The Daily Star Ireland
Sabrina Carpenter has avoided confirming whether any of the tracks on her latest album were inspired by Irish actor Barry Keoghan, despite widespread fan speculation. The U.S. pop star released her new record, Man’s Best Friend, last Friday, immediately sparking debate about whether her rumored connection with the Banshees of Inisherin star played a role in shaping the songs.
When asked directly about the rumors during an interview with U.S. broadcaster Gayle King, Carpenter chose to keep details vague. “I just wouldn’t say,” she explained. “It’s more fun to picture the person in their head than the person I picture in my head, I think.”
Writing About Relationships
Carpenter acknowledged that her songwriting is often drawn from her personal life, though she prefers to leave space for interpretation. “I feel pretty transparent going into any of my relationships that I write songs,” she said. According to her, most people who find themselves as inspiration in her music react positively: “Most of the times they have been pretty flattered when they get a song about them, good or bad. I think they’re just excited to get a shoutout.”
This approach reflects Carpenter’s broader philosophy as an artist—she has often blended confessional lyricism with playful ambiguity, allowing fans to speculate without providing definitive answers.
Reaction to Album Cover Criticism
The singer has also addressed criticism over the cover art for Man’s Best Friend. Some online commenters expressed disapproval, but Carpenter dismissed the backlash with humor. “Y’all need to get out more, I think,” she remarked.
She went on to explain that the artwork was a deeply personal choice. “It’s between me and my friends and my family and the people that I always share my music and my art with first,” Carpenter said. “It just wasn’t even a conversation… It was just, like, it’s perfect for what the album is, and what it represents.”
A Balancing Act Between Privacy and Art
Carpenter’s comments underline the delicate balance many artists face when blending personal experiences with public art. While her fans may continue to speculate about a connection to Barry Keoghan, Carpenter herself seems determined to let the music speak for itself—leaving listeners free to draw their own conclusions.
