You’re humming it right now. "I got this feeling... inside my bones." It’s that infectious, disco-infused beat that makes you want to dance in the middle of a grocery store aisle. You head to Google, type in Justin Timberlake I Got the Feeling, and wait for the official video to pop up.
But here’s the thing: that song doesn't actually exist.
Well, not by that name.
It’s one of the most common "Mandela Effect" moments in modern pop music. Millions of people swear the title is "I Got the Feeling" because, honestly, those are the first words out of Justin’s mouth. In reality, the track that took over the world in 2016 is titled Can't Stop the Feeling!—complete with an enthusiastic exclamation point that most of us ignore.
Why We All Call It Justin Timberlake I Got the Feeling
Memory is a funny thing, especially when it comes to catchy choruses. When Justin Timberlake released the lead single for the Trolls soundtrack, it wasn't just a song; it was a cultural reset for his image. He went from the "suit and tie" crooner to the guy making music for neon-colored animated creatures.
The hook is so strong that the opening line, "I got this feeling inside my bones," effectively overwrites the actual title in our brains. It’s a classic case of the "Lyric Title Trap." Think about how many people call the song "Baba O'Riley" by The Who "Teenage Wasteland." Or how many folks search for "I'm Blue" instead of "Blue (Da Ba Dee)."
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The search term Justin Timberlake I Got the Feeling is so prevalent that Google’s algorithms have basically given up on correcting us. They know exactly what you want.
The Max Martin Magic
Behind this confusion is a masterclass in songwriting. Justin didn't write this alone. He teamed up with Max Martin and Shellback, the Swedish duo responsible for basically every hit on the radio since 1997.
They designed this song to be a "happy virus." It’s uptempo, it’s soul-pop, and it has a funk bassline that feels like a direct descendant of Bill Withers’ "Lovely Day." Timberlake himself has said the movie Trolls felt like one big disco trip, and they needed a modern disco anthem to anchor the whole thing.
- The Release: May 6, 2016.
- The Debut: It didn't just climb the charts; it debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The Stats: It was the best-selling song of 2016 in the United States, moving 2.4 million copies.
The Trolls Effect and the Pivot to "Safe" Pop
Before the whole Justin Timberlake I Got the Feeling phenomenon, JT was in a different lane. He was coming off The 20/20 Experience, which was experimental, long-form, and a bit more mature. Suddenly, he's the Executive Music Producer for a DreamWorks movie about singing dolls.
This pivot was huge. It made him a household name for a whole new generation of kids who had no idea who *NSYNC was. But it also created a bit of a divide among his older fans. Some loved the pure, unadulterated joy of the track. Others felt it was a bit "too" commercial, a "pharmaceutical-grade happy song," as some critics called it.
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Honestly? It didn't matter what the critics thought. The song was everywhere. Weddings, graduations, sporting events—you couldn't escape it.
A Masterpiece of Music Video Simplicity
The music video, directed by Mark Romanek, leaned into the "everyman" vibe. No flashy sets or complex storylines. Just Justin and a bunch of regular people dancing in diners, hardware stores, and parking lots. It sold the idea that this "feeling" was universal. It wasn't just for pop stars; it was for the guy working the fruit stand.
Is There Another Song with This Name?
Part of the confusion might stem from the fact that "I Got the Feeling" is a very common title in music history. James Brown had a massive hit called "I Got the Feeling" in 1968. Neil Diamond has one too. Even The Black Eyed Peas have "I Gotta Feeling," which is often confused with Timberlake's track because they both serve as the "ultimate party anthem" of their respective eras.
But if you are looking for the Justin Timberlake version, you have to look for the Trolls soundtrack.
The Legacy of the Song in 2026
Looking back from 2026, the song has stayed remarkably fresh. It’s become a permanent fixture in the "wedding DJ starter pack." While Justin has released plenty of music since—including his work on the subsequent Trolls sequels like Trolls Band Together—nothing has quite captured the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of that 2016 release.
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The song even earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. He opened the 89th Oscars with it, turning the Dolby Theatre into a giant dance floor. It lost the Oscar to "City of Stars" from La La Land, but if you ask anyone which song they still remember the lyrics to, the answer is pretty clear.
What You Should Do Now
If you're trying to add this to a playlist or find the high-quality version for a video project, stop searching for Justin Timberlake I Got the Feeling. You’ll find better results, higher-quality stems, and the official 4K music video by using the correct title: Can't Stop the Feeling!.
Check out the "Film Version" if you want the cast ensemble featuring Anna Kendrick and James Corden, or stick to the "Original Mix" for the pure, polished JT experience. If you’re a fan of the production side, look up the "Making Of" videos where Max Martin and Justin break down the vocal layers—it’s a fascinating look at how they built that "electric" sound.
Next time it comes on and someone calls it "I Got the Feeling," you can be that person who politely corrects them. Or, you know, just keep dancing. That’s probably what Justin would want anyway.