The pop star’s latest single is shaping up to be this summer’s juiciest breakup anthem—and fans think it’s aimed squarely at her famous ex.
A hot girl summer with a hint of shade
Sabrina Carpenter isn’t just soundtracking the summer—she might be settling scores while she’s at it. The 25-year-old pop powerhouse is back with a brand-new single, Manchild, dropping Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, and the internet is already buzzing. Why? A cryptic Instagram post, a loaded track title, and plenty of lingering drama with her ex-boyfriend Barry Keoghan have fans piecing together a narrative that’s equal parts heartbreak and headline.
The caption “this one’s about you!!” accompanied by heart and sparkle emojis might seem innocent at first glance, but longtime followers know Carpenter doesn’t do subtle when it comes to her art. The line alone has sparked a frenzy of speculation online, with many interpreting it as a thinly veiled shot at Keoghan, the Oscar-nominated actor best known for Saltburn. The two had a very public romance that came to an abrupt end in December 2024, amid swirling rumors of infidelity. While Keoghan never confirmed or denied the cheating allegations, his plea for “kindness” in a vague statement didn’t exactly douse the flames.
From onscreen romance to offscreen fallout
Carpenter and Keoghan’s love story played out not only in paparazzi shots and red carpet appearances, but also in her art. He famously co-starred in her Please Please Please music video as a charming bad boy, making their real-life chemistry part of the promotional strategy. That visual, released during the height of their relationship, now reads a little differently—especially with Manchild poised to reframe the narrative.
The new single’s title alone—Manchild—immediately evokes themes of immaturity, emotional avoidance, and the kind of romantic exhaustion that can only come from dating someone who refuses to grow up. While Carpenter hasn’t confirmed the subject, the clues seem to point in one direction. And she’s not just letting the title do the talking. The limited-edition vinyl release will reportedly include a B-side track titled inside of your head when you’ve just won an argument with a man—a mouthful, but one that feels like it was born from group chats and healing rage. Together, the two tracks suggest Carpenter is in full catharsis mode.
If Espresso was her flirty, confident warm-up, Manchild sounds like it’s going to be the shot of reality that follows the sugar high. There’s a sharpness in tone here that fans of her last album, Short n’ Sweet, will recognize—but elevated. More personal. More pointed.
No names, just vibes (and maybe revenge)
Despite the mounting evidence, Carpenter has remained strategically vague. She’s said nothing outright about Keoghan in interviews or on social media in recent months, allowing fans to build their own theories. But vagueness has always been a powerful tool in pop music. Think Taylor Swift’s All Too Well or Olivia Rodrigo’s Traitor—the art is often in the ambiguity.
Still, fans aren’t shy about drawing conclusions. TikTok has already lit up with speculation, breakdowns of past lyrics, and comparisons to other celebrity breakups. On Twitter (or X), fans have shared side-by-side shots of Carpenter’s video looks and Keoghan’s public appearances, suggesting visual Easter eggs may be hidden in plain sight once the video drops.
And if it is about Keoghan? Carpenter wouldn’t be the first woman in pop to process a breakup through her music. What’s refreshing, though, is the unapologetic tone she’s striking this time around. Manchild isn’t framed as heartbreak—at least not from what we know so far. It’s humor. It’s shade. It’s healing through a beat you can dance to. And that, in itself, feels like the real win.
More than a diss track
Even if Manchild turns out to be inspired by Keoghan, it’s shaping up to be more than a diss track. What Carpenter’s doing—if her recent work is any indication—is building an emotional universe where the messiness of relationships can be explored without shame or sorrow. Her lyrics often balance sarcasm with sincerity, allowing space for both eye rolls and empathy.
It’s a continuation of the voice she’s honed over the last few years: that of a young woman who’s self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and just petty enough to keep things entertaining. Her fans see themselves in that complexity, which is why her music continues to resonate far beyond surface-level drama.
As for Manchild, we’ll find out soon enough whether it’s a certified shade anthem, a cathartic bop, or both. Either way, it’s clear Carpenter is entering a new phase—one where she’s holding the mic, calling the shots, and maybe leaving a few men on read. Whether you’ve just dumped a manchild, dated one, or been one, this is the track you’ll want on repeat. Check back for the full video release and lyric breakdown when Sabrina Carpenter drops “Manchild” this Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
