20 songs that were inspired by famous people

Justin Timberlake – “Cry Me a River”

In 2002, the world was gifted with Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River” right around the time that he broke up with then girlfriend, Britney Spears. Back then, Timberlake and Spears were basically our version of Hollywood royalty, the Beyoncé and Jay-Z of their day if you will. However, they weren’t able to stick together the way Bey and Jay have.

It seems that their inability to make love last was actually a good thing for all of us as it gave us not one but two songs. First there was “Cry Me a River” which includes lyrics such as, “you told me you love me, why did you leave me all alone,” and “the damage is done, so I guess I be leaving.” And then two years later, Britney Spears released her own song, “Everytime”, which was said to be an answer to Justin Timberlake.

While there is no concrete proof that these songs are about Timberlake and Spears, at least in the case of Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River,” the singer has never refuted the rumors. Watching the music video that went along with the single definitely doesn’t change people’s perception of the song, as Timberlake can be seen singing to a woman who looks very similar to Spears.

In fact, even if the lyrics did not seem like a message to his ex, the video itself would be enough to have all of us realizing who he is singing to.

Were we sad to see these two break up? I would have to say yes. But at least it gave us this song and perhaps even “Everytime,” to listen to when we need a little inspiration to move on from a bad or failed relationship.