2U (feat. Justin Bieber)

"2U" is a heartfelt ode to profound love and unwavering commitment. The lyrics, sung by Justin Bieber, express a deep sense of devotion to a romantic partner. The song's central theme revolves around the idea of limitless sacrifice for the one you love. Phrases like, "No limit in the sky that I won't fly for ya" and "I'll climb a mountain, there's none too steep" serve as powerful declarations of this commitment. The song suggests a love that is all-encompassing, where the speaker wants to share every aspect of their life, even their very breath, with their partner. The chorus reinforces this by stating, "When it comes to you, there's no crime, Let's take both of our souls, and intertwine," which speaks to a deep, spiritual connection that transcends physical boundaries. The mention of Cupid's arrow in the second verse introduces a sense of destiny and fated love, implying that their relationship was meant to be. Overall, "2U" is a passionate and romantic ballad that celebrates the power of giving oneself completely to another person in a loving relationship.

The song is a passionate declaration of unconditional love and devotion to a significant other. The narrator, voiced by Justin Bieber, opens by expressing the boundless lengths he is willing to go for his beloved. He proclaims that there is no limit in the sky he wouldn't fly for her and no amount of tears he wouldn't cry for her. This hyperbolic language immediately establishes the depth of his commitment. He desires an intimate connection, wanting to share the very air she breathes and promising to uphold every vow he makes. No mountain is too steep for him to climb, emphasizing that no obstacle can deter his dedication.

The chorus serves as the core message, stating that when it comes to this person, no sacrifice is a crime. It’s a call to intertwine their souls, a metaphor for achieving the deepest possible spiritual and emotional union. The narrator urges his love not to be blind to the sincerity of his words, which he professes come directly from his heart. This plea for recognition and reciprocation is a recurring theme.

In the second verse, the idea of destiny is introduced through the imagery of Cupid's arrow, which he claims has his lover's name on it. He warns her not to miss out on this fated love, as it would lead to regret. He encourages her to clear her mind of doubts and insecurities, offering a future where she won't have to wake up alone. By offering his entire life to her, he demonstrates a complete and total surrender to their relationship. He is not just offering parts of himself, but the entirety of his being, asking her to accept this ultimate gift.

The song’s structure, with its recurring chorus and post-chorus phrases, reinforces the central theme of unwavering dedication. The repetition of "When it comes to you" acts as a powerful motif, constantly bringing the focus back to the object of his affection. The electronic production by David Guetta provides an energetic and emotionally charged backdrop to Bieber's earnest vocal delivery. The blend of romantic lyrics with an upbeat, danceable rhythm creates a feeling of joyful and triumphant love, a celebration of finding a soulmate and the willingness to do anything to cherish and keep that connection alive.

"2U" is the first official collaboration between French DJ David Guetta and Canadian pop star Justin Bieber. The song was written by David Guetta, Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Giorgio Tuinfort, and Daniel "Cesqeaux" Tuparia. Guetta and Giorgio Tuinfort are credited as the main producers, with additional production from Cesqeaux. Poo Bear, a frequent collaborator with Bieber, was instrumental in the song's creation. He revealed that the track was initially worked on for a Justin Bieber project, but the timing wasn't right. The song's development started in Las Vegas and was completed by Bieber in New York. Bieber, being a perfectionist, requested several changes until Guetta finalized a production that he loved. Guetta expressed his admiration for Bieber's unique voice and his recent musical evolution. The song was recorded at multiple studios, including Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, Piano Music Studios in Amsterdam, and Can Rocas Studios in Ibiza. It was officially released on June 9, 2017, as the lead single from Guetta's seventh studio album, "7".

"2U" follows a relatively simple and effective rhyme scheme that enhances its pop sensibilities and memorability. The verses primarily use an AABB rhyme scheme, as seen in the opening lines: "No limit in the sky / That I won't fly for ya / No amount of tears in my eyes / That I won't cry for ya". This straightforward rhyming pattern makes the lyrics easy to follow and sing along to.

The rhythm of the song is driven by a mid-tempo dance beat, characteristic of the EDM and future bass genres. The lyrical rhythm often follows the musical rhythm closely, with Bieber's vocal phrasing accentuating the beat. There is a dynamic interplay between the verses, which have a more measured and melodic flow, and the build-up in the pre-chorus that creates anticipation for the chorus's rhythmic release. The tempo and rhythmic structure contribute to the song's overall uplifting and emotionally charged feel, making it suitable for both dancing and attentive listening.

"2U" showcases a blend of musical and lyrical techniques that contribute to its emotional impact and catchy nature.

Musical Techniques:

• The song is built on a foundation of electronic dance music (EDM), featuring a shimmering synth-heavy production characteristic of David Guetta's style. It incorporates elements of future bass and tropical house, creating an uplifting and romantic atmosphere.
• The track employs a classic EDM structure with a build-up in the pre-chorus that leads to a beat drop, although some critics found the drop itself to be somewhat understated.
• Justin Bieber's vocal delivery is smooth and earnest, providing a strong emotional core to the electronic beat. The use of a vocoder and talk box adds textural variety to the vocal production.
• The song is written in the key of G♯ Minor.

Literary Techniques:

• The lyrics utilize hyperbole extensively to emphasize the depth of the singer's devotion (e.g., flying to any limit in the sky, crying endless tears).
• The song employs direct address, speaking directly "to you," which creates a sense of intimacy and personal declaration.
• Metaphors are central to the lyrics, such as intertwining souls and sharing air, to convey the depth of the romantic connection.

Upon its release, "2U" achieved significant commercial success and cultural visibility. It was the first official collaboration between David Guetta and Justin Bieber, two of the biggest names in their respective genres, which generated considerable hype. The song was a chart success worldwide, reaching the top 10 in over 15 countries. In the UK, it peaked at number 5 on the Official Singles Chart. In the US, it debuted at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the iTunes sales chart upon its release.

The song's marketing was also notable. A version of the music video featured Victoria's Secret models lip-syncing to the track, which garnered significant media attention. A second, "not branded" music video was released later, featuring a storyline with a couple in a time loop. The song became a summer anthem in 2017 and solidified Justin Bieber's successful run of features on EDM tracks, following collaborations like Jack Ü's "Where Are Ü Now" and DJ Snake's "Let Me Love You." "2U" also received numerous remixes from prominent DJs, further extending its reach within the electronic music scene.

The lyrics of "2U" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that elevate its message of profound love.

• Limitless Sky and Unclimbable Mountains: The opening lines, "No limit in the sky that I won't fly for ya" and "I'll climb a mountain, there's none too steep," are metaphors for overcoming any obstacle for a loved one. They symbolize the boundless nature of the singer's commitment and willingness to go to extraordinary lengths.
• Sharing Air: The line, "With every breath that I take, I want you to share that air with me," is a metaphor for an intensely deep and intimate connection. It suggests a desire for a shared existence and a life that is completely intertwined.
• Intertwining Souls: The chorus features the powerful metaphor, "Let's take both of our souls, and intertwine." This symbolizes a spiritual and emotional union that goes beyond a physical relationship, suggesting a deep, fated connection between two people.
• Cupid's Arrow: The reference to Cupid, "Cupid ain't a lie, arrow got your name on it," is a direct symbol of fated love. It implies that their meeting and subsequent love were destined and unavoidable.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "2U" is the line, "When it comes to you." This phrase acts as the central lyrical motif, appearing at the beginning of each line in the chorus and reinforcing the song's core theme of unwavering devotion to a specific person. Its repetition emphasizes that all the grand promises and declarations of love are directed at this one individual. The simple and direct nature of this phrase makes it a powerful and memorable hook.

Another recurring element is the concept of sharing, as expressed in the post-chorus with the line, "Want you to share that." This is connected to earlier lines like "share that air with me" and "Share my life," creating a motif of shared existence and intimacy. The repetition of this idea underscores the singer's desire for a completely unified life with his partner.