“What if you had it all but nobody to call? Maybe then you’d know me… cause I’ve had everything but no one’s listening! And that’s just lonely.”
Global (21 October 2020) – Justin Bieber has released a new emotional song and music video opening up about how lonely stardom can actually be.
Lyrically, Bieber reflects on the obstacles he faced during his early career, including some perceptions and criticisms he had to deal with as he was gaining fame in his teenage years, and the feelings of isolation and loneliness he experienced as he failed to find anyone who could relate to his situation and provide him with emotional support. He also admits to the wrongdoings he has committed along the way.
“Lonely” marks the fifth collaboration between Bieber and Blanco, but it is the first where Blanco is credited as a lead artist. Past Bieber songs where Blanco is credited as a songwriter or producer include “Eenie Meenie” and “Somebody to Love” in 2010, “Love Yourself” in 2015 and “Cold Water” in 2016.
“When he [Blanco] and [Finneas] showed me this song, to be honest, it was hard to listen to considering how tough it was to get through some of these chapters,” Bieber wrote of the song.
“I went into the studio and sang through it, which wasn’t easy but started to really see the importance of telling this story! It made me realise we all feel lonely at times! Being someone in my position, I believe it is powerful to express vulnerability, and that’s why I believe this song is so powerful!”
Speaking of the song, Blanco revealed that Bieber was “real nervous”, and contemplated on whether to release the song.
“Because he’s like, ‘People know me for this thing, and it’s like I’ve never been this raw.’ He’s raw on this song. This song brought us so much closer together. And it was just he’s really opening up on this, and he’s super vulnerable.”
Watch the music video below featuring Jacob Tremblay, who plays a younger version of Bieber:
by 