Few celebrity relationships have influenced modern pop music as deeply as Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. Their on-again, off-again romance — often referred to as “Jelena” — didn’t just dominate headlines; it shaped an entire era of emotional pop songwriting.
From heartfelt love songs to painful breakup anthems, both artists turned their real-life experiences into chart-topping music. Over the years, interviews, release timelines, lyrical analysis, and industry reporting have confirmed or strongly linked many of their songs to each other.
Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez : Relationship Timeline
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were one of pop music’s most famous young couples. Their relationship, spanning from 2010 to 2018, produced intense public interest — and plenty of music that fans and critics believe reflects their emotional journey together. Many songs in both artists’ catalogs are widely interpreted to be inspired by their relationship, breakups, and personal growth. Below is a complete, detailed breakdown of those songs —
Songs Justin Bieber Wrote About Selena Gomez
Justin Bieber has publicly confirmed that several songs — especially on his Purpose album — were inspired by his relationship with Selena Gomez.
1.
All That Matters (2013)
- Album: Journals
- Genre: R&B / Soul
“All That Matters” is one of Justin Bieber’s most intimate love songs. In interviews, Justin described the track as being about a woman who meant everything to him during a difficult time in his life. He implied that Selena Gomez was the inspiration, stating that she was “all that mattered” to him emotionally at that point.
The lyrics emphasize reassurance, emotional dependence, and devotion — themes that closely match the period when Justin and Selena were attempting to rebuild their relationship.
This song is widely considered Justin Bieber’s cleared love letter to Selena Gomez.
Why It’s About Her: Bieber confirmed it was written during a period when he was in a strong place with Selena.Bieber told radio hosts the song was about being in love and that at the time “she was all that mattered” — commonly understood to reference Selena.
2. Heartbreaker (2013)
Released shortly after a breakup, “Heartbreaker” strips away pop polish in favor of raw emotion. The lyrics focus on missing someone, acknowledging mistakes, and wanting reconciliation.
Why it matters:
This song marked the beginning of Justin Bieber publicly embracing vulnerability — a major shift in his artistic identity.
3. Nothing Like Us (2013)
- Album: Believe Acoustic
Unlike metaphor-heavy tracks, this song is unusually direct. It reflects on a relationship that felt irreplaceable and admits regret without defensiveness.
Justin later confirmed the song was inspired by a real breakup that deeply affected him — widely understood to be Selena Gomez.
Key theme:
Realizing the permanence of loss.
4. What Do You Mean? (2015)
- Album: Purpose
Justin openly stated that this song was inspired by confusion in a romantic relationship, specifically referencing his dynamic with Selena Gomez during interviews.
Why this song matters historically:
- First Billboard Hot 100 No.1 for Justin
- Marked his transition into mature pop
- Publicly reframed his past relationship as emotionally complex, not toxic blame
5. Sorry (2015)
“Sorry” is widely acknowledged as an apology — not a defense. Justin admitted the song was about asking forgiveness from someone he hurt.
Critics and fans alike view it as directed toward Selena, particularly given Justin’s public remorse during the Purpose era.
Industry consensus:
Purpose functions as a reflective apology album, with “Sorry” at its emotional center.
6. Mark My Words (2015)
Opening Purpose, this song focuses on accountability and proving change through actions.
Justin confirmed the song was inspired by his relationship with Selena Gomez and his desire to be taken seriously as someone capable of growth.
Songs Selena Gomez Wrote About Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez’s music provides a more linear emotional narrative — moving from attachment to heartbreak, then to self-preservation and healing.
1. Love Will Remember (2013)
- Album: Stars Dance
This is one of the clearest confirmed connections. Selena revealed that an early version included a voicemail from Justin Bieber.
The song reflects accepting the end of love while honoring what once existed.
2. Forget Forever (2013)
This track explores the painful realization that love alone isn’t enough to sustain a relationship.
The release timing — following a breakup — and the lyrical tone strongly connect it to Justin.
3. The Heart Wants What It Wants (2014)
This song marked a turning point in Selena’s public image. The spoken introduction frames the song as a personal confession about choosing love despite warnings.
While Selena did not name Justin, the emotional transparency and context made the connection unmistakable to listeners.
Cultural impact:
This song redefined Selena Gomez as a serious, emotionally driven artist.
4. Same Old Love (2015)
This song explores emotional repetition and exhaustion. Though never officially confirmed, it aligns closely with the cyclical nature of Selena’s past relationship.
It represents a shift from longing to boundary-setting.
5. It Ain’t Me (2017)
Often interpreted as Selena refusing to stay in a relationship where she had to carry emotional responsibility.
Many listeners connect this to Justin’s struggles and Selena’s eventual decision to step away permanently.
6.Lose You to Love Me (2019)
- Album: Rare
Selena described this as her most personal song. It focuses on losing identity in a relationship and reclaiming self-worth.
The lyrics, emotional tone, and timing strongly align with the final chapter of her relationship with Justin.
The song debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. Look at Her Now (2019)
Released days after “Lose You to Love Me,” this track represents healing, resilience, and personal growth.
It is widely viewed as the closing chapter of Selena’s emotional narrative.
Confirmed vs Interpreted: A Responsible Breakdown
Confirmed or Directly Acknowledged
- All That Matters
- What Do You Mean?
- Sorry
- Mark My Words
- Love Will Remember
Strongly Supported Interpretations
- Heartbreaker
- Nothing Like Us
- Forget Forever
- Same Old Love
- It Ain’t Me
- Look at Her Now
People Also Ask
Did Justin Bieber admit writing songs about Selena Gomez?
Yes. He confirmed several songs, especially from Purpose, were inspired by his relationship with her.
Is “Lose You to Love Me” about Justin Bieber?
Selena has not named him directly, but confirmed the song reflects her past relationship and healing journey.
Why do so many songs reference their relationship?
Because it spanned formative years for both artists and coincided with major personal and professional transitions.
Final Thoughts
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez didn’t just experience a relationship — they documented it in music. Together, their songs form a rare, honest chronicle of love evolving into self-awareness.
This is not rumor culture.
This is pop music told truthfully.
References
- Justin Bieber official interviews
- Selena Gomez official interviews
- Billboard chart history
- Rolling Stone music analysis
- Wikipedia discographies
- An Important History Lesson: All Of Justin Bieber And Selena Gomez’s Songs About Each Other |BETCHES
- Selena Gomez Sings of an Ex Apologizing on New Album. Fans Believe It’s Closure After Justin Bieber: ‘Happy Without You’| PEOPLE
