John Mayer Chases an Elusive Romance in New Song “Tom And Jerry”

John Mayer returns with his first solo release in five years. The new single, “Tom And Jerry”, follows Sob Rock, Mayer’s 2021 album and final release for his longtime label, Columbia Records.

“Tom And Jerry” arrives via Mayer’s own Sob Rock Records and continues the Pepé Le Pew vibe of tunes like “Why You No Love Me”.

Never Gonna Catch You

Mayer uses a cat-and-mouse metaphor to describe an elusive romance. (In the titular cartoon, Tom always tried to smash Jerry to pieces, but only ended up getting hurt in each episode.)

I’m never gonna catch you,
This is never gonna end.
Might as well be my lover,
If you don’t wanna be my friend.
You’re my badge,
Baby, I’m your scar.
Throwing daggers at the camera,
Trying to hit me from afar.

Over yacht-tinged keys, the narrator declares his love, but the woman remains emotionally out of reach.

Now if you ever come through,
Which I doubt you’ll do,
I’ll run away with you.

They have too much history, and perhaps the initial chase was the most intriguing part. I don’t know if this counts as slow dancing in a burning room, but the narrator seems destined for heartbreak here.

Admit that if you met me,
Tonight for the first time.
You’d never forget me,
We’d be living on the same dime.
It’s not too late,
It’s easy if you try.
Whatever his name is,
Just tell him goodbye.

An All-Star Band

Mayer wrote and produced the song with Blake Slatkin, alongside an all-star band of high-profile musicians who helped craft the glossy track: bassist Pino Palladino, drummer Aaron Sterling, percussionist Lenny Castro, and Larry Goldings on organ.

Echoing his Sob Rock, 80s-inspired era, Mayer sings, plays guitar, synths, keeps the chorus pedal on, and keeps things sobbing on “Tom And Jerry”.

Writing on Instagram, Mayer expressed his admiration for the musicians he works with: “I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating every time — I get to work with a group of incredibly talented and deeply dedicated artists who will stop at nothing until the sound comes into focus and becomes a picture.”

Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SiriusXM