Other meanings of gravity
Music
“Gravity” is a blues rock song by American singer-songwriter John Mayer, released as the second single from his 2006 album Continuum. It won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2009 and has become one of Mayer’s signature songs, noted for its soulful melody and guitar work.
“Gravity” was written by John Mayer and produced by Mayer and Steve Jordan. The song was recorded during the sessions for Continuum, which took place at Avatar Studios in New York City and The Village Recorder in Los Angeles. Mayer has described the song as being about the struggle to maintain balance and clarity in life, with gravity serving as a metaphor for the forces that pull one down. The track features Mayer on vocals and guitar, with Steve Jordan on drums and Pino Palladino on bass, both of whom were members of Mayer’s live band at the time.1
The song is set in the key of G major and features a slow, soulful groove with a prominent guitar riff. Lyrically, it addresses themes of resilience and self-awareness, with the chorus repeating “Gravity, stay the hell away from me.” Mayer has noted that the song was influenced by the music of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, and its sound reflects a blend of blues, pop, and R&B. The song’s structure is notable for its extended guitar solo, which Mayer has said was improvised in the studio.
“Gravity” was released as a single on September 12, 2006, in the United States. It peaked at number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart. The song also charted in Canada and the Netherlands. Despite its modest chart performance, it became one of Mayer’s most enduring songs and a staple of his live performances.2
Critics praised the song’s soulful delivery and Mayer’s guitar work. At the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009, “Gravity” won the award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, marking Mayer’s second win in that category (he previously won for “Daughters” in 2005). The song was also nominated for Best Rock Vocal Performance at the same ceremony, but lost to “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” by Bruce Springsteen.
Mayer has performed “Gravity” extensively, often with extended guitar solos. A notable live version appears on his 2008 album Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles, recorded at the Nokia Theatre. The song has been covered by various artists, including jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, who recorded an instrumental version on his 2009 album Boston. Additionally, Mayer has performed the song with artists such as Alicia Keys and Buddy Guy.3
One lesser-known fact is that “Gravity” was originally written during the sessions for Mayer’s 2003 album Heavier Things, but was not recorded until Continuum. The song’s demo featured a different arrangement, and Mayer has said that the final version was shaped by the chemistry of the recording trio. Another notable detail is that the song’s guitar solo was played on a Fender Stratocaster through a Dumble amplifier, a combination that Mayer has become associated with. The song also appears in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour as a playable track, introducing it to a wider audience.4
This article focuses exclusively on the John Mayer song 'Gravity'.
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