Britney, Jessica, Elisha: A Guide to Who Justin Timberlake's Songs Are About
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Justin Timberlake certainly knows how to write a catchy love song (and breakup song), but who are they all about? While the singer has been known to write a track or two about his famous ex Britney Spears, his most recent album, Man of the Woods, is solely dedicated to his wife, Jessica Biel, and their son Silas. Here's a brief history of all the songs Timberlake has penned about other people.
"Cry Me a River"
The telling lyrics: "You don't have to say what you did / I already know, I found out from him."
Who it's supposed to be about: Britney Spears
Why? While the lyrics are pretty telling, Timberlake doesn't hold back with the clues in his music video for the song. Not only does the woman in the video wear clothes similar to Spears's, but it also features a photo of a girl cuddling a guy who looks a lot like Timberlake's choreographer Wade Robson, whom she reportedly cheated on him with.
"What Goes Around . . . Comes Around"
The telling lyrics: "I heard you found out / That he's doing to you / What you did to me / Ain't that the way it goes."
Who it's supposed to be about: Britney Spears
Why? Even though Timberlake insisted the song is about his friend Trace Ayala's breakup with actress Elisha Cuthbert, many people thought it was a sequel to "Cry Me a River," as he sings about being betrayed by an ex lover who cheated on him.
"Mirrors"
The telling lyrics: "And I'll tell you, baby, it was easy / Comin' back here to you once I figured it out / You were right here all along / It's like you're my mirror."
Who it's supposed to be about: Justin Timberlake's grandparents and Jessica Biel
Why? While the lyrics seem to reference Timberlake's marriage to Biel and the two becoming one, he also dedicated the music video to his grandparents, William and Sadie, who were married for more than 60 years.
"Filthy"
The telling lyrics: "I said, put your filthy hands all over me / And no, this ain't the clean version / And what you gonna do with all that meat? /Cookin' up a mean servin'."
Who it's supposed to be about: Jessica Biel
Why? The track definitely seems to be a tribute to his sex life with Biel.
"Man of the Woods"
The telling lyrics: "How do I ever explain what I've got with you? / I try to find the words but they hide and that's the truth / And nobody ever will understand what we do / There's only one me and you."
Who it's supposed to be about: Jessica Biel
Why? Not only does Biel appear in the music video, but Timberlake told Zane Lowe the song is about telling your partner how much you care about them.
"Flannel"
The telling lyrics: "Right behind my left pocket / That is where you'll feel my soul / It's been with me many Winters / It will keep you warm / Ooh, here's my flannel."
Who it's supposed to be about: Jessica Biel
Why? During his interview with Zane Lowe, Timberlake confirmed the track was about Biel, adding that the interlude "Hers" is about how she feels safe and secure when she wears Timberlake's clothes.
"Montana"
The telling lyrics: "Everything is heightened / We're feelin' vulnerable
I'm makin' you this vow, uh / That you can have it all."
Who it's supposed to be about: Jessica Biel
Why? While the "vow" lyric definitely seems like a nod to their nuptials, the song's title also suggests the song is about Biel. Not only does the couple share a home together in Big Sky, but Montana is also where Timberlake proposed.
"Young Man"
The telling lyrics: "You know your daddy's so proud of you / My little young man / Mama just can't get enough of you / My little young man, yeah."
Who it's supposed to be about: Silas Timberlake
Why? Not only does Timberlake sing about his "beautiful boy" in the lyrics, but Silas also makes a little cameo in the track saying "Dada."