The Meaning Behind The Song: Wordplay by Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz is known for his clever wordplay and catchy melodies, and his hit song “Wordplay” is no exception. Released in 2006 as the lead single from his album “Mr. A-Z,” the song features Mraz’s signature style of blending humor and heartfelt messages. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the lyrics of “Wordplay.”
The Lyrics and Their Interpretation
The chorus of “Wordplay” starts with the line “I’ve been all around the world, trying to protect your soul.” This can be seen as a metaphor for the artist’s journey through life, trying to protect his own soul while also inspiring and protecting the souls of his listeners. The next line, “From the La’s to Amsterdam to Tokyo to the coast of California,” highlights the global reach of his music and his desire to connect with people from all over.
In the first verse, Mraz sings about the power of language and communication, stating that “words and ideas can change the world.” This can be seen as a nod to the importance of his own lyrics and the impact they can have on listeners. He continues with lines like “ick by light, a bit by catastrophe” and “literal syntax, and semantic nonsense,” showcasing his love for playing with words and creating new meanings through his lyrics.
The second verse talks about Mraz’s own journey as a musician and the struggles he’s faced along the way. He sings about “razor-sharp convenience” and the pressure to conform to industry standards, but ultimately declares that he’s “been undressed by kings and I’ve seen some things that a woman ain’t supposed to see.” This can be interpreted as a reference to the highs and lows of the music industry, but also as a celebration of the unique experiences that come with being an artist.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Wordplay”
1. What inspired Jason Mraz to write “Wordplay”?
According to interviews with the artist, “Wordplay” was inspired by his love for language and his desire to play with words in his songwriting. He wanted to create a song that showcased his unique lyrical style and celebrated the power of language to bring people together.
2. What is the meaning behind the title “Wordplay”?
The title “Wordplay” refers to the artist’s love for playing with language and creating clever, catchy lyrics. It’s a nod to the song’s focus on the power of words and their ability to inspire and connect people around the world.
3. What do the lyrics “I’ve been all around the world, trying to protect your soul” mean?
This line can be interpreted as a metaphor for the artist’s journey through life, trying to inspire and protect the souls of his listeners. It showcases his desire to connect with people from all over the world and create music that speaks to the human experience.
4. What is the significance of the line “From the La’s to Amsterdam to Tokyo to the coast of California”?
This line highlights the global reach of Jason Mraz’s music and his desire to connect with people from all over the world. It’s a nod to the artist’s travels and the diverse range of experiences that have shaped his music and his life.
5. What does the line “Words and ideas can change the world” mean?
This line emphasizes the power of language and communication to bring about positive change. It can be seen as a call to action for listeners to use their own words and ideas to make a difference in the world.
6. What is the meaning behind the line “Mix business with leather”?
This line can be interpreted as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the music industry and the pressure to conform to certain trends and standards. It’s a jab at the idea of “selling out” and compromising one’s creativity for commercial gain.
7. What does the line “I’ve been undressed by kings” mean?
This line can be interpreted as a reference to the highs and lows of the music industry, and the unique experiences that come with being an artist. It can also be seen as a celebration of the artist’s willingness to take risks and pursue his passion.
8. What is the meaning behind the line “And I’ve seen some things that a woman ain’t supposed to see”?
This line can be interpreted in a few different ways. It can be seen as a reference to the artist’s travels and the unique experiences he’s had around the world. It can also be seen as a nod to the challenges and obstacles faced by female musicians in the industry.
9. What is the significance of the line “Literal syntax, and semantic nonsense”?
This line showcases Jason Mraz’s love for playing with language and creating new meanings through his lyrics. It’s a nod to the power of words and their ability to inspire and connect people, even if the syntax may not always make perfect sense.
10. What is the meaning behind the line “It’s never been my vibe to take orders from a suit”?
This line can be interpreted as a reference to the pressure artists face to conform to industry standards and expectations. It showcases the artist’s desire to stay true to his own creative vision and resist the pressures of commercialization.
11. What is the significance of the line “I’ll be the root of love, steering clear of all the sickening greed”?
This line refers to the artist’s desire to create music that inspires and connects people around the world, without succumbing to the greed and commercial pressures of the industry. It’s a nod to his commitment to staying true to his own creative vision and using his music for positive change.
12. What can fans expect from Jason Mraz’s music in the future?
While Jason Mraz has not announced any upcoming projects at this time, fans can expect his music to continue to showcase his unique lyrical style and heartfelt messages. As an artist who values creativity and connection, he is sure to continue to inspire and uplift listeners around the world through his music.
