Cry Me A River

Cry Me A River

Justin Timberlake

“Cry Me a River” is Justin Timberlake’s second single from his debut studio album, Justified (2002). It was an international smash, reaching the top 5 in the US, UK, Belgium and Australia, and the top 20 in several more countries overseas in early 2003.

It was inspired by Timberlake’s former relationship with pop singer Britney Spears. According to Rolling Stone:

Justin Timberlake uncovered Spears' alleged affair with Wade Robson when he discovered a note in Spears' room in February 2002, on the night that the two pop stars were scheduled to appear on Saturday Night Live. Spears tried to make amends, but a shaken Timberlake refused to reconcile, and many assumed that his biting solo smash “Cry Me a River” was written about their breakup.

Spears recorded an answer song titled “Everytime” for her 2003 studio album In the Zone.

In the “Cry Me A River” music video, Timberlake’s character spies on his ex-lover and shows her the love for his new partner. Spears alleged that the video was a publicity stunt, but Timberlake maintained that she did not inspire the production. The clip won the awards for Best Male Video and Best Pop Video at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. He later apologized for participating in making Spears look bad after their split.