Justin Timberlake

CRY ME A RIVER- ANALYSIS OF LYRICS

Crashing down

In this shot, Justin is crouching down in a pool of water, surrounded by pebbles. The pebbles could connote hardship and hatred, whilst the water could represent his calmness about the situation of him being cheated on. The words crashing down respond effectively with the performance in this shot.

Why did you leave me, all alone

This long shot of Justin adheres to the lyrics of this song, where he is talking about his partner leaving him all alone, also shown in an empty dark, spacious, room, with him as the only character present in the area, emphasising on him being lonely, and unhappy.

The damage is done, so I guess Ill be leaving

This is a tracking shot of Justin walking towards the camera whilst the girl he cheated with, on this girl, is walking behind him dressing herself. Justins facial expressions sync perfectly with the lyrics where Timbaland is singing the damage is done so I guess Ill be leaving, since hes done what his girlfriend done to him, and he feels as if hes achieved something.

Cry me a river

Most shots that are used with the lyrics cry me a river are associated with water, such as the outdoor water feature, or the shower. The use of broken glass gushing outwards also looks identical to a wave, bringing us back to the iconography of water. Since tears are a form of liquid, like water, using water throughout the video is very affective and matches the lyrics well.