Culture

Justin Bieber's New 'Ghost' Music Video Shows There’s Joy After Grief

Justin Bieber has had a reputation as a troublemaker in the past but has changed for the better over the past few years.

By Meghan Dillon2 min read
justin bieber ghost diane keaton

From his marriage to Hailey Bieber to embracing Christianity (which you can see in his "Holy" music video), it’s clear that the new and improved Bieber is here to stay. His latest music video for his single, “Ghost,” is further proof that this wholesome music is what we need right now.

Getting through Grief

“Ghost” is the latest single off Bieber’s album, Justice, and it’s about the grief we face when losing a loved one. Bieber sings, “If I can't be close to you / I settle for the ghost of you

I miss you more than life (more than life) / And if you can't be next to me / Your memory is ecstasy / I miss you more than life / I miss you more than life.”

As someone who both loves Justin Bieber’s music and has struggled with the loss of my grandparents over the past few years, I truly appreciate this song for both its artistic value and its beautiful message. I didn’t think I could love it more, but then the music video came out.

The “Ghost” Music Video

Directed by Colin Tilley, the music video stars Bieber and Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton as his grandmother, who’s grieving the loss of her husband. The video opens with Bieber and Keaton celebrating Keaton’s late husband’s (and Bieber’s grandfather’s) birthday, only to cut to his funeral.

Two years later, Keaton is still struggling with the death of her husband. Though Bieber is still struggling with the death of his grandfather, he goes out of his way to help his grandmother deal with her grief and get back to finding joy in life. He buys her designer clothes, takes her out on the town to have fun, and helps her get back into the dating game. 

The video ends with Bieber and Keaton letting the ashes go at a beach, and Bieber escorts Keaton to a first date with a new man. Though Bieber is still struggling with the loss of his grandfather, he appears to feel a sense of closure when he sees his grandmother smile again.

The video is truly heart-warming, and Keaton (who is a long-time Bieber fan) seems to love the video, as she commented “THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME!!!” on Bieber’s Instagram post promoting the video.

Closing Thoughts

With the growing political divide in American politics and the loss of 4.8 million people globally to the coronavirus, we’re in desperate need of wholesome content right now. Grief is a universal language and emotion, and “Ghost” portrays it beautifully and shows there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It’s one of Bieber’s best songs and videos yet, and we can’t wait to see what else is to come.

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