“What Do You Mean?” is a popular song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber, released in 2015. This hit single marked a major turning point in Justin Bieber’s career, as it marked a departure from his earlier work and marked a new chapter in his musical journey. This song’s success was instrumental in re-establishing Justin Bieber as a leading pop star and helped to cement his place in the industry.
Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics of “What Do You Mean?” revolve around the theme of miscommunication in a relationship. The song expresses Justin Bieber’s frustration with a partner who is sending mixed signals and not being clear about their feelings. The chorus, in particular, emphasizes this theme with the repeated line, “What do you mean?”
In terms of interpretation, the song can be seen as a commentary on the difficulties of modern relationships and the challenges of understanding each other. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that is on the verge of breaking down due to misunderstandings, and the frustration and confusion that comes with it.
Compared to Justin Bieber’s earlier works, “What Do You Mean?” showcases a more mature and introspective side of the artist. The song is more introspective and thoughtful than his earlier pop anthems, and it touches on deeper emotional themes. This shift in style and tone helped to establish Justin Bieber as a more serious artist and set the tone for his later work.
Overall, the lyrics of “What Do You Mean?” are a testament to Justin Bieber’s songwriting skills and his ability to craft a hit song that is both relatable and emotionally resonant. The song’s success was a major factor in the resurgence of Justin Bieber’s career and helped to solidify his place as a leading pop star.
Music Video
The music video for “What Do You Mean?” was directed by Brad Furman and was released along with the song in 2015. The video features Justin Bieber as the lead actor, and it follows a storyline that is interwoven with the song’s themes of miscommunication and confusion in a relationship.
The music video is filled with symbolic imagery, including scenes of Justin Bieber navigating a maze and scenes of him underwater. These symbols are meant to represent the confusion and frustration that is central to the song’s themes. Additionally, the video features a dream-like quality, with surreal landscapes and abstract visuals, which adds to the overall mood of confusion and uncertainty.
Compared to other music videos in the same genre, “What Do You Mean?” stands out for its creative and thought-provoking visuals. The video’s imaginative use of symbolism and its focus on emotional themes make it one of the most memorable and impactful music videos of its time.
The music video for “What Do You Mean?” is an essential component of the song’s success. The video’s imaginative visuals and emotional themes complement the song’s lyrics and help to bring the song’s message to life. The video’s success was a major factor in the song’s popularity and helped to establish Justin Bieber as a leading music video artist.
Cultural Impact
The song’s impact on popular culture was widespread, with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics inspiring countless covers and remixes. Additionally, the song’s themes of miscommunication and frustration in relationships struck a chord with listeners and helped to make the song a timeless classic.
The impact of “What Do You Mean?” on Justin Bieber’s career was equally significant. The song’s success marked a turning point in his career, and it helped to establish him as a more mature and introspective artist. This shift in style and tone set the tone for Justin Bieber’s later work and helped to solidify his place in the industry.
In conclusion, “What Do You Mean?” was a cultural phenomenon that had a profound impact on popular culture and Justin Bieber’s career. The song’s popularity, combined with its relatable themes and memorable music video, made it one of the defining pop songs of its time. Its lasting impact is a testament to Justin Bieber’s songwriting skills and the timeless appeal of the song’s themes.
Production and Collaboration
Skrillex, one of the most influential producers in the EDM scene, brought a unique sound to the song with his signature production style. His work on the song helped to bring a fresh and innovative sound to the pop genre, which was a major factor in the song’s success.
The collaboration between Justin Bieber, Poo Bear, and Mason Levy was critical in the creation of “What Do You Mean?” The three artists brought different strengths to the table, with Justin Bieber contributing his signature vocals, Poo Bear bringing his songwriting skills, and Mason Levy providing his production expertise.
The collaboration process was smooth, and the three artists worked together seamlessly to create a song that was both innovative and relatable. The end result was a hit single that showcased the best of all three artists and helped to establish Justin Bieber as a leading pop star.
The production and collaboration process behind “What Do You Mean?” was instrumental in the song’s success. The collaboration between Justin Bieber, Poo Bear, and Mason Levy, along with Skrillex’s innovative production, resulted in a hit single that was both innovative and relatable and helped to establish Justin Bieber as a leading pop star.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “What Do You Mean?” is one of Justin Bieber’s most popular and enduring hits. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics, combined with its imaginative music video and innovative production, made it a cultural phenomenon and a critical success. The song’s impact on popular culture and Justin Bieber’s career was widespread, and it helped to re-establish him as a leading pop star.
The song’s themes of miscommunication and frustration in relationships, along with its timeless appeal, have made it a classic that continues to resonate with listeners to this day. The song’s lasting impact is a testament to the skills of Justin Bieber, Poo Bear, Mason Levy, and Skrillex, and the timeless appeal of its themes.
Overall, “What Do You Mean?” is a seminal work in the pop genre, and it will continue to be remembered as one of Justin Bieber’s greatest hits and a defining moment in his career.
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