The 26-year-old singer-songwriter released his new single “Lonely” on Friday, with an accompanying music video featuring 14-year-old actor Jacob Tremblay. The reflective track marks the second collaboration between Bieber and benny blanco, (the first being "Love Yourself") and details the singer’s experience with child stardom and growing up in the spotlight while feeling isolated.
"Being someone in my position, I believe it is powerful to express vulnerability and that's why I believe this song is so powerful! ...It was emotional to see him play me from the outside looking in," Bieber tweeted.
Tremblay, who you might recognize from "Room," transforms into a younger Bieber, complete with the singer’s signature side-bangs and purple hoodie from the early 2000s. The "Lonely" music video follows Tremblay as he wanders alone backstage before facing an empty theater, with the real Justin watching from the seats.
I can't imagine what it's like growing up in the limelight, so I applaud Bieber for getting personal and being open and honest about his past. Here's hoping that there's one less lonely boy out there now.