“Loved By You” by Justin Bieber is a confessional ode that explores the intricacies of needing validation and love from someone else. It touches upon themes of low self-worth, intense longing, and regret that weave an intricate narrative of a troubled love relationship.
One of the multi-layered themes present in the song is the struggle with self-change. The protagonist desires to change for the better, but fails, thereby eliciting feelings of helplessness and self-loathing. This yearning for transformation may come from a desire to improve the relationship or to feel worthy of the person’s love.
Intertwined with the theme of self-denial and change is the emotional need to be loved by a significant other. This recurring theme reflects dependency featured in many romantic relationships, where validation by the desired individual becomes a cornerstone of self-esteem and worth. It concurrently exhibits the agony that accompanies such reliance, particularly when the love sought remains unrequited or unfulfilled.
The song also alludes to the tumultuous journey of seeking love, expressed through metaphors of travelling great distances and opening every door, symbolizing efforts and ventures in the pursuit of romantic fulfillment. Seemingly, these ventures fall short of satiating the protagonist’s yearning, underscoring an overarching theme of insatiability and continual pursuit.
Furthermore, an element of nostalgia and reminiscence appears to be subtly implied, as past conversations and early periods of the relationship are recalled. The emotional terrain explored includes dream-like states of happiness when with the desired person and the realization that they mean more than anything else to the protagonist.
Lastly, there appears to be an underlying theme of endurance and resilience even in the face of unrequited love or incomplete fulfillment. Despite it all, the need to be loved persists, suggesting elements of hope, dedication, and a possible undertone of self-sacrifice.
In essence, this song delves deep into various dimensions of human relationships and emotions – the desperation of wanting change and desiring to be loved, the pains of unrequited feelings, and the undying hope in love’s potential occurrence.