"Hard times, help me see."

 

"Music can change the world because it can change people. "-Bono

 

If it was up to me, John Mayer would never be the face of August. However, I am learning to set aside prejudices that are founded on a lack of chances. I was not dealing out opportunities for Jay May to win over my music heart—but he did it anyway. That is when you know something is golden: it takes you against your will. If we know John Mayer’s character then we know he does not carry a ‘kind’ reputation.  The media has captured him at some pretty tactless moments, but if I have learned anything about music—I’ve learned it writes to redemption. Now I am not saying that everyone has to be a world activist for me to listen to their music. I am simply stating that I trust the music more when it comes from a genuine place. In the end how well can you know someone you have never met? You cannot, all you have is what the cameras sell you and the magazines tell you. Even strangers deserve a few chances at being better. So let us listen to John, because he is ‘a good man with a good heart, had a tough time, got a rough start’. We have all had our “Shadow Days”, but they are over now.

Battle Studies was the first album that made me reconsider. My friend bought it, and we rode out to a gas station with subs in hand and listened though the whole thing, times over. All my friends were doing it so it seemed okay. Yes, there is musical peer pressure. Why do you think so many people still listen to mediocre music? Little did I know my friends were right, this guy was talented. Who was I kidding he had more talent than about ten musicians combined. But I am one of the most stubborn people I know, so I was not yet taken. After a falling asleep night after night to the live “Keep Me Where the Light Is” DVD I was discovering the trio, David Ryan Harris, and a lot of other classy people/elements that went into the mainstream name I refused to fully embrace. I was fighting a battle and losing hard.

The first time I heard “Shadow Days” I felt instant understanding. We all want to be taken as we are, not as our changed self. We want people to believe we are worth the investment—not solely the later outcome. We want them to take the gamble and have the faith in us. These lyrics were begging for me to invest, for us all to invest. So I kept my ears open. Then Boyce Avenue bettered me musically once more. I love them so much—but they are always making me listen to people and songs I never imagined I would. They are always widening my eyes even when I am forcing them shut. So naturally they covered “The Age of Worry” and I was taken aback. John Mayer is an honest, lyrical perfectionist. Why have I been wasting my time?! So my precious cousin who cares for my musical well being sent me Born & Raised and Room For Squares so my love could grow. Just as I had helped put Boyce Avenue in her world; she has helped John Mayer into mine. Music is the only language we all can speak—talented or just a taster of talent. Family is the only blood you have, and sometimes they become your family twice because they give you the sweetest gift—music. So Jay May, we have made friends with what you are. We are “In Your Atmosphere”, and glad to be.

 

“If I ever get around to living

It’s  gonna be  just like I dreamed

I’m gonna take the love I’m given

And set it free, free”

“If I Ever Get Around to Living”, John Mayer