There are many songs about breakups, but this song shows real emotion. It is a situation that many experience and the emotions portrayed in the song are similar to the way people feel when they break up. When you first hear the song, you can tell that over all the author is trying to move on from heartbreak. The pace is slow, the mood is sad, and the author sounds really down. When you listen to the words you discover how hard it is for the author to let go and deal with his break up. In the song he says “…you roll out of bed on your knees, and for a moment you can hardly breathe…” This line always grabs my attention because I believe it is real emotion. There are always songs about people breaking up and being angry with each other. They believe that they can find a much better person and they are bitter. There are very few songs where I believe the author is being honest about having a hard time moving on. That is why this song appeals to me.
The meaning behind the song is portrayed well. I think that the song is saying I am in love with someone who is not in love with me anymore, so how do I deal with that. How do I stop thinking or dreaming about them. Should I have hope that we will get back together. In the song he says “…wondering could you stay my love, Will you wake up by my side…” These are thoughts and emotions that I felt. It is as if the author is trying to convince himself that it is really over and I found myself doing the same thing. In relationships people argue and break up, then get back together. When you know that it is really over though, you do try and convince yourself that it is.
The instrumental helps add to the emotion and tone of the song. A piano and an electric guitar are used. At first the piano is played softly and the guitar plays the same melody. The pace is s l o w and John Mayer sings in a soft and defeated voice. The mood created is one of sadness and the tone is not one of anger but very hurt and hopeless. Then the pace speeds up just a tad and the piano and electric guitar are played more dramatically. You feel as if John Mayer starts to sing directly to you. While listening to the song it makes me sad. I can relate to how the author is feeling during that time in my life. I think that if different instruments were used the mood could still be created, but if the pace was changed this song would not have hopeless tone created.
All in all, this song I believe captivates real emotion after a break up. The meaning is clear and the tone, lyrics and instruments used all help display an obstacle the author is trying to overcome. It tells a story and I think the author achieved relating this topic to audiences which is why it is very popular. This song is still very important to me and I feel the same way every time I listen to it. “…do I have to fall asleep with roses in my hand, would you get them if I did, no you won’t, because you’re gone, gone, gone, gone, gone…” 