“Anxiety” by Justin Bieber seems to be an intimate exploration of his experiences with the pressures and tribulations of fame, and personally, his battles with the mental challenge of anxiety itself. The inherent theme we can catch a glimpse of rotates around the dissonance between externally perceived success and internal struggles.
Commencing with a sentient dive into the notion of beliefs and influence, he frames his own identity issues. He illustrates the constant scrutiny he faces due to his celebrity status where everyone “wants a piece of him,” denoting his lack of privacy and the overwhelming demands of his profession. This likely encapsulates the relentless expectations of his fans, media, and perhaps the music industry as a whole. This collective magnifying glass leads to a simultaneous experience of life “so alive,” but also estranged from it due to the resultant anxiety, implying the suffocating aspect of his celebrity lifestyle.
Further, Bieber seems to express his constant need for respite with the notion of “need a second, need a minute, need a moment.” This lends a sense of urgency and desperation, indicating his desire for a break from the relentless cycle of performing, creating, and being in the public eye. The discourse points towards his longing for escape and the effects of burnout owing to the relentlessness of his professional commitments.
Additionally, elements of self-doubt and insecurity come across in lines where he talks about not being tough when not being missed. This could signify a dependency on external validation for his self-worth, which fuels his anxiety. This is a common experience for many in the public eye, as their lives are intrinsically tied to their public personas and the reception they receive.
Also, Bieber toys with the theme of skepticism via the line “Don’t believe everything you see.” Here, he makes a comment on the discrepancies between public imagery and personal realities. This points to the understanding that the glamorous facades of fame often obfuscate the genuine challenges celebrities face, underlining the dichotomy between the projected image and the lived reality.
Finally, the recurring chorus of “Anxiety” points towards the encompassing presence of anxiety in his life. It seems to define his existence and permeate his experience of life. This repetition underscores the constant battle with anxiety, the grappling to keep it under control, and the darker elements of mental health issues that often remain inadequately explored in the world of showbiz.
In conclusion, Bieber’s “Anxiety” presents a raw and insightful narrative that engages with themes of fame, pressure, self-worth, and mental health. It truly gives the listener a more profound look into the personal struggles intertwined with stardom.