Welcome back to the second edition of The Wichitan’s song of the week! This week’s pick is, “Ghost” by Justin Bieber. This song came out on March 19, 2021, and then again in October as a single. It currently sits at number six on Billboard’s The Hot 100. It’s been a hit song for a while now, but ever since Justin Bieber started the tour for his latest studio album “Justice” I’ve been hearing this song everywhere. Live videos of the song have been swirling around ever since his performance of “Ghost” at the 2021 MTV VMAs, so I’d bet this has something to do with it remaining on the charts for so long. “Justice” is his sixth studio album that features several artists such as Giveon, Dominic Fike and The Kid LAROI, all of whom are rising artists in the industry.

Justin Bieber is no stranger to hit songs and a life of fame and fortune. The Canadian singer was discovered at 13 years old and quickly became one of the biggest pop sensations of the 2010s. One of his most well-known hits is “Baby” featuring Ludacris, which was released when Justin was 15. While growing up in the spotlight proved to be extremely difficult for Justin, who dealt with the law several times, he hit enormous success and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.

“Ghost” is easily one of my favorite songs Justin has ever recorded. In simple terms, it’s about losing a loved one. And while some interpret it as the loss of someone due to death, it’s also about heartbreak, losing someone you were or still are in love with. While speaking about “Ghost” during an interview with RADIO.COM, he said that the loss of a relationship “can feel like a loss, almost like you’re grieving that person. So this song is kind of like that vibe of grieving that person but still having hope in the process.” The lyrics combined with the upbeat, catchy tune provide hope to those in the process of grieving.

To me, it’s pretty clear why this song has been so popular since it came out. It applies to so many people and provides comfort. One thing I find really interesting is that there is a subtle tone of thankfulness within the lyrics. He acknowledges how bad the pain of losing someone is, but he’s also thankful for the memories he made with them. And while there is a hopeful tone to the song, it doesn’t downplay the pain or the sadness of loss. My favorite lyric is:

“If I can’t be close to you
I’ll settle for the ghost of you
I miss you more than life.”

Missing someone can feel like the wind has been knocked out of you, but instead of focusing on what separated you from them, you have to remember everything you had with them. You carry those memories with you, because even though they’re gone, and even if their ghost is all you have left, you’ll take it. Because carrying the memories with you is better than nothing at all. I think the hopeful elements within the song really sets it apart. It’s a reminder that the pain won’t last forever, and that brighter days are coming. Whether death, time, or distance separated you from a loved one, you can always have hope to one day see them again.

If you haven’t heard it yet, go listen to “Ghost” ASAP! I have a feeling everyone can relate to this song in some way. Let us know in the comments what you thought!