Released: 2011
Justin Bieber’s ‘Mistletoe’ is a festive pop tune that captures the essence of holiday romance. The song is all about choosing love and intimacy over traditional holiday activities, emphasizing the magic of being with someone special during the Christmas season.
The opening lines set the scene for a joyful holiday, describing it as ‘the most beautiful time of the year’ with lights filling the streets and spreading cheer. Bieber suggests that while he could be engaging in typical winter activities like playing in the snow, he’d rather be under the mistletoe with his ‘shawty,’ a term of endearment in hip-hop culture for a significant other.
In the chorus, Bieber repeats his desire to be with his loved one under the mistletoe, reinforcing the theme of prioritizing love over everything else. The repetition of ‘with you, shawty with you’ highlights his focus on this special person during the holiday season.
The second verse paints a cozy picture of a holiday gathering with chestnuts roasting, yet Bieber admits he’d rather be with his partner. The mention of Santa and reindeer adds to the festive atmosphere, but again, he chooses love over making a holiday list.
Bieber draws a parallel between the wise men following the star and his own heart leading him to a ‘miracle’—his love. He expresses that material gifts aren’t necessary because the real gift is being with his partner, capturing the spirit of Christmas as a time for love and connection.
The song closes with a call for a kiss under the mistletoe, a classic holiday tradition, as a way to show love and affection. This romantic gesture ties back to the song’s central theme of cherishing moments with loved ones during the holiday season.
