Company – Justin Bieber

Released as part of Justin Bieber’s critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Purpose (2015), the song “Company” stands out as one of the most subtle and introspective tracks in his repertoire. While Purpose featured high-energy hits like “Sorry” and “What Do You Mean?” that dominated charts worldwide, “Company” offers a more subdued, reflective mood, addressing the universal desire for companionship without the traditional pressures or expectations of a romantic relationship.

Musical Composition and Style
“Company” opens with a smooth, electronic beat, created by producers Andre Harris, James “Jimbo” Smith, and Axident. It’s driven by a pulsating rhythm, a blend of modern electro-pop and R&B elements, characteristic of Bieber’s sonic evolution. Throughout the song, there’s a consistent, minimalistic production that allows the vocals to take center stage. The instrumental arrangement complements the theme of the song: understated yet emotionally resonant.

Unlike some of the other tracks on Purpose, which have fast tempos and club-ready beats, “Company” is slower and more contemplative. It offers a mellow, atmospheric vibe that perfectly suits the song’s introspective lyrics. The song’s instrumentation is lush and layered, featuring a mix of synthesized beats and subtle guitar strums, giving it a contemporary yet intimate feel.

Lyrical Themes: Companionship Without Strings Attached
One of the key elements that make “Company” unique is its exploration of relationships from a non-committal standpoint. The song delves into the idea of seeking companionship without the need for a deep, romantic attachment. This theme resonates in the lyrics: “Can we, we keep, keep each other company? / Maybe we can be, be each other’s company.” The word “company” in the song is not about long-term love or romance; instead, it’s about being present with someone, sharing moments without the pressure of defining the relationship.

The lyrics communicate a desire for a casual connection, for someone to be by his side during moments of loneliness or isolation, but without the entanglements that typically come with romantic relationships. There is a sense of emotional freedom in the lyrics, a willingness to connect with another person for the sake of comfort rather than deep emotional ties. In this way, the song speaks to modern relationships, where people are often looking for connections that provide companionship without the obligations of a committed relationship.

However, beneath the surface, there’s a more complex emotional undertone. Even though the song is about casual companionship, there is an underlying sense of loneliness and vulnerability. Bieber’s delivery of the lyrics suggests a longing for connection, something more than just physical presence. While the lyrics suggest a laid-back attitude, the emotional core of the song hints at a deeper yearning for intimacy and understanding, which many listeners may relate to.

Vocals: A Mellow, Emotional Delivery
Justin Bieber’s vocal performance on “Company” is one of the highlights of the track. His voice is soft yet compelling, carrying an air of emotional vulnerability. The simplicity of the vocals aligns perfectly with the song’s thematic undertone. Rather than using powerful, belting vocals, Bieber opts for a more restrained approach, which gives the song a personal and intimate feel. He croons with a tone that is both soothing and reflective, which works well with the laid-back production of the song.

Bieber’s voice is also subtly layered with harmonies and vocal effects, which add to the song’s atmospheric quality. The use of auto-tune and vocal filters enhances the modern, electronic vibe of the track while maintaining a sense of intimacy. His performance makes the song feel relatable and emotionally honest, even though the lyrics revolve around a more casual, non-committal subject matter.

Music Video: Visualizing Loneliness and Connection
The official music video for “Company,” which was released in 2016, complements the song’s themes of companionship and isolation. It features behind-the-scenes footage of Justin Bieber’s life during his world tours, giving fans an intimate look into his personal experiences. The video is a montage of moments from his concerts, travels, and downtime, capturing a balance between the exhilaration of performing and the isolation of constantly being on the move.

What makes the video particularly interesting is its raw, documentary-style approach. There is no specific narrative or storyline, which reflects the song’s message of casual connection. Instead, viewers see Bieber in candid, unguarded moments, emphasizing the contrast between his public persona as a superstar and the solitude that often accompanies fame.

The video captures Bieber interacting with fans, performing on stage, and spending time with his team. However, there are also moments where he is shown alone, either in hotel rooms or walking through different cities, which subtly reinforces the idea that even in the midst of constant company, one can still feel a sense of loneliness. The juxtaposition of these two worlds — the public and the private — aligns with the lyrical theme of seeking connection without deeper emotional investment.

Cultural Impact and Reception
“Company” wasn’t as commercially explosive as some of Bieber’s other singles from Purpose, but it still received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Many appreciated the song’s laid-back vibe and its mature take on relationships. It showcased Bieber’s growth as an artist, moving away from his earlier teen-pop image into more mature, introspective themes.

The song also resonated with fans who related to the idea of seeking temporary companionship in a fast-paced, sometimes emotionally detached world. As casual relationships and connections have become more common in the digital age, “Company” struck a chord with listeners who could identify with the balance between wanting intimacy and maintaining emotional independence.

Conclusion: A Modern Take on Relationships
“Company” by Justin Bieber is more than just a pop song about casual relationships; it is a reflection of modern love, where people often seek connections without the burden of commitment. With its understated production, mellow vocals, and introspective lyrics, the song captures the complexities of human relationships in a world where people crave companionship but are wary of emotional entanglements.

It’s a track that highlights Bieber’s versatility as an artist, allowing him to explore deeper themes of connection and isolation, while still delivering a catchy, modern sound. “Company” remains a significant part of Bieber’s Purpose album, showcasing his ability to tackle contemporary issues in relationships with subtlety and emotional depth.

LYRICS:
Can we, we keep
Keep each other company?
Maybe we, can be
Be each other’s company
Oh company

Let’s set each other’s lonely nights
Be each other’s paradise
Need a picture for my frame
Someone to share my reign
Tell me what you wanna drink
Tell you what I got in mind
Oh I don’t know your name
But I feel like that’s gonna change

You ain’t gotta be my lover
For me to call you baby
Never been about no pressure
Ain’t that serious

Can we, we keep
Keep each other company?
Maybe we, can be
Be each other’s company
Oh company

It ain’t about the complications
I’m all about the elevation
We can keep it goin’ up
Oh, don’t miss out on us
Just wanna have a conversation
Forget about the obligations
Maybe we can stay in touch
Oh that ain’t doin’ too much

You ain’t gotta be my lover
For me to call you baby
Never been about no pressure
Ain’t that serious, no

Can we, we keep
Keep each other company?
Maybe we, can be
Be each other’s company
Oh company

Can be, can be
Be each other’s company
Be each other’s company
Just be each other’s company
Be each other’s company
Can we, we keep
Keep each other company?
Maybe we, can be
Be each other’s company
Oh company