Song Analysis 2

You and I Both

by: Jason Mraz


Was it you who spoke the words that things would happen but not to me
Oh things are gonna happen naturally
Oh taking your advice I'm looking on the bright side
And balancing the whole thing
But often times those words get tangled up in lines
And the bright lights turn to night
Until the dawn it brings
Another day to sing about the magic that was you and me


Cause you and I both loved
What you and I spoke of
And others just read of
Others only read of the love, the love that I love.


See I'm all about them words
Over numbers, unencumbered numbered words
Hundreds of pages, pages, pages forwards
More words then I had ever heard and I feel so alive


You and I, you and I
Not so little you and I anymore
And with this silence brings a moral story
More importantly evolving is the glory of a boy


Cause you and I both loved
What you and I spoke of
And others just dream of
And if you could see me now
Well I'm almost finally out of
I'm finally out of
Finally deedeedeedee
Well I'm almost finally, finally
Well I'm free, oh, I'm free

And it's okay if you have go away
Oh just remember the telephone works both ways
And if I never ever hear them ring
If nothing else I'll think the bells inside
Have finally found you someone else and that's okay
Cause I'll remember everything you sang

Cause you and I both loved what you and I spoke of
and others just read of and if you could see now
well I'm almost finally out of.
I'm finally out of, finally, deedeeededede
well I'm almost finally, finally, finally out of words.

     ‘You and I Both’ is a Jason Mraz song that is full of poetic and literary devices that create a beautiful and flowing masterpiece of fun. Mraz' song writing has always been catchy, amusing, clever, heartfelt. As a musician, Mraz exemplifies how to write a good pop song that is bursting with personality and cheekiness. ‘You and I Both’ is one of Jason’s better known songs. It is a song, no matter how many times you hear, you always find yourself singing along or humming to the beat. Although, the upbeat tempo of the song is somewhat misleading; in fact the lyrics do not suggest the beginning of a romance but is actually about two people falling out of love.

      Mraz is very careful with his lyrics. He makes sure to inject as many plays on words, literary devices, and poetic devices he can. Mraz’ creativity never falls short. The lyric, “But often times those words get tangled up in lines,” is a perfect use of personification. Mraz also uses assonance to create a fun and flowing lyric; “Over numbers, unencumbered numbered words.” The lyrics, “And with this silence brings a moral story /More importantly evolving is the glory of a boy,” injects a bit of alliteration and carries on the theme of assonance. “Moral story/More importantly” is alliteration with a hint of assonance and consonance. The stanza, “And it's okay if you have go away/Oh just remember the telephone works both ways/And if I never ever hear them ring/If nothing else I'll think the bells inside /Have finally found you someone else and that's okay/Cause I'll remember everything you sang,” is full of assonance, consonance, and alliteration. Consonance, assonance, and alliteration appear to be Mraz’ favorite poetic devices. All three are used throughout the song. “You and I Both’ is a wonderful song that contains creative and memorable lyrics alongside a catchy and beautifully unique instrumental melody.