Born and Raised

Album: Born And Raised (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This rootsy paean is the title track of the fifth studio album by American musician John Mayer. Produced by the singer with Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt) the record marked a change in Mayer's musical style, incorporating musical elements of folk and Americana.
  • That's Mayer himself on the opening harmonica. The track also features multi-instrumentalist Greg Leisz on lap steel guitarist, whilst David Crosby and Graham Nash contribute supporting vocals.
  • The song finds Mayer attempting to come to terms with his true self, as he despairs that, "it gets hard to fake what I won't be."
  • Mayer's parents concluded an uncontested divorce on May 27, 2009, and he addresses that heartbreak when he sings: "I still got faith. I call on both of my brothers. I got a mom, I got a dad. But they do not have each other."
  • The song is reprised at the end of the album in a rootsier version with more harmonica.
  • The Born and Raised album debuted at #1 in six countries:Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands and the United States. It also hit the top position on iTunes in 30 territories worldwide.

Comments: 1

  • Lezli from VaI think the line in the first verse is "I cheat the light to check my face..." which, with the following line, makes more sense.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Tanita Tikaram

Tanita TikaramSongwriter Interviews

When she released her first album in 1988, Tanita became a UK singing sensation at age 19. She talks about her darkly sensual voice and quirky songwriting style.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.