St. Vincent, the acclaimed musician known for her unique sound and artistic vision, has made headlines recently for her strong opinions on certain songs in music history. In a candid interview with Kerrang, she was asked to name what she considers the “worst song ever written.” Her choice? John Mayer’s hit “Daughters,” from his 2003 album Heavier Things.
St. Vincent, whose real name is Annie Clark, did not hold back in her criticism. She described “Daughters” as “hideously sexist,” arguing that while it masquerades as a love song, it is fundamentally retrograde and deeply misogynistic. She expressed her disdain, stating, “It’s so deeply misogynistic, which would be fine if you owned that, but it pretends like it’s sweet.” This perspective highlights her belief that the song’s surface-level sweetness is misleading, masking its problematic themes.
This isn’t the first time St. Vincent has voiced her disapproval of Mayer’s work. In a 2017 interview with Vogue, she remarked on the tendency of listeners to interpret her lyrics through the lens of her past relationships. She quipped, “Songs are Rorschach tests anyway. They say more about you than the person who made them. All my songs are about John Mayer.” This comment suggests a playful yet pointed critique of Mayer’s influence on her and perhaps the music industry at large.
In a 2021 conversation with Vinyl Me, Please, St. Vincent recounted an incident that further illustrates her feelings about Mayer’s music. She shared that during a sound check, a technician played Mayer’s song “Gravity” to test the audio system. St. Vincent was so put off by this choice that she decided to fire the sound engineer. This anecdote underscores her strong aversion to Mayer’s work, particularly in a professional context.
“Daughters,” released in 2004, was a significant commercial success for Mayer, earning him a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2005. The song’s lyrics convey a message to fathers about the importance of treating their daughters well, warning that neglect could lead to “daddy issues” that affect their future relationships. Lines like “On behalf of every man/ looking out for every girl/ you are the God and the weight of her world/ so fathers, be good to your daughters” encapsulate this sentiment.
However, St. Vincent’s critique suggests that she sees this message as overly simplistic and rooted in outdated gender norms. By framing the song as a cautionary tale for fathers, Mayer may inadvertently reinforce traditional gender roles and the idea that women’s emotional well-being is contingent upon male behavior. St. Vincent’s perspective challenges listeners to reconsider the implications of such narratives in popular music.
As an artist who has made significant contributions to the music landscape, including co-writing hits for Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, St. Vincent’s opinions carry weight. Her ability to blend genres and push boundaries in her own work contrasts sharply with what she perceives as the limitations of Mayer’s songwriting. This juxtaposition raises important questions about the evolution of music and the responsibility of artists to address social issues through their art.
St. Vincent’s comments have sparked discussions among fans and critics alike, prompting many to reflect on the messages conveyed in popular songs. Her willingness to speak out against a well-known artist like Mayer demonstrates a commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for more progressive representations of women in music.
In a broader context, St. Vincent’s critique of “Daughters” aligns with a growing movement within the music industry to address issues of sexism and misogyny. Many artists are increasingly aware of the impact their lyrics can have on listeners and are striving to create more inclusive and empowering narratives. This shift reflects a cultural reckoning with the ways in which music can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce societal norms.
As the conversation around gender and music continues to evolve, St. Vincent’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of critical engagement with the art we consume. By questioning the messages embedded in popular songs, listeners can foster a deeper understanding of the cultural forces at play and advocate for change within the industry.
In conclusion, St. Vincent’s choice of John Mayer’s “Daughters” as the “worst song ever written” highlights her strong stance against what she perceives as retrograde and misogynistic themes in music. Her critiques not only reflect her personal views but also contribute to a larger dialogue about the role of artists in shaping societal narratives. As the music industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and gender, St. Vincent’s voice remains a powerful force for change.
Source: Kerrang, Vogue, Vinyl Me, Please, ABC Audio
