Meaning of By Surprise* by Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer-songwriter, has always been known for his heartfelt and emotive music. With his captivating voice and poignant lyrics, he has successfully captured the hearts of millions around the world. One of his newest tracks, titled 'By Surprise,' is a perfect example of his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.The overall theme of the song revolves around the unpredictability of love and how it can take us by surprise when we least expect it. Mendes explores the rollercoaster of emotions that come with falling in love and showcases the beautiful yet often tumultuous aspects of this experience.In the snippet, we are introduced to the lyrics:"Just as I make up my mindYou catch me by surpriseOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, mmm-mmm"These lines immediately set the stage for the overarching theme of the song. It suggests that love, like an unexpected twist, can sweep us off our feet just as we think we have everything figured out. It emphasizes the element of surprise and the potential for love to appear when we least anticipate it.One standout lyric in the song is "You're the punchline in a joke I never told." Here, Mendes cleverly compares the person he's falling for to a punchline, a surprise element that brings joy and laughter to his life. This line not only adds depth to the song but also highlights the unpredictability and unexpected moments that love can bring. It showcases how love can turn our world upside down and introduce unexpected joys into our lives.Another lyric that stands out and contributes to the overarching theme is, "You're the sunrise in the middle of my dark night." This powerful imagery conveys the idea that love can be a beacon of light in the darkest of times. It explores the transformative power of love and how it can bring hope, healing, and happiness when we least expect it.Furthermore, Mendes sings, "You're the calm after a hurricane blew." This line is a perfect representation of the theme of love catching us by surprise. It suggests that even after chaos and destruction, love can serendipitously enter our lives, eventually calming the storm and bringing a sense of peace and stability. This lyric showcases the resilience of love and its ability to triumph over adversity.Lastly, the line "You're the missing piece I never knew I needed" captures the essence of the song's theme. Love is often the missing puzzle piece that completes us, yet we often don't realize its necessity until it arrives unexpectedly. Mendes beautifully conveys the idea that love can surprise us by filling a void in our lives, bringing us wholeness and completion.By exploring these standout lyrics, we can see how each theme contributes to the overarching theme of love catching us off guard. Mendes successfully weaves together unexpected and imaginative themes throughout the song, ultimately emphasizing the beauty and unpredictability of love.In conclusion, Shawn Mendes' song 'By Surprise' intricately delves into the transformative power of love and how it can unexpectedly enter our lives when we least anticipate it. Through his heartfelt lyrics, he explores various themes such as love as a punchline, a source of light in darkness, a calm after chaos, and a missing piece. By touching upon these imaginative concepts, Mendes paints a vivid picture of the joy and surprises that love can bring. 'By Surprise' is a heartfelt reminder to embrace and cherish the unexpected moments love brings into our lives.