Greta Gerwig’s movie Lady Bird takes place in 2002, when heartbreak was soundtracked to Dave Matthews Band and teen romance demanded Justin Timberlake. And as a guest on last night’s episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers, Gerwig revealed that she sent highly personalized letters to the artists whose music she needed.
She sent Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews, and Justin Timberlake a series of cute, deeply personal letters about how she had to use these songs. She actually wrote them all into the script and anyone who’s seen the film knows that it needs “Crash Into Me.” But the most memorable line, which Gerwig admits is pretty awkward, is probably the beginning of her letter to Timberlake: “I mean, what can you say?” You’re Justin Timberlake.”
Below, read the letters in their entirety taken from the segment: