June 4, 2025: Sabrina Carpenter‘s upcoming single, “Manchild,” slated for release on June 5, 2025, has ignited widespread speculation about its inspiration. The title alone suggests a critique of immature behavior, and fans are eager to uncover the identity behind the “manchild” referenced in the song.

 

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A Bold Statement in “Manchild”

The term “manchild” typically describes an adult male exhibiting childish or immature behavior. Given Carpenter’s history of addressing personal experiences in her music, many fans speculate that the song targets her ex-boyfriend, Irish actor Barry Keoghan. Their relationship, which began in 2023, was publicly acknowledged, with Keoghan even appearing in Carpenter’s 2024 music video for “Please Please Please.” However, reports indicate they parted ways in December 2024 due to their demanding careers and lifestyle differences .

Teasers and Fan Theories

Carpenter has fueled speculation with cryptic teasers. A recent Instagram post featured her captioning the song announcement with “this one’s about you!!” Additionally, billboards promoting “Manchild” displayed provocative phrases such as “I swear they choose me, I’m not choosing them,” and “Hey men!” These hints have led fans to believe the song addresses Keoghan, especially considering the timing and their past relationship.

A Possible Response to “Please Please Please”

“Manchild” may serve as a follow-up to Carpenter’s 2024 track “Please Please Please,” which expressed dissatisfaction with a partner’s behavior. The song’s lyrics, including lines like “I heard that you’re an actor, so act like a stand-up guy,” suggest a critique of a partner’s actions. Given the overlap in themes and the timing of both songs, “Manchild” could be Carpenter’s response to her experiences with Keoghan .

Vinyl Release and B-Side Track

For collectors and fans, “Manchild” will be available as a 7-inch vinyl single, featuring a B-side titled “Inside of Your Head When You’ve Just Won an Argument with a Man.” This additional track hints at a deeper exploration of the song’s themes, possibly offering further insight into Carpenter’s perspective on her past relationship .

Anticipation Builds

As the release date approaches, anticipation for “Manchild” continues to grow. Fans are eager to hear Carpenter’s latest work and to discover whether the song provides a personal commentary on her past relationship with Keoghan. With its provocative title and Carpenter’s history of addressing personal experiences in her music, “Manchild” is poised to make a significant impact in the pop music scene.