What do You Mean

Story of Song

The lyrics are very clear and easy to understand, Bieber explained the story behind ‘What Do You Mean’ in an interview with Ryan Seacrest on the radio, saying that: “You ever been in the bedroom and the same things happen? She’s like pushing you away and then she wants to kiss you, and then she starts crying, and then pushes you away.” Bieber also told Ellen DeGeneres that this hit is one of three songs on Purpose album written about Selena Gomez, who he dated between 2010 and 2013. He said that this song, a little bit of ‘Sorry’ and ‘Mark My Words’ are all about Selena.

Release date

Released on August 28, 2015

Songwriter/s

Justin Bieber – Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd – Mason Levy

Label

Def Jam

Chart Rankings

US – 1

UK – 1

GERMANY  – 4

“What Do You Mean’ peaked at number one for 5 non consecutive weeks, becoming Justin’s first chart topping song. It was certified platinum for sales over 988 thousand copies. The song reached 3.2 million streams in its first week only. ‘What Do You Mean’ was streamed 21 million times in 5 days on Spotify. In Canada it debuted at number 1 on the Canadian Hot 100 with sales of 48,000 copies, and 3.1 million streams in its first week. It is Bieber’s second number 1 single in Canada, staying on top of the chart for 6 weeks. It was certified double platinum selling over 160 thousand copies. ‘What Do You Mean’ peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, making Justin Bieber the youngest male artist to top the chart. The song was played 21 million time on streams in the first five days. The Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified it double platinum with sales over 2 million copies. The single topped the charts in Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, South Africa and Sweden. ‘What Do You Mean’ was certified triple Platinum in Italy, double Platinum in Denmark, New Zealand and Norway, Platinum in Spain,. and Gold in Belgium and Poland.

Artist’s age on release date

Justin was 21 years old.

Cover Versions

Amateur artists started covering ‘What Do You Mean’ on YouTube.

Video