‘Rock-a-bye-baby snug in your bed, right now you are sleeping and soon you’ll be dead’.
That’s how Sabrina Carpenter begins her music video for her new track ‘Taste’, which is part of her Short n’ Sweet album, released on Friday (August 23).
The 25-year-old artist went all out for her latest release, featuring a guest appearance from 21-year-old actor Jenna Ortega, well-known for her leading role as Wednesday Addams in the popular TV show Wednesday.
Let’s dive into the details.
The video kicks off with a warning, which is quite uncharacteristic for Carpenter, isn’t it?
It read: “PARENTAL ADVISORY AND VIEWER WARNING: The following video contains explicit content and depicts graphic violence which may be offensive to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.”
As the 25-year-old sings her intense version of rock-a-bye-baby, we see imagery of guns, knives, handcuffs, and even a blindfolded teddy bear on her bed.
The video then takes a darkly comedic turn, filled with gore and violence, portraying a supposed feud between Carpenter and Ortega. Some speculate it might be linked to the pop star’s ex, Shawn Mendes.
Why do people think it’s about him?
Carpenter was allegedly involved in a love triangle with Mendes and Camila Cabello early last year.
In March 2023, while Carpenter believed she and Mendes were dating, Mendes publicly denied it. A month later, he was seen possibly ‘hooking up’ with Cabello, with whom he had previously dated.
Listening to the lyrics, the connection seems plausible. Carpenter sings: “I heard you’re back together and if that’s true, you’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissin’ you, if you want forever, I bet you do, just know you’ll taste me too.”
The video and song revolve around two girls fighting over a guy, so it all seems to fit. We’re just waiting for Carpenter to confirm it!
In their first dramatic encounter, Carpenter sneaks into Ortega’s room with a cleaver, attempting to kill her while she sleeps. However, as feathers fill the air, she realizes Ortega isn’t there.
Ortega then emerges from behind the door with a shotgun, blasting Carpenter off the balcony. The ‘Espresso’ singer humorously falls to the first floor, landing on a fence.
The chaos continues with scenes of blood, bullets, petrol, fire, and a very confused boyfriend.
The video concludes with Ortega, in a fit of rage, using a chainsaw on Carpenter’s midsection, not realizing it’s her boyfriend.
You don’t need me to explain it further. Go watch it yourself – and listen to what might be the tune of the summer!