TRACK BY TRACK: Justin Bieber's 'Swag'

On July 11, Justin Bieber blew our minds with the surprise release of his 7th studio album, Swag, and honestly, we are still recovering. Skits with Druski and interludes guide listeners through this album. Justin is bringing back the early-2010s charm we first fell in love with, wrapped in smooth R&B vibes. In this breakdown, we dive into Swag track-by-track to unpack the lyrics, sounds, and creative magic behind each song. If you're a Belieber (or just have a slight case of Bieber-fever), you’re in for a ride!

1. "ALL I CAN TAKE"

The album starts strong with "ALL I CAN TAKE", a track that gives serious Michael Jackson-esque ’80s R&B vibes. In this track, he opens up about emotional fatigue, longing, and surviving public scrutiny. 

Favorite Lyrics: “There's things that I can't change, Lord knows I've tried...”

2. "DAISIES"

"DAISIES" is an early fan favorite, known for its vulnerable lyrics, lo-fi guitar, and heartfelt confessions about insecurity in love. It’s like a late-night text from your crush -- if your crush was Justin Bieber.

Favorite Lyrics: “Throwin' petals like, 'Do you love me or not?' / Head is spinnin', and it don't know when to stop / 'Cause you said, 'Forever,' babe, did you mean it or not?”

3. "YUKON"

If you’ve ever wanted a song that feels like a warm campfire but still has some glitchy edge, this is it. It’s cozy, experimental, and a surprise standout fans can’t stop replaying.

Favorite Lyrics: “Uh, you like to go slow, but we could go faster, tell me the password (Uh)...”

4. "GO BABY"

"GO BABY" is a love letter to his wife, Hailey Bieber, with soft R&B vibes. He acknowledges that his wife faces relentless media scrutiny, and Justin urges her to filter out the gossip. He leans into his maturity, emotion, and loyalty, offering listeners a front-row seat to the complexities of a marriage in the spotlight.

Favorite Lyrics: “When sunlight turns to shadows, and it gets hard to face / Like water to a flower, babe, I know you need the rain...”

5. "THINGS YOU DO"

This short yet sweet track celebrates the small things we all love in a relationship, such as back scratches and holding hands. It showcases Justin’s maturity, vulnerability, and deep connection with Hailey.

Favorite Lyrics: “The little things you do, oh, that drive, drivin' me crazy, oh-yeah / It's the little things you do, you do, that's drivin' me wild, so wild...”

6. "BUTTERFLIES"

This is not your typical pop song. It blends resistance to fame over a textured production. The track is a testament to the overarching theme of the album: to sink past the headlines and let Justin Bieber’s inner world rise to the surface.

Favorite Lyrics: “When the money comes and the money goes / Only thing that's left, uh, is the love we hold...”

7. "WAY IT IS" (ft. Gunna)

This track is a fusion of soft-focus R&B and rap that creates a serene emotional palette. The song’s dreaminess reflects the lyrical longing for peace, simplicity, and connection beyond fame. It’s a standout example of Swag’s ability to blend genre, tone, and emotional honesty.

Favorite Lyrics: “I'm dreamin' of a place that we can go away / Time isn't stolen, and there's nobody around...”

8. "FIRST PLACE"

"FIRST PLACE" is a feel‑good moment that doubles as a new birthday anthem. The track’s upbeat production and celebratory tone make it vibrant, but beneath the surface, Bieber grapples with love that cycles between affection and conflict.

Favorite Lyrics: “It's a celebration like it's your birthday (It's your birthday) / So amazin', I just wanna taste it (I wanna taste you) / Let's celebrate in the best way like it's your birthday...”

9. "SOULFUL" (skit with Druski)

Hilariously awkward, in true Druskii fashion, he taps into meme territory (“your soul’s black!”) and Bieber plays along.

10. "WALKING AWAY"

This is a track that feels classic Bieber but updated with depth and maturity. It holds complexity within conflict and closeness. If the hook sticks, it’s because the emotion behind it is sincere.

Favorite Lyrics: “Baby, I ain't walking away / You are my diamond / Gave you a ring / I made you a promise...”

11. "GLORY VOICE MEMO"

This is not a song; it’s an emotional diary entry. In under two minutes, Bieber confesses despair, prayer, and hope with no frills. It offers listeners a glimpse of the man behind the pop star, rooted in faith.

Favorite Lyrics: “I've been used, and I've been beaten down / I been let down and stalled out / Trip out, then I fall down, screaming out / But I, I reach out my hands, I'm beggin' You for mercy / Please, Lord, would You take me?”

12. "DEVOTION" (ft. Dijon)

"DEVOTION" is the emotional heart of Swag; it acts as a love letter to long-term connection and trust. It stands alone in tone with its ethereal, minimalist production, enhanced by Dijon’s artistry and strong bond with Bieber’s vocals. 

Favorite Lyrics: “I’d rather take the long way home (Baby, I need it) / So we can laugh and sing a couple more songs (You're so sweet to me, girl) / Stay up late and watch your favorite show (I'll carry you)...”

13. "DADZ LOVE" (ft. Lil B)

"DADZ LOVE" is an emotionally-charged track that delves into the themes of fatherhood and unconditional love. Through its experimental sound and collaboration with Lil B, it stands as a unique piece within Justin Bieber's Swag album. 

Favorite Lyrics: “We need more people to get together / More people to come together around the world, less separation / Less hatin', more unity, more love...”

14. "THERAPY SESSION" (skit with Druski)

This skit with Druski unexpectedly covers more vulnerable topics. Druski plays a therapist while Bieber gets real about the pressure of being in the public eye. Raw, a little surreal, and human.

15. "SWEET SPOT" (ft. Sexyy Red)

"SWEET SPOT" is a sultry R&B track that evokes classic Bieber vibes. The song features smooth, layered synths and a steady beat, creating a laid-back yet sensual atmosphere. The collaboration with Sexyy Red adds a layer of excitement, making it one of the more talked-about songs on Swag.

Favorite Lyrics: “Yeah, bae, I'm feeling you, and I can tell you feeling me (Sexyy) / Me and him, we both in love and it ain't even been a week...”

16. "STANDING ON BUSINESS" (skit with Druski)

Justin’s viral paparazzi moment made into a skit: “It's not clocking to you that I’m standing on business” is meta, funny, and kind of brilliant. 

17. "405"

Moody, muted, and introspective, this track is an understated reflection of the album’s emotional aftermath. This is the perfect anthem for late-night drives and heart talks in the dark.

Favorite Lyrics: “Think I might be down bad, real bad, baby, I'm all good with that / We ain't goin' back, yeah-yeah (Yeah-yeah)...”

18. "SWAG" (ft. Cash Cobain, Eddie Benjamin)

The title track delivers retro grooves, confident vibes, and a sense that Bieber’s finally at ease with his evolution. "SWAG" is in collaboration with Cash Cobain, setting the tone for the album as it reflects his growth and willingness to embrace new sounds and collaborations.

Favorite Lyrics: “Your body don't need, don't need no touch but mine / You don't gotta dance around it, let me know...”

19. "ZUMA HOUSE"

This short interlude packs a punch with gut-wrenching lyrics. It feels like a demo Bieber sends only to his closest friends.

Favorite Lyrics: “If I fall, ooh, would you catch me? / And if I let you down, would you forgive me?”

20. "TOO LONG"

Moody, sensual, and introspective, "TOO LONG" is a fantastic addition to the Swag album, showcasing a blend of sensuality and vulnerability. It exemplifies his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

Favorite Lyrics: “Yeah, sometimes I get insecure, I be tryin', uh, you know I do / But I wanna let it go, keep on strokin' my ego..."

21. "FORGIVENESS" (ft. Marvin Winans)

In this spiritual outro, sung entirely by Pastor Martin Winans, Bieber delves back into religious themes. He discusses redemption and spiritual surrender in this powerful closing gospel track. 

Favorite Lyrics: “You came from Heaven to Earth (Oh, yeah, You did), to show the way (To show the way) / From the Earth to the cross (From the Earth to the cross), my sinful debt to pay...”

Justin Bieber’s Swag is a bold, nostalgic-sounding album that traverses R&B, gospel, and hip-hop. Interludes and skits lighten the mood while tracks like “DAISIES” and “WALKING AWAY” ground the project in emotion. Swag signifies a pivotal moment in Bieber’s evolution, feeling less like a comeback and more like a reclamation.