justified
Kacey Musgraves Lyrics


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It was a fun, strange summer
I rolled on, didn't think of you
We lost touch with each other
Fall came and I had to move

Moving backwards, hurt comes after
Healing doesn't happen in a straight line
If I cry just a little
And then laugh in the middle
If I hate you then I love you
Then I change my mind
If I need just a little
More time to deal with the fact
That you should have treated me right
Then I'm more than just a little justified
Mm-mm, mm-mm
I'm more than just a little justified

To touch somebody
You know I tried to make that you
And when you lied and said, you didn't want me
Tell me what was I supposed to do?

Moving on, was feeling strong
But healing doesn't happen in a straight line

If I cry just a little
And then laugh in the middle
If I hate you and I love you
Then I change my mind
If I need just a little
More time to deal with the fact
That you should have treated me right
Then I'm more than just a little justified
Mm-mm, mm-mm
I'm more than just a little justified

If I die just a little
Inside just a little
If I want you and I call you
Then I change my mind
If I need just a little
More time to deal with the fact
That I should have treated you right
I'm more than just a little

If I cry just a little
And then laugh in the middle
And I hate you and I love you
Then I change my mind (a million times)
If I need just a little
More time to deal with the fact
That you should have treated me right
Then I'm more than just a little justified




Mm-mm, mm-mm
I'm more than just a little justified

Overall Meaning

The verses of "Justified" by Kacey Musgraves depict the end of a tumultuous relationship that was marked by lies and hurt. The singer confesses that she has moved on and did not think of her ex-partner during the fun, strange summer. However, as the season ends and it is time to move, the singer begins to feel the hurt once again, "moving backward." The song explores the aftermath of a breakup and how the singer copes with the fact that despite moving on, she still has unresolved feelings towards her ex-partner. The chorus illustrates the conflicting emotions that arise within the singer as she simultaneously cries and laughs, shifts between hating and loving, and needs more time to heal from the hurt caused by her ex-partner.


The lyrics reveal that despite the singer's efforts to move on, she is still affected by the memories of the relationship, and the healing process is not linear. While she may have been able to move forward initially, her emotions resurface as it is time to leave. The singer is looking for justification for her feelings and actions towards her ex-partner. The chorus repeats the phrase that the singer is more than just a little justified, implying that her feelings are valid and understandable.


Line by Line Meaning

It was a fun, strange summer
The summer was filled with unexpected experiences


I rolled on, didn't think of you
I moved forward without dwelling on the past


We lost touch with each other
We became distant and disconnected


Fall came and I had to move
I had to physically relocate during the upcoming season


Moving backwards, hurt comes after
Regressing can cause emotional pain


Healing doesn't happen in a straight line
The process of recovery is not always linear


To touch somebody, You know I tried to make that you
I made an effort to connect with you emotionally


And when you lied and said, you didn't want me
You were dishonest about your feelings for me


Tell me what was I supposed to do?
I was unsure how to react in that situation


Moving on, was feeling strong
I was able to continue forward with strength


If I cry just a little, And then laugh in the middle
My emotions are conflicted and change rapidly


If I hate you and I love you, Then I change my mind
My feelings towards you are complex and uncertain


If I need just a little, More time to deal with the fact
I require additional time to handle the reality of the situation


That you should have treated me right
I deserved to be treated with respect and consideration


Then I'm more than just a little justified
My feelings and actions are reasonable and valid


If I die just a little, Inside just a little
I am experiencing internal pain and distress


If I want you and I call you, Then I change my mind
My desires waver and fluctuate


That I should have treated you right
I should have treated you with respect and consideration


I'm more than just a little
My actions and feelings are significant


And I hate you and I love you, Then I change my mind (a million times)
My emotions are constantly in flux




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brandon Burton, Ian Fitchuk, Ilsey Juber, Kacey Musgraves

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

ReJh Castillon

“Healing doesn’t happen in straight line.” As someone who’s healing from a traumatic experience, this line hits right in the feels.

Sugar Cane

Right?!!!!

Lillian Weber

Me, too… “right in the feels”

Sherrie Chamberlain

Amen. Me tooooo

larissaJane22

Look up the Unalome symbol. The path is never a straight line, it is filled with missteps, joy and suffering.

Spuds Morocco

Oh yeah, the whole song is so therapeutic.
“You should’ve treated me right “

5 More Replies...

Kalyn Nicholson

Ready for all the new Kacey content plz ✨🍭🦋

Chelcie Lynn

💥☄️⚡️🌈AMAZING OMFG!!!!!!!!

danielle r

At least now she won’t have to bitch about not being played on country radio stations!!

Gabriel Mateus

This woman can't release bad songs. It's physically impossible.

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