Mayer, Live and Learn
Since John Mayer’s interview with Playboy Magazine surfaced over a week ago, I’ve been pondering whether or not to respond to it…I can’t take it anymore, I’m responding. I can’t seem to get his arrogant, narcissistic words out of my head.
Before I go any further, let me tell you that I’m a HUGE fan. I absolutely love his lyrics, his voice, and the way he plays those strings! For me, the whole package works, and it has since the first time I saw him perform, but I have to say that he has taken a good thing and spoiled it for me. I’m bummed.
During his conversation with Playboy, I think he lost his mind, a bit. Maybe he was trying to be more risqué, or attempting to create an avant-garde persona. At the end of the day, he crossed so many lines that it was almost impossible for him to remain likeable.
For all of Mr. Mayer’s talk of love and romance in his songs, his interview read more like a chauvinistic, self-idealizing speech. At times, John spoke of his exes and their love-life with more raw detail than necessary. I’m pretty sure he was never taught not to kiss and tell, but I’m equally certain that he got an earful, after the interview was released.
The other issue that I found most disturbing was his take on relationships. He spends lots of time talking about the fact that he, how can I say it…enjoys his “alone time”. He apparently has so much fun by himself that he prefers taking care of his own needs, over being intimate with a woman. Now, I don’t know about you, but that sounds strange.
In the back of my mind, I keep picturing him as a young boy. I see this shy kid, maybe not so popular, not great at sports, kind of lost in the crowd…who turns into this incredibly talented singer/songwriter. This man who can stir up powerful emotions, with the strumming of his guitar, and who has the face of an angel. This mega-superstar/sex symbol. That is a monumental transition to go through, and the inertia that creates can throw your equilibrium off.
John, I’m cutting you every bit of slack that I can muster up, because I (selfishly) need to get the bad taste out of my mouth and get back to enjoying your amazing talent. I know you’re more than your music, but my hope is that…for your sake, the man can mature. As for me, I wish for my body to be a wonderland, to be on the edge of desire, and to be covered in rain…again