Is Sabrina Carpenter's new song about ex Barry Keoghan? 'Manchild' lyrics put fan theories to rest
Sabrina Carpenter's latest single 'Manchild' has stirred speculation among fans who believe it targets her former partner Barry Keoghan. However, a particular lyric referencing a 'mom' has led many to reconsider the assumption.
The track opens with Sabrina laughing and exclaiming, 'Oh, boy,' setting a playful yet cutting tone. The chorus includes the lines: 'Manchild, why you always come a-runnin' to me? / F–k my life, won't you let an insane woman be? / Never heard of self-care / Half your brain just ain't there / Manchild, why you always come a-runnin', takin' all my lovin' from me?'
These sharp lyrics initially fuelled rumours that the subject could be Keoghan. However, in the second verse, the lyric 'I choose to blame your mom' has shifted fan interpretation. Barry Keoghan's mother passed away from heroin addiction when he was 12, a tragedy he has openly discussed. Given the sensitivity of that loss, many believe it is unlikely Sabrina would allude to it in this context.
Sabrina confirmed she wrote 'Manchild" 'on a random Tuesday with Amy and Jack, not too long after finishing short n' sweet.' This timeline places the song's creation during her relationship with Barry, further distancing it from being a post-breakup track.
Despite the speculation, 'Manchild' is already gaining traction as a possible lead single from her upcoming seventh album, although no official album announcement has been made yet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Sabrina Carpenter roasts immature men in hilarious Manchild music video
Sabrina Carpenter is taking aim at emotionally immature partners in her new single Manchild, released June 5. The following day, the pop star unveiled a humorous and theatrical music video directed by Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia, in which she lampoons the absurdity of modern dating. Set to lyrics critiquing emotional immaturity — 'Stupid, or is it slow / Maybe it's useless / But there's a cuter word for it, I know: Manchild' — the video follows Carpenter through the American West as she attempts to escape a series of hopeless suitors. Whether she's riding on the back of a jet ski barreling down a desert highway, crammed in a shopping cart hitched to a motorcycle, or balancing on a motorized recliner, each vignette shows her failing to get anywhere with men who can't seem to grow up. The Grammy-nominated artist poked fun at the concept on Instagram, writing: 'it's exactly what i pictured in my head… no animals were harmed in the making but some men were.' Manchild is Carpenter's first new release since the deluxe edition of Short n' Sweet, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. She co-wrote the track with songwriter Amy Allen and producer Jack Antonoff. On Instagram, she said it was written after finishing the album: '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.' Carpenter is currently on a brief hiatus from her Short n' Sweet world tour, which resumes in July with performances in London's Hyde Park, followed by a North American leg.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Is Sabrina Carpenter's new song about ex Barry Keoghan? 'Manchild' lyrics put fan theories to rest
Sabrina Carpenter's latest single 'Manchild' has stirred speculation among fans who believe it targets her former partner Barry Keoghan. However, a particular lyric referencing a 'mom' has led many to reconsider the assumption. The track opens with Sabrina laughing and exclaiming, 'Oh, boy,' setting a playful yet cutting tone. The chorus includes the lines: 'Manchild, why you always come a-runnin' to me? / F–k my life, won't you let an insane woman be? / Never heard of self-care / Half your brain just ain't there / Manchild, why you always come a-runnin', takin' all my lovin' from me?' These sharp lyrics initially fuelled rumours that the subject could be Keoghan. However, in the second verse, the lyric 'I choose to blame your mom' has shifted fan interpretation. Barry Keoghan's mother passed away from heroin addiction when he was 12, a tragedy he has openly discussed. Given the sensitivity of that loss, many believe it is unlikely Sabrina would allude to it in this context. Sabrina confirmed she wrote 'Manchild" 'on a random Tuesday with Amy and Jack, not too long after finishing short n' sweet.' This timeline places the song's creation during her relationship with Barry, further distancing it from being a post-breakup track. Despite the speculation, 'Manchild' is already gaining traction as a possible lead single from her upcoming seventh album, although no official album announcement has been made yet.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Sabrina Carpenter drops new single ‘Manchild' and fans call it the summer anthem
Sabrina Carpenter's latest single, 'Manchild,' has officially dropped, and it's already stirring major excitement online. Released in early June 2025, the upbeat track is quickly gaining momentum across social media and streaming platforms, with fans calling it the next big summer anthem. Known for blending pop flair with relatable lyrics, Carpenter co-wrote and produced the song, which she describes as capturing 'the loving eye roll of a summer road trip.' 'Manchild' features a catchy hook, sleek production, and Carpenter's signature playful yet pointed tone. Early listener reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising both the infectious melody and the subtle sass layered into the lyrics. The track is being streamed widely on Spotify and Apple Music and has been added to major summer-themed playlists, further boosting its visibility. Though lighthearted on the surface, many listeners are also speculating whether 'Manchild' contains a veiled message or is aimed at someone specific in Carpenter's past. The lyrics strike a balance between humor and subtle shade, which has become a hallmark of the singer's evolving pop persona. As the song trends across TikTok and Twitter, music outlets and pop culture blogs are already positioning 'Manchild' as a defining track for the summer of 2025. Carpenter, who has had a breakout year with multiple chart-topping hits and a sold-out tour, continues to solidify her spot as a major voice in pop music. Whether you see it as a feel-good anthem or a clever lyrical dig, 'Manchild' is undeniably a standout release that's fueling the summer soundtrack for fans worldwide.
