| John Mayer – Waiting on the World to Change Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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This comment is for those claiming this song is complete rip-off of Curtis Mayfield and the Impressionists' song "People Get Ready". Though the melody and musical structure share similarities, I believe that Mayer is smartly and deliberately referencing Mayfield's song - not imitating it. "People Get Ready" was released in 1965, in the midst of all kinds of political and social unrest in the US and one year after the March on Washington. The music itself simply adds another layer of meaning and emotional reference to the song. Though I did not grow up during those years, I recently wrote a research paper on the American Folk Revival of the 1950s and 60s and its impact on modern American music and culture. One common trait of traditional folk music is the appropriation of pre-existing musical traditions or songs themselves. Many artists, including Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens and Neil Young, performed traditional material before branching out with their own unique works. Even Bob Marley has used a riff and lyrics from "People Get Ready" in one of his own compositions. If you don't believe me or want to learn more about the song and it's cultural context, check out this link: http://www.npr.org/news/specials/march40th/people.html I was also recently in the car with my mother when "Waiting on the World to Change" came on the radio, and I discovered that my mom and I both really enjoy that song. The song is very popular on modern jazz radio stations, which typically have an older listening audience. I suspect that they are drawn to the song not just because it is beautifully written and produced but also because it is nostalgic and reminds them of those times during our musical and cultural history. I personally think it is foolish to believe that a musician as talented and intelligent as John Mayer would try and pass off another artist's work as his own. That's what I think anyways. ^_^ |
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| MxPx – For Always Lyrics | 23 years ago |
| I agree with doYourfeetHurt. It doesn't necessarily have to apply to a particular situation, although it can. I used it on a CD I gave to my senior friends, filled with songs about graduation. I think the song is about looking at your past, and recognizing that no matter what has happened, it is a part of you. You should never forget what you've learned and be proud of what you've done. It's about living your life and being able to look back on it and love what you see. | |
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