Treat You Better Chords & Lyrics By Shawn Mendes

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of Shawn Mendes' biggest hits, "Treat You Better." This song is an absolute banger, perfect for strumming around a campfire or singing your heart out with your friends. We'll break down the chords and lyrics so you can learn to play it yourself. It's not as tricky as you might think, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be singing along in no time. This song is all about that feeling when you know someone deserves better, and you're the one who can give it to them. It's got that classic Mendes vibe – a catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and a beat that just makes you want to move. So, grab your guitar, get comfy, and let's get this song learned! We're gonna go through it step-by-step, making sure you understand every chord change and lyric nuance. This is your ultimate guide to mastering "Treat You Better," so let's get started on this musical journey, shall we?

Understanding the Chords in "Treat You Better"

Alright, let's talk chords for "Treat You Better." The beauty of this song is that it uses a pretty standard set of chords that most beginner guitarists can get their heads around. The main chords you'll be working with are G, Em, C, and D. These four chords form the backbone of the entire song, which is super convenient for learning. You'll find them in the verses, the chorus, and even the bridge. The progression is fairly repetitive, which is what makes it so catchy and easy to remember. For those of you just starting out, practice switching between these chords smoothly. G to Em, Em to C, C to D, and D back to G. It might feel a little clunky at first, but trust me, with a little bit of practice, your fingers will start to remember the shapes and the transitions will become second nature. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't sound perfect right away. The most important thing is consistency and patience. The G chord is a classic open chord, and the Em is its easy-peasy relative. The C chord might give some beginners a bit of a stretch, but it's a fundamental chord you'll use in tons of songs. And the D chord is another staple. We'll also touch upon the Am chord which makes a brief appearance, adding a little flavor. But primarily, focus on G, Em, C, and D. The strumming pattern is also pretty straightforward, usually a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern, but feel free to adapt it to your own style once you're comfortable with the chord changes. Remember, music is about expression, so make it your own! We'll provide the exact chord placements and how they fit into the song structure shortly, but for now, just familiarize yourselves with these core chords. Getting these down is the first major step to rocking this tune.

Verse Chords and Strumming

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the verse chords in "Treat You Better." The verses typically follow a pattern of G - Em - C - D. You'll play this progression twice for each verse. So, you'll play G for a bit, then switch to Em, then C, and finally D, before looping back to G. This repetition is key to the song's hypnotic feel. When you're singing the lines like "I won't lie to you / I just wanna make you feel good," you'll be transitioning through these chords. For the first line, "I won't lie to you," you'll likely be on the G chord. Then, for "I just wanna make you feel good," you'll move through Em, C, and end on D as the phrase wraps up. The strumming pattern here is generally consistent. A common approach is to do a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern for each chord. This gives the song its driving rhythm. However, don't feel confined to this! You can simplify it to just down strums if you're still getting the hang of the chord changes. Alternatively, you can add some flair with muted strums or syncopated rhythms once you're feeling more confident. The main thing is to keep the timing steady and ensure your chord changes are relatively clean. Listen to the original track to really get a feel for the rhythm and when Shawn emphasizes certain beats. Sometimes, just strumming on the beat can sound really good too, especially if you're playing solo. Experiment and find what feels right for your ears and your playing style. The lyrical content of the verses sets up the story, and the consistent chord progression helps to build that narrative without being distracting. It’s like the musical foundation that allows Shawn’s voice and words to shine through, telling a story of unrequited love and a desire to offer something better. So, practice that G-Em-C-D loop, get your strumming hand moving, and you'll be through the verses in no time, ready to hit that killer chorus!

Chorus Chords and Sing-Along

Now for the part everyone's waiting for – the chorus chords! This is where "Treat You Better" really takes off, and it’s just as accessible as the verses. The chorus progression is essentially the same: G - Em - C - D. Yes, you read that right! The magic lies in the repetition and the dynamic shift. While the chords remain the same, the energy and intensity pick up, making it feel distinct and powerful. When you hit that iconic line, "And I know I can treat you better / Than he can," you’ll be cycling through G, Em, C, and D. The strumming pattern might get a bit more emphatic here. You might want to hit those down strums a little harder or incorporate more of the upstrokes to give it that anthemic feel. Think of it as a musical exclamation point! This is the part where you want to really belt it out, guys. The relatability of the lyrics in the chorus is immense – that feeling of seeing someone you care about with someone who isn't treating them right, and knowing you could offer them so much more. It's a universal theme, and the simple, powerful chord progression perfectly complements it. You can even add some variations to the strumming pattern here. Perhaps a more driving down-down-up-down-up pattern, or even just strong down strums on each beat for maximum impact. Don't be afraid to experiment! The goal is to capture the feeling of the chorus – the confidence, the yearning, and the determination. The fact that the same chords used in the verse are so effective in the chorus is a testament to how well-crafted this song is. It shows that you don't always need complex chord changes to create a powerful emotional response. Sometimes, simplicity is best. So, as you strum through G, Em, C, and D during the chorus, imagine you're singing directly to the person you want to impress, letting them know you've got what it takes. Sing it loud, sing it proud, and let the music flow!

Bridge and Variations

Moving on to the bridge of "Treat You Better," we get a slight but welcome change of pace. While the main song relies heavily on the G-Em-C-D progression, the bridge introduces a new chord to add a bit of harmonic color and emotional depth. The common progression for the bridge is Am - C - G - D. This shift to Am (A minor) before going back to the familiar C, G, and D creates a slightly more introspective or yearning feel, which fits perfectly with the lyrical content of the bridge. Lines like "Believe me, baby / I can show you what it's like" are often set to this new sequence. The Am chord is another relatively easy open chord to learn, making this variation accessible even for beginners. It adds a subtle but significant shift in mood before returning to the more upbeat chorus. When you play this section, you might want to slightly alter your strumming pattern. Perhaps a softer, more arpeggiated strumming pattern, or even just single strums on each chord to emphasize the lyrical message. This is a great opportunity to slow things down a bit and let the emotional weight of the words sink in. After the bridge, the song typically returns to the main chorus progression (G-Em-C-D), bringing back that familiar energy. So, the structure usually looks something like: Verse (G-Em-C-D) -> Chorus (G-Em-C-D) -> Verse (G-Em-C-D) -> Chorus (G-Em-C-D) -> Bridge (Am-C-G-D) -> Chorus (G-Em-C-D) -> Outro (often repeating chorus chords). Understanding these variations, especially the introduction of the Am chord in the bridge, is crucial for playing the song accurately and capturing its full emotional arc. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in how the song unfolds. So practice that Am-C-G-D sequence, feel the subtle shift in emotion, and get ready to launch back into the final, powerful choruses. It’s all part of the journey to mastering this track!

"Treat You Better" Lyrics Breakdown

Now that we've got the chords sorted, let's dive into the lyrics of "Treat You Better." Shawn Mendes really hit the nail on the head with these words, telling a story that resonates with so many people. The song kicks off with a direct address, setting a clear narrative from the get-go. We hear lines that immediately paint a picture of a relationship that's not quite right, and the singer stepping in to offer an alternative. It's a tale of confidence, a bit of swagger, and a genuine desire to provide someone with a better experience than they're currently having. The contrast between the current partner and the singer's own promises is the central theme. It's not just about wanting someone; it's about knowing you can provide what they need and deserve. This theme is consistent throughout the verses and choruses, making the message clear and impactful. The lyrics are conversational and relatable, avoiding overly complex metaphors and speaking directly to the listener's emotions. This simplicity is part of its charm and contributes to its massive appeal. We'll go through each section, looking at the meaning and how the words fit with the music. Get ready to sing along!

Verse 1: Setting the Scene

In the first verse, the lyrics of "Treat You Better" immediately establish the premise. We hear lines like, "I won't lie to you / I just wanna make you feel good." This is Shawn laying his cards on the table, so to speak. He's being upfront about his intentions, which is a refreshing change from potentially deceitful relationships. The implication is that the person he's singing to might not be feeling good in their current situation. He continues, "When you feel like you're alone / No one knows you like I do." This is a classic move in relationship dynamics – highlighting a perceived lack in the current partner's ability to understand or satisfy the other person. It's about offering a deeper connection, a sense of being truly seen and known. The lyrics are designed to create empathy and intrigue, making the listener wonder about the situation. Is the current partner really that bad? Does Shawn truly understand this person better? The simple G-Em-C-D chord progression underneath these lines provides a steady, almost insistent beat, mirroring the singer's persistent offer. It’s not overly aggressive, but it’s definitely there, a constant undercurrent of hope and a plea for attention. This verse is crucial because it sets up the conflict and introduces the protagonist's (Shawn's) desire to be the one who makes things right. It’s the foundation upon which the rest of the song’s argument is built, and the straightforward chords make it easy to focus on the narrative he's weaving. The sincerity in the lyrics, combined with the accessible melody, makes this opening compelling.

Chorus: The Hook and Promise

The chorus of "Treat You Better" is where the song's central message is hammered home with maximum impact. The iconic lines, "And I know I can treat you better / Better than he can" are the core of the song. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a statement of confident assertion. Shawn is certain he can provide a superior experience. He follows this up with "And I know I can treat you better / Better than he can." The repetition here isn't just for catchiness; it reinforces the unwavering conviction behind his words. The lyrics then dive into the specifics of how he can be better: "So, let me show you how / It's done." This is a direct challenge and an invitation. He’s not just making empty promises; he’s offering a demonstration, a tangible alternative. The context of the song suggests that the person he's singing to is perhaps being mistreated or simply not appreciated to their full potential by their current partner. Shawn positions himself as the solution, the upgrade, the one who truly gets it. The G-Em-C-D progression here feels more powerful, more driving, as we discussed with the chords. It’s the musical embodiment of this confident declaration. This section is the heart of the song, the part that listeners are most likely to sing along to at the top of their lungs. It captures that feeling of knowing you're the better option and wanting desperately for the other person to see it. The directness and conviction in the lyrics, coupled with the anthemic quality of the music, make this chorus incredibly effective and memorable. It’s the emotional peak, the payoff for the setup in the verses, and the reason the song became such a massive hit.

Verse 2: Deepening the Argument

Verse 2 of "Treat You Better" builds upon the foundation laid in the first verse and chorus, further elaborating on Shawn's argument and observations. The lyrics often delve into the perceived shortcomings of the person currently with the object of his affection. Lines might include something like, "I see you there, but you're alone / Your voice is small, but I can hear you / You're sayin' you feel lost / And you don't know where to go." This paints a picture of someone who is physically present but emotionally absent or unfulfilled in their current relationship. Shawn highlights their subtle signals of distress, implying that he's the only one paying close enough attention to notice or understand. He positions himself as perceptive and caring, contrasting himself with the presumably oblivious current partner. The lyrics often emphasize a sense of being misunderstood or undervalued, a common theme in relationships where one person feels taken for granted. Shawn's promise is essentially to fill that void, to provide the attention, validation, and care that he believes is lacking. The G-Em-C-D chord progression continues here, maintaining that steady, forward-moving momentum. It keeps the narrative flowing smoothly, allowing the listener to absorb the details of Shawn's plea. The consistency in the music reinforces the consistency of his message: he's here, he sees you, and he can offer something better. This verse is vital because it adds more specific details to the narrative, making Shawn's intentions seem not just hopeful, but almost essential for the well-being of the person he's singing about. It deepens the emotional connection and strengthens his case, preparing the listener for the bridge's shift and the final, powerful choruses. It’s all about showing, not just telling, that he’s the better choice.

Bridge: A Moment of Vulnerability and Persuasion

The bridge offers a slight shift in perspective and intensity, and the lyrics reflect this. As we saw with the Am-C-G-D chords, there's a subtle change in the musical mood, often becoming a bit more intimate or pleading. The lyrics here might sound like, "Believe me, baby / I can show you what it's like." This is a more direct plea, asking for trust and an opportunity. He's acknowledging that what he's proposing might seem bold or even presumptuous, hence the need to ask for belief. He's essentially saying, "Just give me a chance, and I'll prove it." Lines like, "To be loved the way you should be loved." reinforce the idea that the person is not currently receiving the love and appreciation they deserve. This part of the song feels like a critical turning point. It's Shawn making his most earnest case, trying to break through any doubts or hesitations the listener (or the subject of the song) might have. The slightly different chord progression in the bridge provides a musical space for this intensified persuasion. It's a moment of heightened emotional appeal before launching back into the familiar, confident chorus. The shift allows for a deeper exploration of the singer's conviction and desire. It’s a plea for a chance, a promise of a better reality, and a testament to the song’s core message of offering something superior. This section showcases Shawn's ability to convey sincerity and build emotional tension within the song's structure, making the return to the chorus feel even more earned and impactful. It's that moment where you lean in, hoping they'll listen.

Conclusion: Mastering "Treat You Better"

So there you have it, guys! We've broken down the chords and lyrics for Shawn Mendes' massive hit, "Treat You Better." We've seen how the simple yet effective G, Em, C, and D progression forms the backbone of the song, creating that instantly recognizable and catchy sound. We also explored the slight variation in the bridge with the Am chord, adding a touch of harmonic interest. Lyrically, the song tells a compelling story of confidence, observation, and a heartfelt offer to provide a better experience for someone who might be feeling unappreciated. The directness and sincerity of the lyrics, combined with the accessible musical structure, make "Treat You Better" a fan favorite and a joy to play. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this song is a fantastic choice for your repertoire. Remember, practice makes perfect. Focus on smooth chord transitions, find a strumming pattern that feels good to you, and most importantly, sing along with passion! Don't be afraid to experiment and make the song your own. That's the beauty of music, right? Keep strumming, keep singing, and hopefully, you'll be treating your friends (or yourself) to this awesome tune in no time. Happy playing, everyone! This song is a prime example of how simple elements can come together to create something truly special and enduring in the music world. Keep practicing those chord changes, and you'll nail it!