He was a mess. Honestly, back in 2018, the narrative around Justin Bieber was mostly focused on his health, his erratic behavior, and that whirlwind marriage to Hailey Baldwin that caught everyone off guard. But then the music started shifting. It wasn't just pop anymore. If you listen closely to a Justin Bieber song about Hailey, you aren’t just hearing a chart-topper; you’re hearing a guy basically using his discography as a public therapy session and a love letter all at once.
It’s weirdly transparent.
Most people point to "10,000 Hours" or maybe "Holy" as the definitive Hailey anthems. They aren't wrong, obviously. But the depth of how much she influenced his sound goes way deeper than a few acoustic ballads. From the vulnerable admissions in Changes to the stadium-sized devotion in Justice, Hailey Bieber isn't just a muse. She's the literal reason he's still making music at all.
The Raw Truth Behind the Justin Bieber Song About Hailey Wave
Before they got married, Justin's music was... well, it was "Purpose." It was about redemption and finding himself. Then he disappeared. When he came back with the album Changes in 2020, the shift was jarring for some fans. It was R&B-heavy, slow, and almost entirely focused on domestic life.
Take a track like "Intentions." On the surface? It’s a catchy bop with Quavo. But look at the lyrics. It’s a literal checklist of things he admires about his wife’s character and her heart for others. It was one of the first times we saw a Justin Bieber song about Hailey that wasn't just about "I love you," but rather "I see who you are as a person."
Why "Changes" Was a Polarizing Love Letter
Changes didn't have the "Sorry" or "What Do You Mean?" energy. It was quiet. It was about "Yummy"—which, let’s be real, was a polarizing lead single—but even that track was a blatant, somewhat clumsy tribute to his physical attraction to his wife. Critics weren't always kind. Some found the album repetitive. But for Justin, that repetition was the point. He was obsessed. He was in that "newlywed bubble" and he didn't care if the hooks weren't as "pop" as people wanted.
He was singing about "Habitual" love. That’s a heavy word. Habitual. It implies a choice made every single day. It's not just a feeling; it's a routine.
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Justice and the Evolution of the Muse
By the time Justice rolled around in 2021, the songwriting had matured. If Changes was the honeymoon, Justice was the realization that marriage is a fortress against a pretty harsh world. This is where we get "Unstable."
You've gotta listen to "Unstable" featuring The Kid LAROI to really get it. Justin has been incredibly open about his struggles with Lyme disease, mental health, and the pressures of child stardom. In this specific Justin Bieber song about Hailey, he admits that there were times he was "scared of himself." He thanks her for staying when he was at his absolute lowest. It’s uncomfortable to listen to because it’s so raw. It’s not a "radio hit" in the traditional sense of being upbeat, but it’s the most honest piece of work he’s ever put out.
The Hits You Know (And the Meaning You Might Not)
- "Holy": This wasn't just about religion. It was about the sanctity of their relationship. Chance the Rapper’s verse adds that communal feel, but Justin’s vocals are focused on the idea that his marriage brought him closer to God.
- "Peaches": Yeah, it's a summer anthem. But "I get my peaches out in Georgia, I get my weed from California"—it’s about the lifestyle they built together. It’s the "fun" side of their marriage.
- "Anyone": Justin has said in interviews (and in his Our World documentary) that this is the most important song to him. The lyrics "If it's not you, it's not anyone" is a massive statement for someone who has had as public a dating life as he has.
"Anyone" actually feels like a throwback to 80s power ballads. It’s cinematic. When he performed it on New Year’s Eve, you could tell it wasn't just another track on the setlist. He was singing it at her.
Misconceptions About the "Hailey Songs"
A lot of people think every sad song Justin writes now is about his ex, Selena Gomez. Honestly? That's probably not the case anymore. While "Ghost" is often debated, Justin has clarified that it’s about grief in a general sense—losing people to death or just the passage of time.
The "Hailey songs" are distinct because they usually carry a sense of "grounding." She is consistently described as his "anchor" or "safety net." In "2 Much," he sings about not wanting to fall asleep because he'll miss her. It sounds cheesy, sure. But for a guy who spent a decade living in hotels and touring the world alone, that kind of domesticity is revolutionary.
What Actually Makes a Justin Bieber Song About Hailey Work?
It’s the specificity.
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In "Deserve You," he questions why she stays. That’s a very human, very insecure emotion that someone with his level of fame rarely admits to. He’s the "Prince of Pop," yet he’s writing songs about feeling like he’s not good enough for the girl from the suburbs. That juxtaposition is what makes the music resonate with people who aren't even Beliebers.
The Production Shift
You can hear Hailey’s influence in the production too. The music got "chiller." There’s more space in the tracks. There’s a lot of acoustic guitar and soft R&B drums. It reflects a quieter life in Canada and South Carolina versus the chaos of LA.
- Poo Bear, his long-time collaborator, has mentioned in various interviews how Justin’s headspace changed after marriage.
- The lyrics became less about "the club" and more about "the kitchen."
- There's an emphasis on "forever" rather than "tonight."
The Impact on Pop Culture
Before Justin and Hailey, the "celebrity marriage" song was usually a breakup anthem. Think about it. Most pop stars write their best stuff when they're miserable. Justin flipped that. He made being a "simp" for your wife cool. He leaned into the "Husband" identity so hard it became part of his branding.
Every Justin Bieber song about Hailey serves as a brick in the wall of their public image. It’s a defense mechanism. By being so vocal about his love, he’s essentially telling the paparazzi and the tabloids that they can’t touch him. He’s already found his peace.
How to Listen: A Practical Guide for the Real Fans
If you want to track the timeline of their relationship through music, don't just hit shuffle. You need to listen in order.
Start with "Friends" (the transition period).
Then hit "10,000 Hours."
Move into the entirety of Changes.
Finally, end with "Anyone" and "Holy."
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You’ll hear a man going from "I’m not sure if I’m okay" to "I’m okay because you’re here." It’s a pretty incredible arc for someone who was once the world’s most scrutinized teenager.
What’s Next for the "Hailey Era"?
As we move into 2026, the rumors of new music are everywhere. Justin has been spotted in the studio again. Will we get more Hailey-inspired tracks? Almost certainly. But expect them to be different. They’ve been married for several years now. They’ve faced health scares—like Hailey’s stroke-like symptoms and Justin’s Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
The next Justin Bieber song about Hailey probably won't be about the honeymoon. It’ll be about the "for better or worse" part. It’ll be about the grit.
Actionable Insights: Deepening Your Connection to the Music
To truly appreciate the nuances of these tracks, try these steps:
- Watch the "Our World" Documentary: It provides the visual context for songs like "Anyone." Seeing them interact behind the scenes makes the lyrics feel less like "pop fluff" and more like actual dialogue.
- Listen to the Acoustic Versions: Justin’s acoustic takes on Justice tracks strip away the studio polish. You can hear the emotion in his voice more clearly, especially on "Names."
- Analyze the Lyrics vs. Reality: Look at the timeline of their lives. When Justin sings about being "Unstable," look at what was happening in the news at that time. It adds a layer of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) to your understanding of his artistry.
- Follow the Collaborators: Keep an eye on songwriters like Poo Bear and Jon Bellion. They are the architects of this "Hailey sound." When they work with Justin, you know you're getting the heart-on-sleeve version of the artist.
Justin Bieber's discography has become a living diary. Whether you love the "new Justin" or miss the "old Justin," there's no denying that his marriage to Hailey gave his music a purpose that was missing for a long time. It’s a rare thing to see a child star grow up and find a healthy anchor, and it’s even rarer to hear them sing about it this honestly.