The Anthem of Heartbreak Pop
Stitches is the track that cemented Shawn Mendes as a global superstar. From his debut album Handwritten, this song combines aggressive acoustic guitar strumming with punchy, rhythmic vocals. Unlike a ballad, this song requires energy, stamina, and precise articulation.
To sing this well, you need to balance the percussive nature of the verses with the soaring, sustained belts of the chorus. It's a workout for your diaphragm and your mixed voice. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breath
The pre-chorus ("Now that I'm without your kisses...") is fast. Our analysis shows users often run out of air before the word "Needle". Take a quick, deep breath after "kisses" to sustain the energy through the build-up.
Phase 1: The Verses (Percussive Flow)
The song begins in B♭ minor with a D♭3 - A♭3 range in the verses. This is comfortable for most male voices, but the challenge is the rhythm. You are acting as a percussion instrument here.
The Trap: Do not drag the tempo. Keep your consonants sharp, especially on words like "thought," "cut," and "deeper." If you sing this too legato (smooth), you lose the acoustic pop vibe.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
This is where the tension mounts. The melody climbs, and the phrasing speeds up. "Tripping over myself" requires agility. You need to keep the sound forward in your mask (the front of your face) to ensure clarity without yelling.
- Falsetto Flips: Shawn often flips into a light falsetto on words like "without" or at the ends of phrases. This adds emotional vulnerability.
- Dynamic Growth: Start the pre-chorus at medium volume and get louder with every line until the drop.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The chorus hits hard. The line "You watch me bleed until I can't breathe" sits high in the chest/mix voice, peaking around B♭4. This requires a strong core support.
To hit the high notes on "Stitches" and "Bleeding out" without strain, modify your vowels. Instead of a wide "EE" sound on "Bleeding," think of a narrower "Ih" sound to keep the larynx neutral. This prevents the sound from becoming shrill.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a B♭4 in the chorus. There are occasional ad-libs and falsetto notes that may reach higher depending on the live version.
Yes. While Shawn has a Tenor range, the verse is very accessible. For the high chorus notes, you can use your head voice or transpose the song down -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
Shawn uses a technique called "vocal fry" at the beginning of phrases and a breathless tone at the end. Practice gently, ensuring you don't feel pain or tickling in your throat.
