: Mendes has stated the song is highly personal, reflecting a real relationship from his past. It specifically details the struggle of ending a relationship when staying together might be easier, but ultimately feels wrong.

: The lyrics touch on emotional exhaustion, the "awkward space" of a fading connection, and the specific heartbreak of having to tell family members—like a younger brother—that the relationship is over. Musical Style and Production Shawn Mendes – Three Empty Words Lyrics - Genius

"Three Empty Words" is a stripped-back, acoustic track by Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, released on July 28, 2016, as the second promotional single from his sophomore studio album, . Core Meaning and Inspiration

The "three empty words" in the title refer to the phrase . The song explores the painful realization that a long-term relationship has run its course and the participants are merely "going through the motions".