The 'Queen Of California' is Mayer himself in his past 'celebrity' phase. When he says he's 'heading out west with my headphones on...' that is him boarding a plane from New York (where he still has an apartment) to search out a new life and a new sound in his music, greatly inspired by his recent listenings of Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, (Mayer settled into a new life in Montana). When he says the 'Queen of California is stepping' down', that is him declaring he is no longer going to be the cheep Californian celebrity he realised he had come to be in recent years. 'Looking for the Sun that Neil Young Hung' refers to Sunset Sound Studios in California where Young himself abandoned (hung) the initial recording process of "After The Goldrush" due to his own difficulties with the pressure of fame and 'the hip scene' that was happening at the time in Hollywood and Laurel Canyon. Mayer obviously identifies with Young's need to 'get back to basics' and to avoid any of the temptations of 'the scene' as it is apparent that this kind of lifestyle is not conducive to writing your best music. Young in fact hid himself away in the basement of his house to record the rest of the album on an old 8 track. The result many believe to be a folk-rock masterpiece. 'Joni wrote Blue is a house by the sea' refers to Joni Mitchell's writing of the 'Blue' album. She did indeed write it in a house by the sea, and when Mayer sings 'I got to believe there's another color waiting on me, to set me free' it is him hoping that when he 'disappears' from the scene he can write his own version of a classic album like "Blue", metaphorically speaking in a different "color" and thus set him free from his demons.

@thbui3491

10 жыл бұрын

Wow!Great! I had difficulties in understanding the lyrics. Now thanks to you :)

@Dantalian808_V2

10 жыл бұрын

I heard that was part of it, but it had double meaning taylor swift broke up with him when this came out. some say this was he thought of her. or his revenge

@thbui3491

10 жыл бұрын

Charles Correia nope,John is not this kind of bad guy

@Dantalian808_V2

10 жыл бұрын

nah. they say because taylor wrote the song picture to burn about him. so they say he wrote back

@linewolf007

10 жыл бұрын

That's the beautiful thing about songs, they are meant to be universal, you take it, listen too it and interpret it as what ever you want too, too fit your own situation, you it too get through hard times, or just plain old enjoy the music, what ever you want. :) this was just how I thought John Mayer interpreted it himself :)

john mayer is so based the guitar keeps playing even when he puts it down. he has oficially reached chuck norris level.

@benaiahspencer7413

8 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@luegenres1411

8 жыл бұрын

YASSSSS! King!

@n64wilbert

7 жыл бұрын

Praise Lil B the BasedGod for his Kekistani talent

@jakobmorningstar

6 жыл бұрын

And continues to play through an amplifier when it's not even plugged in

@tonyaholley4292

6 жыл бұрын

hugo pereira That was the best laugh to start my day😂😂😂

THIS IS SUCH AN UNDERRATED VIDEO OF AN UNDERRATED SONG ON AN UNDERRATED ALBUM!

@isaacdelgadojaimes

8 жыл бұрын

Of Course in All. :(

@SerJollyGuy

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Wooff god damn right! This is my favorite album.

@pukumalla7667

8 жыл бұрын

here let me show you the window

@graffist448

7 жыл бұрын

Yup. John's music is so good but he said it best himself - not everything will be a mega hit even though the music is as good or better than what's main stream.

@kcsunshine2202

7 жыл бұрын

this whole album is underrated but it gives me so much more respect for John. I also think the older he gets, the better he sounds. I can't wait for his new album!!

From a low budget video like this to making the greatest music video of all time (New Light). This is what success is.

@chucksweet00

5 жыл бұрын

Low budget video? Wtf? Just because there are not helicopters?

@Mossman1117

5 жыл бұрын

Go watch New light, you'll get the joke

@carlareneemayer7090

5 жыл бұрын

I love my only one hero here. That would be my multi-talented singer song wrighter my manager amongst many more beautiful groups to help others and especially his love for me his honesty his wife Carla Renee Mayer he sometimes calls me (lyric) God Bless You HoneyB Love you John Clayton Mayer my hero my husband....💝🌸

@mayser9361

5 жыл бұрын

Really? Low budget?

@MitchPhillips

5 жыл бұрын

@@mayser9361 SARCASM. C'mon People. Go watch 'New Light' and you'll see how good this comment was!

That’s 16 year old me at @2:49 playing bass trombone 😊

In my opinion, Born and Raised is the best album John has ever released. It's deep, honest, fun and it's great company when you need someone who understands. Also, take it on a road trip, play the songs in order and thank me later.

@TheMetalrap619

7 жыл бұрын

i think we can't say one is the best because the other album has another genre btw, my friend who doesn't like folk/americana said this is a bad album

@feircecat2433

7 жыл бұрын

Abe Lincoln YES!!! This is one of the few john Mayer albums I have on CD and I loveeee listening to it while driving. I've had it for a year it I haven't gotten sick of it yet. This song especially I play on repeat

@reNINTENDO

7 жыл бұрын

As someone who pretty much only listens to full CDs at a time, the idea of not playing songs in order is odd to me.

@onlyheart1

6 жыл бұрын

Abe Lincoln I agree. Its what I listen to when I'm driving and its a coming of age/ maturing story of moving on and growing the hell up and admitting to some things and freaking taking responsibility.

@Brucaleeffo

5 жыл бұрын

this

It sucks that he is so underrated and underappreciated in today's climate. Imagine if he was from the 60s or 70s. He'd be a freakin legend today.

@drewharrison1840

Жыл бұрын

He’s reached legend status with his work the remainder of the Dead. His guitar work is finely being widely appreciated rather than just by niche blues rock fans of the JM Trio

@debbierabe1756

11 ай бұрын

He is a Legend. Look at all he's done.

@themakerstoolbox9688

7 ай бұрын

If he did this type of music his whole career then he would have been legend status and would have made it in the 60s and 70s. He didn't do music like this his whole career though. He made his name on formulaic pop songs with nice guitar riffs. That's what hurts him now. Those who know about his hidden talent highly respect him though.

Goodbye cold, goodbye rain Goodbye sorrow, goodbye shame I'm headed out west with my headphones on Boarded a flight with a song in the back of my soul And no one knows I just found out her ghost left town The Queen of California is stepping down, down Hello beauty, hello strange Hello wonder, what's your name? Looking for the sun that Neil Young hung After the gold rush of 1971 I just found out her ghost left town The Queen of California is stepping down, down If you see her say, "Hello" Just don't tell me, "I told you so" Joni wrote Blue in her house by the sea I gotta believe there's another color waiting on me To set me free I just found out her ghost left town The Queen of California is stepping down, down, down Get down

John Mayer said in an interview that he had complete freedom when doing this album. He also said he wasnt rushed and that he thought it was his best work.

I am really liking John Mayer's music these days

@california95762

6 жыл бұрын

I've been saying the same since 1999

@diogenesnattan9544

6 жыл бұрын

Me too

@timmietimmie8502

4 жыл бұрын

@@california95762 same. He's the best.

@rainen5627

3 жыл бұрын

would still say the same thing today

@larrybill2661

Жыл бұрын

l agree with you, indeed John Mayer is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style, he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul…

Goodbye cold, goodbye rain Goodbye sorrow, goodbye shame I'm headed out west with my headphones on Boarded a flight with a song in the back of my soul And no one knows I just found out her ghost left town The Queen of California is stepping down, down Hello beauty, hello strange Hello wonder, what's your name? Looking for the sun that Neil Young hung After the gold rush of 1971 I just found out her ghost left town The Queen of California is stepping down, down [INSTRUMENTAL] If you see her say, "Hello" Just don't tell me, "I told you so" Joni wrote Blue in her house by the sea I gotta believe there’s another color waiting on me To set me free I just found out her ghost left town The Queen of California is stepping down, down

John Mayer would have absolutely THRIVED in the 60's and 70's. Thumbs up for such a good musician!!!!!

the last bit of the song... i wish it went on forever

Great outro and scenery at 3.28 and 3.37 left of J. Mayer

the whole Born and Raised record is probably my fav John has done so far... what a fantastic album, so smooth, warm and full of feel

@theloniouscoltrane3778

4 жыл бұрын

agree! the subsequent ones not so...

KING OF CALIFORNIA ❤

This album has a very folk-country feel to it but he still manages to incorporate some elements of his past records into it. The guitar solos are still blues oriented and some songs still have a little pop rock feel like Face to Call Home. This isn't the John Mayer that people are used to but I think its great that he is branching out into different genres a little. It just means that he will have more influences when he comes back around to blues which I'm sure he will. Still a great album.

Now compare this to Taylor’s: “touch me while you play auto grand theft”

@adiaryanaa

10 күн бұрын

Leave this man

@lynnlee2282

6 күн бұрын

No comparison. Taylor is so high school

Are you serious? Have you heard John Mayer live? He's one of the best, if not the best guitarist of our generation... You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. There are few if ANY people on this earth who can both play AND sing as well as Mayer. Get lost.

I really dig this video, especially the Truffant "Day For Night" vibe.

I love how skilled a guitarist John Mayer is. Rock, blues, country, folk you name it and he makes it sound beautiful.

The guy playing the piano is so nice. He just smiles :D That gets me in such a good mood.

@ranfali6807

4 жыл бұрын

:-)

@juasauga80

4 жыл бұрын

Chuck Leavell lol.....yeah he's kinda legit.

@vaughnwolf101

4 жыл бұрын

I noticed him right away too

@zekecortez1404

3 жыл бұрын

Chuck Leavell. Guy has played with ABB, the Stones, and just about every band out there.

@shootingfromthehip3600

3 жыл бұрын

Yah...can't help noticing him everytime. That warm smile is just so infectious.

Last time I listened to this song was in 2014-2015 I was still at high school and 15. Now I remember this song and search on KZread and listen to this song again at my 26 now. Time flies so fast, this song brings me to the past

Words cannot explain how much I appreciate his music and talent. Just adore him!

@MrSookazz

10 жыл бұрын

***** only when it's raining?

@herukuswara9233

2 жыл бұрын

Agree

@robertmollitor5329

2 жыл бұрын

Great guitar player. Love his music..

Holy shit, I just noticed this music video is brilliant! The cinematography and production design are amazing. Also a beautiful song of course :)

@erroldtumaque3430

7 жыл бұрын

yeah holy crap this video looks so good watching it again

1:30 That Moment When He Walks into the room, gets his guitar and swings around to a smiling Chuck Leavell. Priceless!

Young Johnny Depp John Mayer is my fav John Mayer phase This was his best album imo

2:24 what kind of effect is that? his body and environment moves in slow motion but his mouth still synchronized with the music, that's so cool !

@YTF121

7 жыл бұрын

Fially Pondaag They have him lip sync to the song while it's playing at double speed, then slow it down to regular speed for the video and this is how it ends up. It's pretty common in music videos and sometimes even in movies:)

@fiallypondaag

7 жыл бұрын

YTF121 aw ok got it haha :) thx for the information mate, I'm new to this stuff

@YTF121

7 жыл бұрын

Fially Pondaag Cheers man happy to help

@charlotte87x

6 жыл бұрын

I love your responses to the replies to your original question. You seem like such a sweet person 😊

This is a great song. Obviously derivative of the Allman Brothers, but I think his approach was honest in that regard. He's got Chuck on the upright.. thats a serious nod to southern rock.

Anyone still here? I like taking my attendance here😁😁🎶

@elizabethmcleod246

3 жыл бұрын

Always. ❤️

@annabungard8991

3 ай бұрын

lol

@annabungard8991

3 ай бұрын

😅😂🤣

@-Madelief-

Ай бұрын

Hidihi! 😄

Just moved from Nigeria to London, so the lyric "I'm headed out west with my headphones on" hits extra hard lately. Also, Born and Raised is the album with Mayer's best writing to date. Songs like "Whiskey Whiskey Whiskey" and "If I Ever Get Round to Living" are gems impossible to replicate.

@jerrychiemeke7525

Жыл бұрын

@Jennifer Ann Thurston Yea, what about Nigeria?

Mayer walks through artistic shifts & changes as easily as he walks through the different sets in this video, He's a national treasure.......

More people really need to hear this song I showed my uncle he got a smile and a tiny tear "They can still make music like they used too"

@bderrick4944

Жыл бұрын

Yes John Mayer, one of the more authentic songwriters of the 21st century

Has anyone else noticed that john is wearing his: "heading out west with my headphones on" t-shirt? Love it. And the song of course. The man is a genius.

@chrisserong4966

5 жыл бұрын

Nice! That's very cool. I hadn't spotted that

@sifaazh

3 жыл бұрын

time stamp please?

@pepperjanehq

2 жыл бұрын

ha, I don't think I had before, good spot!

...I've seen her....she changed my life. Much love to you brother.

"Queen of California whose ghost left town..." this is intriguing, mysterious Laurel Canyon prose.There is a hint of a very mellow John Mellencamp vibe, country slicker, confident Jim Morrison way cool attitude that "west is best". It is the surreal dream that "the grass is greener", uplifting, melody full of light , a cat walk behind the scenes and so much more eye candy to absorb. It's the tongue and cheek chase of the California dream and "wild blue" unchartered waters. Old soul beauty cultivated to a contemporary beat.♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Eight years ago, I was little girl who felt in love with this concept of John Mayer song. Now I'm twenty years old and still falling in love with all in this music and video.

I'm getting an Allman brothers vibe from this music

This album is still so epic. He has great stuff since, but this album just flows so flawlessly and perfect.

@bonvct

2 жыл бұрын

Born and Raised is great! Paradise Valley is a worthy part 2 to this IMO

What an underrated album ..for me it's up there with Continuum And I'm kinda sure John knew this album won't be a hit but he did it because it felt right

If he's walking in slow motion... than how come his lips are in perfect sync with the song???? :O

I like this version of John Mayer. The 70's folk/country sound really suits him.

Great song. Great video. Best album of Mayer's career in my opinion.

Admittedly I only discovered this song last week, but I’ve listened to it at least 15 times now lol

In all fairness, this is the most passionate, emotional, and heartfelt that John Mayer has ever been on a record. He literally fell from grace and then wrote a record about it. That is pure poetry. I literally cried when i heard shadow days because it was sooo moving.

Shouting out from 2023, there's still much to shout about with this song and video! John did the do and it all came shining through in this superb demonstration of his musical and entertainment artistry. Time has no sting here. Fresh as ever and capable of fitting in anytime, anyplace, anywhere. As would A Creative Genius, A Master, The Man and THE KING ❣💡🌟💎👑

@LarryBill233

Жыл бұрын

Hello Kimberly how are you doing hopefully you are doing good??

I love how it all returns to that utmost place of serenity. It's like it takes us through his life. From the hotel rooms, to taking in the cities he visits, to the glamor and commercial success side, to the recording, and back to that calm place that he's able to experience through music. Everything comes back to that.

He has matured as an artist. You should mature with him, he wont do what you want, no matter how much you want it. Only he chooses it, and this is the kind of new sound from him :) good good

This video is actually great. It goes with the meaning of the song. "I just found out her ghost left town" speaking of the Queen of California. My interpretation of this is that the magic he used to believe in the Hollywood movies is in reality just a big act, like this video.

The best of all the alumni that graduated from Fairfield High School. Imagine knowing this dude in high school? I love all he does and it doesn't matter what genre he sets his music to....all of it is supremely written, composed and videoed. Thanks for keeping some of today's music REAL. So much of today's music is not made from a place of love and honesty.

@shanelewis6354

Жыл бұрын

He went to Fairfield high school?. Crazy

I just saw John at the Southern Ground festival in Charleston. He didn't have his own set/couldn't sing, obviously (even though he ended up singing two words of a song, the naughty thing) but he did say a few words to the crowd before playing lead guitar while Zac Brown Band covered this song. It was magical; even though it wasn't John himself singing it, you could still feel the passion and the love of playing just radiating from him. One of the best moments of live music I've ever seen.

Omggg all these years I've been listening to this song and album and never watched this video. Love it! THE LONG HAIR!

@johnmayerofficial622

Жыл бұрын

Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here.

This was one of the first John Mayer songs, ever since then, I've picked up the guitar, learned plenty of blues and am now studying classical music and the theory behind it so that I can have the tools to be as good as him one day

Winter is coming!! Jon "Mayer"

Jim Keltner brought me here. Listened to this song 4 times already today and it's still hitting the spot every time. Mayer is a modern day legend

John Mayer songs never gets old.. its timeless

@larrybill2661

Жыл бұрын

l agree with you, indeed John Mayer is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style, he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul…

2:51 Jaw dropped at the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado passing by. Old car, New John. I'm loving it.

Dude .. I'm obsessed with your music .. I can't believe I ignored ur artistry for the past yrs .. can't wait for new music ✨✨

Finally after years I found this song... You have how happy I'm rn

that rosewood strat is so beautiful... want.

@aidenewer5150

6 жыл бұрын

Jonathan Irreño ikr

@JohnPaul-jx9ms

4 жыл бұрын

Me too

@tigerhunter8878

4 жыл бұрын

He also has the Hendrix strap on. Dope, I love to see him still show his respects to his hero’s with the strap. Even though it isn’t a Hendrix vibe in this song.

Lovely 🥰 🙌🏻

One of my fav. Album

Thankx John for inspiring and influencing me.Soon we will share the stage.

0:48 and thats how you put a hat on like a boss

@Mayersam

4 жыл бұрын

1:30 and thats how you put on your guitar too.

To me, at least as of his later albums, John represents a crossroads between the main pop music and the music with actual talent. Songs like this make me think that modern artists can still accomplish good music. It isn't perfect by any means, and musicians of times past could blow this away. But for today, it's excellent. That being said this is my favorite song from Born and Raised. Still waiting for a surge of talent to sweep in sooner or later, though. The kind that infiltrates the industry.

@daphenomenalz4100

Жыл бұрын

bruh, music can't be compared honestly. Yeah the modern songs right now have bad meanings and produced badly but this thing can't be said that it's worse than past songs.

John Mayer is one of the all time greats. Soone or later people will realize this fact. ❤️

❤️ at a loss for words

Not one HATERS can touch his great ability to compose and actually play an instrument not evolving EDC OR AUTOTUNE.

Usually I'm not a huge fan of music videos, but this one really adds to the music while still letting the song do it's own thing.

Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers Band and The Rolling Stones on the piano. Amazing how he’s been sticking around for decades to create great music

Awwe yah it's like John has taken a time machine back to the late 60's, smokin grass & writing acoustic folk tunes in the hills of Cali. Would have fit right in with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Mitchell, Taylor & others. Long hair, goatee, & a ranch in Montana ? I'm diggin it !

John Mayer is so good he can loop his acoustic without a pedal or any electronics for that matter

@simonlusby6683

5 жыл бұрын

yep

I hope I can afford to go to his show one day. Love his music.

Awesome musician

Mükemmel bir adam John Mayer ,Kürdistan’dan sevgiler ❤

John is the Queen of California!

His music interpretation of sounds is very Canadian. Canucks cross over from prairie to rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, soul, etc. Best kept secret is Canadian music!

still love this song. who is with me in 2022?

john makes music that goes into my ears and straight to my gut. idk if that makes sense but its just so meloncholy and wistful that I feel it viscerally inside me

My favorite music video of all time. This tune never fails to lift me up. Love it.

Inspiration... Awesome.

Geez, 11 years later it is still fabulous.

Eres un capo John, _Thanks for your good vibe_ Perú presente 🇵🇪

Halfway through 2018 and I still believe this is some of Mayer's best work. He really nails this sound and I'm hoping we get more of this in the future. This style just fits him like a glove. Love all your work John and New Light is a hit, but this song is just so you.

john mayer, in the event I was somehow negligent thank you for composing notes anew arranging them in harmonious ways without repeating music of prior days... in particular though not in your video uploads (unless my eyes missed it) the song "atmosphere" today brought my soul tears... most appreciated...

greatest mv I've ever seen

John the only one I listen to in the genre

@simonlusby6683

5 жыл бұрын

yep... He's great!!

John Mayer, the batman of the american music industry - Incorruptible originality in his music

One of the best songs I've heard in centuries!! Peace out Johnny Mayer!

This song can't be better.

He is yet and will still be a Legend ❤

Linda!

I love continuum, and tsfe, paradise valley and battle studies all have great songs, but born and raised might be more favourite. It’s the first I listened to all the way through and it tells such a clear, coherent story, and just has a great feel. Great song. Great album. Great artist.

Blues,pop,rock,folk,country....you just everything John. 👍

thats the great thing about John Mayer. If you want continuum, go listen to continuum again.

needs to go on forever!

I'm a huge fan of jam bands, and I absolutely love when he is taking his music now. Very chill, very relaxed. Good job, John!

I've always loved John, but now that he's playing with Dead and Company... 😍😍😍

@edwardcarter1992

3 жыл бұрын

Hello pretty happy first Sunday of the year, how are you doing I hope you good 🌹?

Happens to everyone. He's just THAT GOOD!

Epic Album...John Mayer do whatever you please, just don't stop making good music.