"Lonely" is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber and American record producer Benny Blanco.
It was released through Def Jam Recordings, Interscope Records, and Friends Keep Secrets on October 16, 2020, as the second single from Bieber's sixth studio album, Justice (2021), and was also included on the 2021 reissue of Blanco's debut studio album, Friends Keep Secrets (2018).
[11] Lyrically, Bieber reflects on the effects of money and fame,[12] as well as the obstacles he faced during his early career,[13] 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.
[17] The song was first hinted at by Blanco on October 5, 2020, when he posted a series of pictures on Instagram, including one with his head photoshopped onto Bieber's advertisement for Calvin Klein underwear.
[18] On October 9, Bieber posted a short clip on social media, which features himself, Blanco and American rapper Lil Dicky.
[28] On the US Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at number 12;[29] it earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which denotes one million units based on sales and track-equivalent on-demand streams.
[30] "Lonely" reached number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it gold.
[24][48] It was directed by American music video director Jake Schreier and stars Canadian actor Jacob Tremblay, who plays a younger version of Bieber.
The two ultimately agreed to chat over the phone to address Tremblay's questions, but they did not schedule an exact time, so Bieber ended up calling him when he was in a grocery store.
Directed by Schreier,[54] the video sees Blanco playing on a Wurlitzer electronic piano, with Bieber singing beside him while sitting in front of a mic in a recording studio.
[66] As the video progresses, Tremblay walks around the backstage by himself, and ultimately ends up on stage facing an empty theater, mouthing the lyrics "I'm so lonely".
[67] As the camera zooms out, Bieber is revealed to be the only member of the audience, watching Tremblay's performance in his seat with a blank expression,[68][69] reflecting on and judging his own past.
[81][82][83] The performance began with Bieber sitting alone at a bus stop on an empty city street,[84][85] with Blanco off to the side playing the keyboard.
[89][90][91] Bieber, dressed in a blue plaid shirt and orange beanie,[92] performed the song on a stage surrounded by mirrors,[93] while Blanco played the keyboard behind him.