capture his most personal and reflective work yet.
As Mendes has shared, “Music really can be medicine,” and with this album, he’s leaning into that idea, crafting songs that explore his journey through grief, memory, and the significance of relationships.
For fans eager to experience the new album in a unique way, Mendes is hosting a one-night-only global cinema event, Shawn Mendes: For Friends and Family Only (A Live Concert Film).
Scheduled for 14 November 2024, the event will showcase Mendes performing the entire album live, giving audiences a front-row seat to his music’s raw and heartfelt evolution.
Filmed at the iconic Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, New York, this event not only celebrates his new album but also offers personal insights into the creative process behind each track.
The Unfinished Business of Grief
There’s no grand resolution at the end of Heart of Gold. Mendes doesn’t wrap things up with a neat bow; instead, he leaves you with the lingering sense of “what if?”
This lack of closure resonates with anyone who’s ever wished they’d done more or said something they didn’t get the chance to say.
Mendes acknowledges that grief doesn’t always resolve—it sometimes just sits with you, changing form, but never really fading.
Mendes’ Journey in a New Light
This song is not just a one-off for Mendes; it reflects a shift in his music.
After a few years of intense personal and professional challenges, Heart of Gold shows Mendes in a rawer, more introspective phase—one where he’s not afraid to show his scars.
This track and his recent work mark a period of deep reflection, capturing how he has grown both musically and personally.
As Mendes continues to evolve, Heart of Gold stands as a testament to his willingness to go beyond the superficial and explore the more fragile parts of life.
Shawn Mendes has made a career on pop hits and catchy hooks, but Heart of Gold taps into something else entirely.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to honour someone is to tell their story, no embellishments.
It’s for everyone who’s had a friend they didn’t get to say goodbye to, for those carrying the weight of loss and memory.
In its quiet way, Heart of Gold speaks volumes, proving that even in a world obsessed with the next big hit, there’s still space for songs that reflect the quieter, heavier parts of being human.
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Shawn Mendes Heart of Gold Lyrics
Intro
(Ooh)
Verse 1
Honestly
It’s been a while since I thought of you
In the end, we didn’t talk much
I didn’t know what you were goin’ through
I’m sorry that I wasn’t there
To hug your mama at the funeral
Brian said he broke down
But he promised it was beautiful
Pre-Chorus
When we were young
We didn’t care
We shot for the stars
I’ll see you up there
Chorus
You had a heart of gold (Yeah)
You had a heart of gold
You left too soon, it was out of your control
Underneath your skin and bone
You had a heart of gold
Verse 2
I didn’t cry
I didn’t even feel the pain
And then it hit me all at once
When we talked about you yesterday
Pre-Chorus
When we were young (When we were young)
We didn’t care (We didn’t care)
We shot for the stars (We shot for the stars)
I’ll see you up there
Chorus
You had a heart of gold (Yeah)
You had a heart of gold
You left too soon, it was out of your control
Underneath your skin and bone
You had a heart of gold
Outro
When we were young
We didn’t care
We shot for the stars
I’ll see you up there (You had a heart of gold)
When we were young (Ooh)
We didn’t care (We didn’t care)
We shot for the stars
I’ll see you up there
You had a heart of gold
(Yeah)