Years ago, I was one of those guys who hated Justin Bieber simply because girls loved him, and because he didn't conform to traditional masculinity. To be fair, “Baby” wasn’t exactly a work of musical genius, but my disdain for Bieber was, admittedly, about more than just his music. I reckon the same was true for countless other boys and men, as well. However, lately, I’ve learned to appreciate his recent work, such as “At Least for Now,” which he released in April.
“At Least for Now” strikes a great balance between chill and mature. The music behind the lyrics is soft and relaxing. It’s a perfect background track for a lazy day at home in your vaguely rundown suburban apartment. Many of the lyrics enhance the music’s lowkey and subdued energy, as Bieber sings about a normal day at home with his partner. She loosens his tie for him when he gets home, and they spend the rest of the day together. They smoke, sip alcohol, and dance as they “[try] to avoid disappointment.” And isn’t that what the nicest days of our lives are like? Just hanging out with the person we love? Whether you answer yes or no, that’s the kind of day that Bieber describes here, and he certainly seems to like it.
But the song isn’t only about being a couch potato at home. It’s easy to get distracted by its chill vibes, but the lyrics convey something deeper. “At Least for Now” is about enjoying the good times while they last. Behind Bieber’s dancing and drinking, there’s a feeling that those good times he’s enjoying are going to end. But he’s not afraid, nor is he in despair. Right now, life is going well for him, and he’s not questioning it. And he’s not trying to cling desperately to the current moment, either. He tells his partner that the “Camera's on the couch, ain't nobody taking pictures.” They’re too busy living and loving each other to worry about capturing the moment in a photograph. “At least for now,” they’re together and happy. No matter whether or not something bad happens tomorrow, they have this moment. And that’s enough.
Years ago, I was one of those guys who hated Justin Bieber simply because girls loved him, and because he didn't conform to traditional masculinity. To be fair, “Baby” wasn’t exactly a work of musical genius, but my disdain for Bieber was, admittedly, about more than just his music. I reckon the same was true for countless other boys and men, as well. However, lately, I’ve learned to appreciate his recent work, such as “At Least for Now,” which he released in April.
“At Least for Now” strikes a great balance between chill and mature. The music behind the lyrics is soft and relaxing. It’s a perfect background track for a lazy day at home in your vaguely rundown suburban apartment. Many of the lyrics enhance the music’s lowkey and subdued energy, as Bieber sings about a normal day at home with his partner. She loosens his tie for him when he gets home, and they spend the rest of the day together. They smoke, sip alcohol, and dance as they “[try] to avoid disappointment.” And isn’t that what the nicest days of our lives are like? Just hanging out with the person we love? Whether you answer yes or no, that’s the kind of day that Bieber describes here, and he certainly seems to like it.
But the song isn’t only about being a couch potato at home. It’s easy to get distracted by its chill vibes, but the lyrics convey something deeper. “At Least for Now” is about enjoying the good times while they last. Behind Bieber’s dancing and drinking, there’s a feeling that those good times he’s enjoying are going to end. But he’s not afraid, nor is he in despair. Right now, life is going well for him, and he’s not questioning it. And he’s not trying to cling desperately to the current moment, either. He tells his partner that the “Camera's on the couch, ain't nobody taking pictures.” They’re too busy living and loving each other to worry about capturing the moment in a photograph. “At least for now,” they’re together and happy. No matter whether or not something bad happens tomorrow, they have this moment. And that’s enough.