Selena Gomez is clearing the air about the true inspiration behind her latest album, I Said I Love You First, and she’s putting an end to rumors suggesting her songs are about her past relationship with Justin Bieber.
During an exclusive interview with Spotify’s Countdown To I Said I Love You First on March 19, Gomez addressed the fan speculation that her music reflects her tumultuous romance with Bieber, which ended in 2018. The 32-year-old pop star made it clear that while fans are free to interpret her songs however they choose, the album’s themes are about much more than her past relationship.
Selena Gomez’s Clarification
“Anytime I release anything, the interpretation is going to be up to the audience,” Gomez shared. “However, I would like to say that most of this album has nothing to do with what everyone may think.”
Instead of drawing from her past romance, Gomez explained that the songs on I Said I Love You First reflect her personal growth, the importance of friendships, and life experiences, particularly those shared with Blanco, her collaborator on the album.
The Speculation Over Lyrics
Despite Gomez’s clarification, fans couldn’t help but dissect the lyrics and draw connections to her past relationship. One of the most talked-about tracks, You Said You Were Sorry, includes the lines:
“Don’t think about you / Happy without you / More now than I ever was.”
The chorus of the song describes a dream where the person apologizes for past mistakes, which led some listeners to believe that the song is aimed at Bieber. Other tracks, such as How Does It Feel to Be Forgotten and Don’t Wanna Cry, also fueled the speculation, with fans convinced the songs were about her ex.
Fan Reactions
As expected, fans were quick to share their theories on social media. One fan wrote on X, “Selena Gomez dropping an entire album shading Justin Bieber is exactly what I’d do if I was a singer.” Another commented, “Selena writing about Justin with her fiancé is kinda crazy but the songs are great.”
Despite the rumors and fan interpretations, Selena has moved forward in her personal life, and her relationship with her fiancé, Aaron, has been the subject of much support from fans.
The Legacy of Selena and Justin
Selena and Justin were involved in an on-and-off relationship for eight years, with their final breakup occurring in 2018. That same year, Bieber married Hailey Baldwin, which only added fuel to the rumors that there might still be unresolved feelings between him and Gomez.
Since their split, fan theories about Selena’s emotional connection to Justin have remained prevalent, especially with the release of songs that seem to touch on themes of heartbreak and reconciliation. However, Selena has repeatedly emphasized that her new music is a reflection of her personal journey and growth, not her past relationships.
As Selena continues to evolve both personally and professionally, I Said I Love You First marks a new chapter for the artist—one focused on empowerment, healing, and moving forward.
