St. Vincent, the acclaimed musician known for her innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics, has recently stirred the pot with her candid criticisms of popular music. In a recent interview with Kerrang!, she expressed her strong disapproval of John Mayer’s 2003 hit song “Daughters,” labeling it as the “worst song ever written.” Her remarks have ignited discussions about the song’s underlying themes and its portrayal of gender dynamics.
During the interview, St. Vincent, whose real name is Annie Clark, did not hold back in her assessment of Mayer’s track. She described it as “hideously sexist” and criticized its facade as a love song. According to her, the song presents a retrograde and misogynistic viewpoint, which she finds deeply troubling. “It’s just so hideously sexist but it pretends to be a love song, but it’s really, really retrograde and really sexist,” she stated emphatically. “And I hate it… It’s so deeply misogynistic, which would be fine if you owned that, but it pretends like it’s sweet.”
St. Vincent’s critique highlights the song’s narrative, which revolves around the idea that fathers’ treatment of their daughters will ultimately affect the relationships those daughters have with men in the future. Mayer’s lyrics caution fathers to be good to their daughters, implying that their behavior will shape how these young women interact with the men they eventually date. In the first verse, Mayer reflects on his own experiences, lamenting that his partner is “just like a maze / Where all of the walls all continually change.” This metaphor, while poetic, has been interpreted by some as a troubling simplification of complex relationship dynamics.
Moreover, the chorus reinforces the paternalistic message, where Mayer sings, “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…” This perspective has drawn criticism for placing the responsibility of women’s well-being solely on their fathers, rather than acknowledging the broader societal issues at play.
The song, which won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2005, has long been a topic of debate among listeners and critics alike. St. Vincent’s comments add to a growing discourse about the implications of lyrics in popular music and how they reflect societal attitudes towards gender roles.
St. Vincent’s remarks came during a segment titled “10 Songs That Changed My Life,” where she also discussed other influential tracks from artists like Sonic Youth, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Steely Dan. This segment provided her with a platform to share not only her musical influences but also her critical perspective on songs that she believes perpetuate outdated or harmful narratives.
In addition to her critique of “Daughters,” St. Vincent has made headlines for her strong opinions on other musical works as well. Earlier this year, she described covers of Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah” as “the worst thing in the world,” showcasing her willingness to challenge the status quo in music.
St. Vincent continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, with her latest album, All Born Screaming, released this year. The album has been well-received by fans and critics alike, further solidifying her place as a leading voice in contemporary music. As she prepares for the next leg of her North American tour, fans are eager to see how her bold opinions and unique artistry will continue to evolve.
As discussions about gender representation in music grow, St. Vincent stands out as an artist unafraid to voice her thoughts, sparking conversations that resonate beyond just the realm of music. Her critiques serve as a reminder of the power of lyrics and the responsibility that artists hold in shaping cultural narratives.
