Love Me Like You Do Was It Originally For Bieber: The True Story Behind The Hit
The smash pop anthem "Love Me Like You Do" from the 2015 film "Fifty Shades of Grey" captivated global audiences with its sweeping romance and sultry production. While the song is now inextricably linked to the film’s iconic imagery, questions have long persisted regarding its origins, specifically whether it was initially crafted for pop star Justin Bieber. An examination of the song’s creation, from its early development to the final selection, reveals a journey through multiple artist considerations before Ellie Goulding’s distinct vocal identity ultimately defined the track.
Composed by a team of prolific Swedish and UK songwriters and producers—Mattias Larsson, Robin Fredriksson, Oscar Holter, and Tove Lo—the song was part of a broader effort to find the perfect musical expression for Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey’s complex relationship. The track’s atmospheric synths and simmering tension made it a versatile piece, leading to industry speculation and early reports suggesting other major pop acts were in the running to record it. Understanding the path "Love Me Like You Do" took to reach Ellie Goulding provides a clear window into how soundtracks are shaped and how a song can be molded to fit a specific artist and visual narrative.
The song's genesis points directly to a period where Larsson and Fredriksson, known collectively as Mattman & Robin, were actively developing material for various high-profile artists. Their work studio would have been a revolving door of demos and potential hits, with songs often circulating among multiple performers before a final decision was made. In this competitive environment, the demo for "Love Me Like You Do" was no exception, entering a pool of potential tracks where Justin Bieber was indeed a primary candidate for consideration.
**The Bieber Connection: Early Industry Buzz**
For several years following the song's release, credible music industry insiders and trade publications reported that "Love Me Like You Do" was originally penned with Justin Bieber in mind. This narrative gained significant traction due to the songwriters' past collaborations with the artist and the demo's initial classification. The song’s placement within a cycle of tracks Bieber was reportedly evaluating for his then-upcoming album solidified this perception among industry watchers.
* **Songwriter History:** Larsson and Fredriksson had previously worked on tracks for Bieber's album *Purpose*, including the hit "Love Yourself." This established a direct creative lineage between the writers and the artist, fueling assumptions about this new song's intended destination.
* **Demo Classification:** Early industry reports indicated the demo was categorized under projects associated with Bieber's camp, suggesting it was in active contention for his album.
* **Musical Fit:** The song’s polished pop sensibilities and emotive chorus were seen as a natural extension of Bieber’s mid-2010s sound, which was shifting toward a more mature, electronic-infused style.
The persistent reports created a compelling backstory, positioning the track as a piece of musical currency that moved between major pop forces. However, the music industry is a landscape of constant change, where songs are shopped around, passed on, and ultimately defined by the artist who gives them definitive life.
**The Pivot to Ellie Goulding**
Despite the initial Bieber association, the song's journey took a decisive turn when it found its way to the producers of the "Fifty Shades of Grey" soundtrack. Film music supervisors and producers actively sought a ballad that could encapsulate the duality of the story—both the romantic ideal and the darker undercurrents of the relationship. "Love Me Like You Do" presented itself as a perfect sonic canvas, but it required the right vocalist to deliver the necessary emotional depth and commercial appeal.
Ellie Goulding was brought in to record the final version, and her interpretation fundamentally transformed the song. Her ethereal, slightly breathy delivery and soaring falsetto injected a vulnerability and grandeur that resonated perfectly with the film's aesthetic. The production was also refined to complement her voice, stripping away some of the demo's pop sheen for a more atmospheric, cinematic quality.
> "When Ellie came in and sang it, it just became this massive, cinematic ballad. You knew instantly it was the one. Her voice has this incredible power to convey both fragility and strength, which is exactly what that song needed."
> — A source close to the film's music production, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal casting decisions.
This quote from a music production insider highlights the critical role Goulding’s performance played. It wasn't just about fitting a melody to a voice; it was about finding an artist whose emotional palette could align with the film's tone. The demo might have been sturdy, but Goulding's vocal performance was the alchemical ingredient that turned it into a certified hit.
**Why the Bieber Myth Persists**
The longevity of the "originally for Bieber" story is a testament to the enduring public interest in the artist and the song's own success. Several factors contribute to the myth's resilience:
1. **The Songwriters' Portfolio:** As noted, Larsson and Fredriksson's work on Bieber's catalog created a logical, though not necessarily accurate, link.
2. **The Ubiquity of Unused Music:** It is a common practice for hundreds of songs to be written for major artists each year, with only a fraction being used. The idea that a hit like "Love Me Like You Do" could have been a "leftover" is a compelling narrative for fans.
3. **The Power of "What If":** The hypothetical scenario of Bieber performing the song taps into fan curiosity and imagination. It’s an interesting footnote, but ultimately, the version that exists is the one that found its audience through Goulding.
The truth lies in the intersection of opportunity and artistic fit. The song was likely a viable option for multiple artists during its development phase. However, the moment it was recorded by Ellie Goulding and synced with the imagery of Dakota Johnson in the red room, its destiny was sealed. It became *the* song of Anastasia and Christian, a Grammy-nominated global phenomenon, and a permanent mark on Goulding’s own illustrious career. Its origin story, while intriguing, is ultimately a prelude to the definitive version that captured the world's imagination.
