by Humor in Music: 10 of Justin Bieber’s Lyrics that Some Find Funny
While Justin Bieber is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop stars in the world, known for his earnest love songs and teen idol image, some of his lyrics have a comedic quality that tickles certain listeners. Music is subjective, and humor can be found in unexpected places. While Bieber’s songs are intended as heartfelt pop tunes, a closer examination reveals moments that stray into accidental silliness due to their cheesiness, innocence, or unexpected turns of phrase. Here are 10 Bieber lyrics that some listeners have found funny over the years due to their unexpected or unintentionally amusing nature.
Baby (2010)
One of Bieber’s earliest hits, “Baby,” set the template for many of his lovestruck ballads with its simplistic yet earnest delivery. However, the lyrics “Girl you know it’s true/ Got me goin’ crazy over you” have a disarming directness that some find amusing in their straightforward declaration of infatuation. The rhyming of “true” with “you” gives it a childlike quality, as does the admission that this unnamed girl has him “goin’ crazy.” While meant sincerely, the direct approach borders on silly and raises a smile from listeners expecting more poetic turns of phrase from a pop love song.
Right Here (2010)
Similarly direct is the lyric “Your eyes, they shine so bright/ I wanna hold you all through the night” from Bieber’s early hit “Right Here.” The image of shining eyes and a desire to hold someone all night presents teenage love in its most basic and innocent form. Some hear not angst or passion in these words but rather an endearing sweetness that borders on humorous in its guileless sincerity. The simplicity and lack of metaphor comes across as almost comically frank compared to more flowery professions of affection common in pop music.
Boyfriend (2012)
One of Bieber’s most memorable lyrics comes from his 2012 smash “Boyfriend,” where he offers “If I was your boyfriend, I’d never let you go/ I’d cancel all my plans and rearrange the show.” The mental picture of a superstar like Bieber ditching a worldwide tour just to go on a date provides an amusing juxtaposition. While meant as an earnest display of devotion, the idea that cancelling all his responsibilities as a global pop phenomenon would be as easy as rearranging his schedule gives the line an unintentional comedic spin. Some listeners chuckle at the naivety of the sentiment despite its sweet intentions.
Beauty and a Beat (2012)
From the same album, “Beauty and a Beat” contains the lyric “She’s got that James Dean daydream look in her eye/ And I got that old-fashioned thing for making her cry.” On the surface, it presents a typical romantic image, but the specifics raise eyebrows. The reference to giving someone that “James Dean daydream look” is a bit obscure and confusing. Plus, expressing having an “old-fashioned thing for making her cry” paints an unintentionally odd picture. While aiming for drama, it misses the mark for some listeners who find the phrasing amusingly peculiar. The line walks a tonal tightrope between passion and comedy without meaning to.
Hold Tight (2012)
From his Believe album, “Hold Tight” offers the lyrics “Holding back the faces I would make/ I’m a fan and you’re the rock star.” This peek into Bieber’s mindset as both artist and admirer is sweet at its core but borders on giggle-worthy depending on one’s interpretation. The mental image of holding back goofy faces could be read as endearingly dopey. And describing himself as a “fan” of his own love interest presents an unintentional role reversal that amuses some listeners. While heartfelt, lines like this show Bieber’s earnestness could veer toward funny without meaning to.
One Less Lonely Girl (2009)
One of Bieber’s earliest hits, “One Less Lonely Girl” offers the sentiment “If you ever feel like the world is crashing down/ I’ll be there for you, I’ll be your only friend.” This promise of devoted companionship in the face of hardship aims for poignancy but achieves a comedic effect for some due to its exaggerated scenario and simplistic rhyme scheme. The repetition of “friend” at the end provides an innocent bookend that, paired with the dramatic imagery of a crashing world, unintentionally undercuts the emotion. Bieber’s youthful earnestness results in lyrics that straddle sincerity and silliness.
Love Yourself (2015)
From his mature Purpose album, “Love Yourself” features the repetitive lines “It’s not your fault, it’s not your fault/ I messed up and broke your heart.” While taking responsibility for wrongdoing, the echoing refrain gives the sentiment an unintentional humorous twist. Repeating a denial of blame comes across as comically defensive. And the blunt admission of breaking a heart sits in stark contrast to Bieber’s usual romanticisms. Stripped of flowery language, the bare sentiment exposes Bieber’s talent for unintended humor even in his more serious material.
Sorry (2015)
Also from Purpose, the global hit “Sorry” poses the question “Is it too late now to say sorry?/ Cause I’m empty without you baby” in its catchy chorus. The rhyming of “sorry” with the dramatic question taps into Bieber’s talent for amusing phrasing. The repetition highlights the directness in a way that seems tongue-in-cheek. And the admission of emptiness without his love interest provides an amusing image when paired with the song’s danceable beat. Like the best comedy, Bieber finds humor in everyday emotions through his unique lyrical lens.
What Do You Mean? (2015)
Another Purpose standout, “What Do You Mean?” features the repetitive lines “What do you mean when you say that you love me?/ When you say that you need me/ What do you mean?” The circular questioning captures teenage confusion in a way some find funny rather than maudlin. Asking for clarification on basic relationship terms like love and need presents an endearing naivety. And the echoing of “mean” in each line gives it a comedic repetitiveness. Bieber taps into amusing situations many can relate to from their younger years through his earnest lyricism.
I Feel Funny (2020)
From his recent Changes album, “I Feel Funny” offers a more self-aware style with lyrics like “I took a DNA test, turns out I’m 100% that dude.” This playful boast about his identity provides a refreshing sense of humor about himself after years in the spotlight. The reference to a DNA test feels like a wink to his famous paternity drama of years past. And describing himself as “100% that dude” adopts a cheeky confidence that amuses listeners used to Bieber’s more earnest persona. As he’s matured, Bieber seems more willing to laugh at himself through turns of phrase that straddle sincerity and self-deprecation.
In conclusion, while Justin Bieber’s music primarily aims to sincerely express teenage and now adult emotions through pop songwriting, his earnest approach sometimes results in lyrics that cross into accidental humor. Bieber taps into amusing situations and feelings many can relate to from their younger years. Through repetitive phrasing, direct sentiments, confusing imagery, and exaggerated scenarios, Bieber’s lyrics reveal an understated talent for comedic timing and phrasing, even when not intended. His willingness to put heart on sleeve results in lyrics that straddle sincerity, naivety and silliness in a way some listeners find unintentionally funny. Overall, Bieber’s pop hits demonstrate that humor can be found in unexpected places and is often subjective.
