The Meaning Behind The Song: Love Yourself by Justin Bieber - Beat Crave (2024)

Introduction

When Justin Bieber released his smash hit “Love Yourself” in November 2015, it became an instant classic. The song dominated the charts worldwide, earning Bieber his third number one single in the US. In this article, we’re going to delve into the meaning behind the song and why it resonated so strongly with listeners.

The Lyrics

At its core, “Love Yourself” is a breakup song. The opening line sets the tone: “For all the times that you rained on my parade / And all the clubs you get in using my name.” Bieber is addressing a former lover who was with him for the wrong reasons, someone who was using him for his fame and success.

But as the song continues, the message becomes more nuanced. Bieber doesn’t just blame his ex for their failed relationship, but also takes some responsibility himself: “And I didn’t wanna write a song / ‘Cause I didn’t want anyone thinking I still care, I don’t.” He’s saying that he’s moving on and has no hard feelings, but he needed to express himself through music.

The chorus of “Love Yourself” is its most memorable section and has become a meme in its own right: “My mama don’t like you, and she likes everyone / And I never like to admit that I was wrong.” Here, Bieber is admitting he made a mistake by being with someone who didn’t truly care for him and acknowledging that his mother’s disapproval of his ex was justified.

The Inspiration

In interviews, Bieber has stated that the inspiration for “Love Yourself” came from a real-life breakup. While he’s never named the person the song is about, rumors suggest that it was about Selena Gomez, who he had dated on and off for several years.

Bieber has also said that he wanted the song to be an anthem for self-love and positivity. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, he said, “I feel like a lot of relationships have been ruined because people don’t know how to just respect each other and people are so one-sided.” By encouraging listeners to love themselves first, he’s urging them to enter into healthy and respectful relationships.

The Sound

Although the lyrics are undoubtedly the emotional heart of “Love Yourself,” the song’s sound is also crucial to its success. The acoustic guitar melody gives it a folksy and intimate feeling, while the finger snaps and clap track create a catchy beat. The production is minimalistic, allowing Bieber’s vocals to take center stage.

The song also features an uncredited co-writer and producer: Ed Sheeran. The two musicians have been friends for years, and Sheeran has since spoken about writing the song with Bieber. In a 2017 interview with Zach Sang, Sheeran said, “That was a song I had written for my own album, and it just wouldn’t have made it.” He then played the original demo version of “Love Yourself,” accompanied by just his acoustic guitar, which showed how much of a difference Bieber’s input and production made.

The Legacy

Years after its release, “Love Yourself” remains one of Bieber’s most beloved and well-known songs. It’s been streamed over 1.6 billion times on Spotify alone and is often cited as an example of his maturation as an artist.

But “Love Yourself” has also had a cultural impact beyond the music industry. As mentioned before, the chorus has become a meme, with people using the phrase “My mama don’t like you” to refer to anything or anyone they dislike. The song has also been covered by countless musicians, including Halsey, Kelly Clarkson, and Pentatonix.

Perhaps the most significant impact of “Love Yourself,” though, is the way it’s encouraged listeners to prioritize self-love and respect in their relationships. Bieber himself has had a tumultuous love life, and the song shows that he’s learned from his mistakes and wants his fans to do the same.

Conclusion

“Love Yourself” is more than just a radio-friendly breakup song; it’s an anthem for self-love and respect in all kinds of relationships. By putting his own vulnerability and feelings into the lyrics, Bieber created a song that has resonated with listeners worldwide. Its legacy continues to grow, and its message is more important than ever in a world where healthy relationships are often overlooked.

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