Kind of Obsessed with John Mayer
Ever since I saw his concert two weeks ago, I’ve been listening to my entire John Mayer catalog of music. I own all of his CDs, and I’ve been a fan for years, and I do listen to him often. But now I think I’ve crossed a line and have become a little obsessed. You know how some artists are just so talented that when you’ve listened to all of their songs a million times, you just wish they could just keep turning out new music because you can’t get enough?
That’s how I feel about John Mayer.
And honestly, I am talking about his music, his lyrics, and the soul he pours into everything he makes.
I am patiently waiting for his new album to arrive from Amazon.
When I saw his concert, I loved the way he broke the night up into “chapters.” He started his first set, Chapter 1, with his full band. Chapter 2 was acoustic. (I could listen to acoustic music all night long.) Chapter 3 was the Trio. Chapter 4 was the full band. And his encore was John (and he also played the piano).
I enjoyed every second of this concert and was blown away by Mayer’s talent. I’d seen him a few years ago at another venue, and unfortunately, thunderstorms curtailed that show. I was disappointed. I wanted him to play longer. Luckily, two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending this tour at Verizon Center. The whole night was electric. And his bands were phenomenal.
And so, here I am, back in my John Mayer mode. I can’t get enough of his music right now. And the lyrics to his songs move me. His guitar playing is brilliant, and his voice sounded crystal clear and strong in concert. As an added bonus, he played the piano and sang a song from his new album that made me melt.
“Stop this Train,” and “Back to You” are two older favorites of mine, and the one that still gives me chills today is “Dreaming with a Broken Heart,” so I thought I’d end today’s post with those lyrics.
They are poetry in motion, and remind me of something that happened in my life. They are also another reminder of the universality of music and lyrics.
When you’re dreaming with a broken heart
The waking up is the hardest part
You roll outta bed and down on your knees
And for a moment you can hardly breathe
Wondering, “Was she really here?
Is she standing in my room?”
No she’s not, ’cause she’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone….
When you’re dreaming with a broken heart
The giving up is the hardest part
She takes you in with her crying eyes
Then all at once you have to say goodbye
Wondering, “Could you stay my love?
Will you wake up by my side?”
No she can’t, ’cause she’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone….
Now do I have to fall asleep with roses in my hand?
Do I have to fall asleep with roses in my hand?
Do I have to fall asleep with roses in my hand?
Do I have to fall asleep with roses in my, roses in my hand?
would you get them if I did?
No you won’t, ’cause you’re gone, gone, gone, gone, gone….
When you’re dreaming with a broken heart
The waking up is the hardest part
-John Mayer
Stephanie Verni is Professor of Business Communication at Stevenson University and is the author of Inn Significant, Baseball Girl, and Beneath the Mimosa Tree. Along with her colleagues Leeanne Bell McManus and Chip Rouse, she is a co-author of Event Planning: Communicating Theory and Practice, published by Kendall-Hunt.