Sabrina Carpenter Reveals the Real Story Behind Her Bold New Song ‘Manchild’

Sabrina Carpenter is turning heartbreak into a summer anthem. Her new single “Manchild” dropped just in time for fans to blast it during road trips and sing their hearts out with the windows down. But what really got fans buzzing was the possibility that the song is aimed at one of her exes. So Sabrina took to Instagram to clear the air, or at least share what inspired the track.

A Random Tuesday Turned Into a Breakthrough Moment

On June 5, Sabrina opened up about the meaning behind “Manchild.” She posted a carousel of cheeky behind-the-scenes photos from the single’s set and added a personal note about how the song came together. According to the singer, she wrote it with Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff “on a random Tuesday” after finishing her sixth album, Short n’ Sweet. What started as a casual writing session ended up becoming a major moment.

“It ended up being the best random Tuesday of my life,” she wrote, calling the track “so fun to write.” But it’s more than just a playful jab at someone who messed up. For Sabrina, “Manchild” became a timestamp, something she said would score the “mental montage” of her wild and often confusing young adult years.

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A Loving Eye Roll Wrapped in a Pop Anthem

Sabrina described the song as “the embodiment of a loving eye roll.” She likened it to the kind of carefree, endless road trip that makes summer unforgettable. That vibe was intentional. “Hence why I wanted to give it to you now,” she said, “so you can stick your head out the car window and scream it all summer long!”

That message clearly landed. One fan commented, “Sabrina be writing better diss tracks than rappers lmao 😭😭.” And it’s not hard to see why.

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Lyrical Jabs That Sting with a Smile

The lyrics of “Manchild” blend sweet melodies with razor-sharp lines. Before even reaching the chorus, Sabrina tosses out:
“Stupid / Or is it slow? / Maybe it’s useless / But there’s a cuter word for it, I know.”

Then the chorus hits even harder:
“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.”

It’s a glittery takedown, dressed in pop candy and sarcasm, and fans are eating it up.

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Fans Speculate the Song Is About Barry Keoghan

Even though Sabrina didn’t name anyone in the song or her Instagram post, fans quickly started pointing fingers. The biggest suspect? Barry Keoghan. The pair were linked romantically in late 2023 and were last seen together around December 2024. A source later told PEOPLE they had taken a break, citing how both are young and focused on their careers.

Barry even starred in Sabrina’s “Please Please Please” music video, where he played the love interest. Sabrina once joked about casting him, saying, “I was like, ‘Who’s the greatest actor that I can find for this music video?’ And he was next to me in a chair.”

Sabrina Thanks the Men Who Tested Her

Sabrina wrapped up her post with a little wink to those who may have inspired the track. “And thank you men for testing me!! 🐷🤍,” she wrote, adding just enough spice to keep fans guessing. Whether or not the song is about Barry, Shawn Mendes, or someone else entirely, “Manchild” is already turning into one of Sabrina’s boldest singles yet.

The track is now streaming everywhere, and the official music video is set to drop on YouTube on June 6.