- Friday, June 06, 2025
Sabrina Carpenter opens up about her latest single “Manchild,” clarifying its inspiration and addressing rumors it’s about an ex. The Grammy winner describes the song as a playful anthem for navigating young adulthood, not a direct diss track.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Sabrina Carpenter is setting the record straight about her latest single, “Manchild.” The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter took to social media on Thursday (5) to share the real story behind the song, following a wave of speculation from fans who wondered if the track was a pointed message to one of her ex-boyfriends.
Carpenter, 26, revealed that “Manchild” was born “on a random Tuesday” during a writing session with hitmakers Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff, shortly after finishing her sixth album, Short n’ Sweet. “It ended up being the best random Tuesday of my life,” she wrote on Instagram, expressing how much fun she had crafting the track. The song, now available on all streaming platforms, is accompanied by a music video premiering June 6 on YouTube.
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Between sharing playful behind-the-scenes photos from the music video shoot, Carpenter described “Manchild” as an anthem for the confusing yet exciting years of young adulthood. “This song became to me something I can look back on that will score the mental montage to the very confusing and fun young adult years of life,” she explained.
For Carpenter, the song embodies “a loving eye roll” and the feeling of a summer road trip—a carefree, cathartic release perfect for singing out loud.
Addressing the rumors that “Manchild” is a diss track aimed at a former partner, Carpenter stopped short of naming anyone, instead thanking “men for testing me!!” in her post. Fans quickly responded with comments like, “Sabrina be writing better diss tracks than rappers,” highlighting the track’s witty and pointed lyrics.
The lyrics themselves are cheeky and direct, with lines such as:
“Stupid / Or is it slow? Maybe it’s useless / But there’s a cuter word for it, I know.
Manchild, why you always come a-runnin’ to me?
F— my life, won’t you let an innocent woman be?
Never heard of self-care / Half your brain just ain’t there…”
While Carpenter’s words never mention a specific ex, fans have speculated about recent relationships, including her year-long romance with Irish actor Barry Keoghan. The pair, who first sparked dating rumors in late 2023, appeared together at high-profile events like the Met Gala and collaborated on her “Please Please Please” music video. However, they reportedly decided to take a break in December 2024 to focus on their respective careers. Carpenter has also been linked to Shawn Mendes, though she clarified they were never officially dating.
Carpenter’s openness about her songwriting process and her playful approach to addressing rumors have only fueled anticipation for her new music. As “Manchild” climbs the charts and the music video debuts, fans are embracing the song as a summer anthem—one that captures the highs and lows of growing up, loving, and learning.
With her signature blend of honesty, humor, and catchy pop hooks, Sabrina Carpenter continues to connect with listeners, proving that sometimes the best inspiration comes from life’s most unpredictable moments.
