Charlie Puth has teamed up with country duo Dan + Shay for a brand new collaboration titled “That’s Not How This Works.” Puth, who produced the song and co-wrote it with Dan Smyers, had teased the release of the track with a steamy video of himself making out with Sabrina Carpenter. The emotional ballad sees Puth struggling to come to terms with heartbreak and the end of a relationship, as he warns his former lover that they can’t simply walk away and come back whenever they feel like it.
The song begins with Puth’s gentle piano before gradually introducing Dan + Shay’s powerful vocals, elevating the track to new heights. The chorus echoes the sentiment of the title, with Puth crooning, “You can’t say you hate me, then call me when you’re hurt / Baby, you know that’s not how this works, no, that’s not how this works / You can’t walk away, then come back to what we were / Baby, you know that’s not how this works, no.”
Dan + Shay’s verse further emphasizes the toxic cycles of love, with lyrics like “Stop reminding me of when we said forever / I know exactly what you’re doin’ / When you say, ‘You need to drop off all my sweaters’ / It’s just one of your excuses.”
Carpenter appears in the music video and the short film that accompanied the release, portraying Puth’s love interest. However, the relationship portrayed in the video mirrors the ups and downs of the lyrics, with Carpenter’s character taking on a more complex role. Carpenter is also set to appear on a remix of the song, which is expected to drop in April.
“That’s Not How This Works” showcases Puth’s and Dan + Shay’s abilities to create a powerful and emotional track that is sure to resonate with listeners. With Carpenter’s involvement in the video and upcoming remix, it’s clear that this collaboration is just the beginning of what is sure to be a successful partnership between these talented artists.