"Cry Me a River" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his debut solo album, Justified (2002). It was thought to be inspired by Timberlake's former relationship with singer Britney Spears. Jive Records released the song to contemporary hit and rhythmic radio in the United States on November 25, 2002, as the album's second single. Accompanied by an electric piano, beatbox, guitars, synthesizers, Arabian-inspired riffs and Gregorian chants, "Cry Me a River" is a pop and R&B song about a brokenhearted man who moves on from his past.

Justin Randall Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. Often referred to as the "Prince of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Timberlake is known for his diverse artistry in songwriting, showmanship, tenor vocal range, and music production. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, the Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and MTV's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. According to Billboard, Timberlake is the best performing male solo artist in the history of the Mainstream Top 40.