Cry Me A River (Justin Timberlake Song)
"Cry Me a River" is a song recorded by American recording artist Justin Timberlake for his debut studio album Justified (2002). It was written by Timberlake, Scott Storch and Tim "Timbaland" Mosley, who also acted as producer. The inspiration for the song came from Timberlake's failed relationship with Britney Spears. Jive Records commissioned the song to contemporary hit and rhythmic radio in the United States on November 24, 2002, as the second single from the album. "Cry Me a River" is a pop ballad, with instrumentation that consists of clavinet, beatbox, guitars, synthesizers, Arabian-inspired riffs and Gregorian chants. Lyrically, the single is about a brokenhearted man who "refuses to look back". Spears recorded a response to the song titled "Everytime", for her fourth studio album In the Zone (2003).
"Cry Me a River" received generally positive reviews from critics, some of whom considered it a stand-out track on Justified and praised Timbaland's production. The song earned Timberlake a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004. It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and US Pop Songs chart, as well as number two on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The single charted in the top ten in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. "Cry Me a River" was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of over 35,000 copies.
Francis Lawrence directed the music video for "Cry Me a River" in Malibu, California. It shows Timberlake's character as he spies on his former lover – who allegedly portrays Spears – and plots revenge with help from Timbaland and a new romantic interest. Media outlets speculated that Spears inspired the video. Timberlake denied this, but Spears responded that it was a publicity stunt. The clip won the awards for Best Male Video and Best Pop Video at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. Timberlake performed "Cry Me a River" during his three major tours: Justified and Lovin' It Live (2003–04), Justified/Stripped Tour (2003) and FutureSex/LoveShow (2007). Recording artists Taylor Swift and Leona Lewis performed covers of the song on their respective concert tours.
Read more about Cry Me A River (Justin Timberlake Song): Writing and Production, Release and Response, Composition, Reception and Accolades, Commercial Performance, Live Performances and Cover Versions, Track Listings, Credits and Personnel, Release History
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—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)