Selena Gomez is setting the record straight about the inspiration behind her latest album, I Said I Love You First. In a conversation with Spotify’s Countdown To I Said I Love You First on March 19, Selena dismissed fan speculation that her songs were about her past relationship with Justin Bieber.
“Anytime I release anything, the interpretation is going to be up to the audience,” Selena, 32, stated. “However, I would like to say that most of this album has nothing to do with what everyone may assume.”
Instead, Selena clarified that her music is deeply personal, drawing from her own experiences of growth, friendships, and moments shared with her fiancé, Benny Blanco. Despite her explanation, fans have continued to analyze the lyrics for hidden messages.
In You Said You Were Sorry, Selena sings about an ex: “Don’t think about you / Happy without you / More now than I ever was.” The chorus describes a dream where the former partner apologizes for past mistakes, leading fans to speculate that the song references Bieber.
Other tracks, such as How Does It Feel to Be Forgotten and Don’t Wanna Cry, have only intensified the discussion. Fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts. “Selena Gomez dropping an entire album shading Justin Bieber is exactly what I’d do if I was a singer,” one fan wrote on X. Another commented, “Selena writing about Justin while being engaged is kinda wild, but the songs are amazing.”
Selena and Justin were in an on-again, off-again relationship for eight years before officially parting ways in 2018. That same year, Bieber married Hailey Baldwin, and speculation about lingering emotions has followed ever since.
Despite the rumors, Selena remains focused on her artistry. She emphasized that this album is a reflection of her personal journey rather than a look back at her past relationships. With I Said I Love You First, Selena is embracing her present and shaping her future, proving once again why she remains one of the most influential voices in music today.