Decoding the Meaning Behind “What Do You Mean” by Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s single “What Do You Mean” burst onto the scene in 2015, quickly becoming one of the most popular songs of the year, and even earning Bieber his first ever number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (in 1964, it was previously held by The Beatles). The song is still a fan favorite to this day, and it has been viewed over 1.7 billion times on YouTube alone. But what is the meaning behind the lyrics? Let’s take a closer look.

Exploring the Ancient Themes of Miscommunication

At its heart, the song takes a close look at the age-old problem of miscommunication between two people in a relationship. The singer is addressing a girl he’s interested in, wanting to find out “What do you mean” because of her mixed signals. Bieber sings about the confusion of whether “you’re not sure if you should give up or not” in the chorus. This is a familiar problem for many people that the songwriter has captured with the simple phrase “What do you mean?”

Addressing Pressure and Anxiety

The chorus also highlights the pressure of making the wrong choice, asking “Is it too late to say sorry now?” This is a common theme in Bieber’s music, as he often writes lyrics that reflect his own struggles with anxiety and depression. In “What Do You Mean,” Bieber expresses the feeling of being pressured to make a decision, and the fear of making the wrong one, which is something many people can relate to.

Uncertainty of the Future

The lyrics also hint at the uncertainty of the future and the importance of taking risks in order to find happiness. Bieber sings about the fear of “the insecurity that comes with seeing your dreams come true,” and the importance of taking a chance to make things happen. This is a sentiment that many people can relate to, and it’s one that Bieber has explored in his music since the beginning of his career.

Overall, “What Do You Mean” is a beautiful song that captures the uncertainty of relationships and the importance of taking risks in order to make your dreams come true. It’s easy to see why the song has held up as one of Justin Bieber’s biggest hits, and why it continues to be a fan favorite to this day.