Who Did You Think I Was?

John Mayer's song 'Who Did You Think I Was?' delves into the complexities of self-identity and the perceptions others have of us. The lyrics are a powerful exploration of the multifaceted nature of the self, where Mayer questions the assumptions and expectations placed upon him. The opening lines, 'I got half a smile and zero shame / I got a reflection with a different name,' suggest a duality in his persona, hinting at the internal and external conflicts that shape his identity. This duality is further emphasized by his 'brand new blues,' a metaphor for the inexplicable emotions and experiences that define him.

Throughout the song, Mayer grapples with the fluidity of his identity, as seen in the lines, 'Every morning when the day begins / I make up my mind to change it back again.' This suggests a constant evolution and reinvention, a theme that resonates with the idea of being a 'shifter of the shape I'm in.' The repeated question, 'Who did you think I was?' serves as a challenge to those who try to pigeonhole him, asserting his resistance to being easily categorized.

The song also touches on the expectations of others, particularly in the lines, 'Am I the one who plays the quiet songs? / Is he the one who turns the ladies on?' Here, Mayer confronts the stereotypes and roles that people expect him to fulfill, questioning whether he can truly be defined by these narrow views. The line, 'I'm half of the boy but I'm twice the man,' encapsulates the complexity of his identity, suggesting that he is more than the sum of his parts. By carrying 'the weight of the world in the palm of my hand,' Mayer portrays himself as someone who bears significant responsibility and depth, challenging listeners to reconsider their perceptions of him.