Sabrina Carpenter Unveils Heartbreak Anthem: The Shocking Inspiration Behind Her Latest Hit

Sabrina Carpenter has opened up about the inspiration behind her hit song “Emails I Can’t Send,” revealing that it was born from her “biggest heartbreak to date.” The 25-year-old pop star released the acclaimed album in July 2022, and she now admits that a particularly painful breakup served as the emotional backdrop for the record.

In an interview with Vogue, Sabrina reflected on her creative process, stating, “That was my first time really, really getting to sit and steer the whole thing.” This album marks a significant milestone in her career, which she describes as her “first big-girl album.”

The Heartbreak That Inspired the Music

While Sabrina has previously dated notable figures such as Joshua Bassett, Shawn Mendes, and Barry Keoghan, she clarified that the song could not have been about Barry, as they had not yet started dating when the album was released. Her past relationships include a brief romance with Bradley Steven Perry from 2014 to 2015 and a relationship with Joshua Bassett in 2020. She began dating Shawn Mendes in 2023 and started her relationship with Barry in 2023, which ended in late 2024.

Reflecting on the relationship that inspired “Emails I Can’t Send,” Sabrina described it as “my biggest heartbreak to date. My first real one.” She candidly expressed her feelings, saying, “I hate to say that. It definitely makes all my exes before that feel like s***. I don’t mean to do that. I just think in a sense of really understanding the grieving-someone-that’s-alive feeling. I never felt that until this one.”

More Than Just a Pop Star

Beyond her music, Sabrina emphasizes that there is much more to her than just her hit songs. In an interview with Paper magazine, she stated, “There’s more to me than my [hit songs]. There’s a person under there that some days feels really confident and some days literally just can’t get out of bed.” She believes it’s essential for fans to recognize the human side of artists, regardless of their public personas.

As she prepares for the release of her upcoming album, Short n’ Sweet, set for 2024, Sabrina admitted to feeling anxious. The album features hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” She shared, “I get so scared to share anything,” highlighting the vulnerability that comes with releasing new music.

In her conversation with Vogue, she described Short n’ Sweet as “absolutely me.” She explained, “There’s no, like, alter ego. But it’s definitely a more emphasized version of me.” This album represents an evolution from “Emails I Can’t Send,” with Sabrina feeling that her current style and lyrics more accurately reflect her personality and life experiences.

Embracing Personal Style and Inspiration

Sabrina has also embraced a new personal style that resonates with her identity. “I started wearing outfits that felt more like myself. And then it sort of bled into, like, I was writing these songs that felt more and more like my personality,” she explained.

She draws inspiration from “strong and hyper feminine” figures from the past, stating, “I remember feeling inspired by images of women that felt very strong and hyper feminine. And then being like: “If only she said what she was actually thinking.” This blend of personal style and lyrical authenticity has allowed her to connect more deeply with her audience.

Conclusion

Sabrina Carpenter’s journey through heartbreak and self-discovery is beautifully encapsulated in her music. With “Emails I Can’t Send,” she has not only shared her pain but also showcased her growth as an artist. As she prepares to release Short n’ Sweet, fans can look forward to a more profound exploration of her identity and experiences. Sabrina’s ability to blend vulnerability with strength makes her a relatable figure in the pop music landscape, and her story continues to resonate with listeners around the world.