Pop star Sabrina Carpenter surprised fans on June 5, 2025 by dropping a new summer anthem,“Manchild” produced by Jack Antonoff and co-written with Carpenter and Amy Allen. This glittering synth-pop/country-infused bop came backed by a sharp music video on June 6, directed by Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia.
After earlier teasers dropped, whispers filled the internet: Was Sabrina subtweeting an ex with “Manchild”?
Who’s The Guy Sabrina Talking About ?
Fans quickly asked: was this fresh dig directed at Barry Keoghan, Sabrina’s ex? The speculation sparked due to lyrics about immaturity and dated relationship drama. But Sabrina’s own Instagram caption made it clear. Sabrina wrote the song before their split and didn’t aim it at any specific person.
Meanwhile, some thought Shawn Mendes might be the subject, but others insisted Carpenter penned the track immediately after wrapping her album, Short n’ Sweet, suggesting it’s a broader reflection.
Sabrina Speaks Out: It’s Not Just About One Ex
In an Instagram post referenced in news outlets, Carpenter clarified the real story: “It ended up being the best random Tuesday of my life,” she shared about co-writing the song with Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff, shortly after finishing Short n’ Sweet. She described “Manchild” as the “embodiment of a loving eye roll”, a soundtrack to those confusing yet exhilarating years of young adulthood.
No direct call-outs—just cathartic fun wrapped in sparkling pop vibes. Sabrina cheekily ended her post with: “and thank you men for testing me!!”
Why “Manchild” Hits Payday
What makes the song pop? Jack Antonoff’s layered production adds glittery sheen and retro flair, while Sabrina’s playful-yet‑piercing lyrics pull no punches. As Atwood Magazine put it, it’s like Dolly Parton crashing a disco party—sweet on the surface with a sting underneath.
Moreover, the video’s rapid cuts, visual Easter eggs, and cinematic aesthetic make it irresistibly sharable social content—a perfect summer-ready combo. Plus, Sabrina’s outfits throughout the music video really shows the queen of fashion she is.
So, if your ex still acts like a boy but expects king treatment—blast Sabrina Carpenter “Manchild” and strut like the queen you are. Remember, real queen don’t cry over manchild.
