Mraz released his debut album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come in 2002. The tracks "The Remedy" and "You And I Both" became his first big hits the following year. His second album, Mr. A-Z, released in 2005, peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 200 and sold over one hundred thousand copies in the US. In 2008, Mraz released his third studio album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 was a commercial success worldwide, peaking in the top ten of many international charts.
In April 2012 Mraz released his fourth studio album, Love is a Four Letter Word. The album was received with favourable reviews and debuted at number two on both the Billboard 200 and UK Album Charts. The album sold 102,000 copies in it's first week in the US, his best sales week to date.
Mraz’s international breakthrough came with the release of lead single from We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. titled “I’m Yours”. The single peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Mraz his first top ten single. The song was a huge commercial success in the US with it receiving a triple-Platinum certification from the RIAA for sales of over three million. The song was successful internationally and topped the charts in New Zealand and Norway and peaking in the top ten of multiple international charts.
Mraz was engaged to singer/songwriter and long-time close friend Tristan Prettyman. On June 7, 2011, Mraz said in an interview with the Daily Beast that he and Prettyman were no longer engaged.
Mraz lives a health-conscious lifestyle and enjoys eating mostly raw vegan foods. He owns an avocado farm in Bonsall in Northern San Diego County.
Gratitude
Jason Mraz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I′m so grateful
Mhh, I'm so grateful
I thank the boys who kicked my ass when I was seventeen
I thank the ones who chose to laugh and those who acted mean
I thank the bullies for all their scraps and accidents and then some
They made me like who I′ve become
They shaped my life
They made me love who I am
I thank the girls who gave their hand
And showed me how to dance
And I thank the ones who turned me down
And never gave me a second chance
I learned that it's okay for hearts to go on their own way
They shaped my life
They made me like who I am today
They shaped my life
They made me love who I am
That's right, that′s right
Now I′ve got gratitude
Yes, I do
Gratitude
I've got gratitude
Yes, I do
Gratitude
I thank the captains of the boats
Who braved the seas (thank you, thank you)
And I thank the farmers for the sowing of those seeds (thank you)
And I thank the men who paved the roads I′m traveling on (thank you)
They shaped my life
They took me down the paths I've gone
I thank the volunteers for giving up their time for free (thank you)
I thank the engineers, all those who keep our water clean (thank you)
I thank the janitors for all their years behind the scenes (thank you)
They shaped my life
They taught me generosity (yeah)
They shaped my life
They helped me see who I could be
Now I′ve got gratitude
Yes, I do
Gratitude
I've got gratitude
Yes, I do
Gratitude
So grateful
Let me tell you what I′m grateful for
I am grateful for deep breaths
I'm grateful for my health (grateful, grateful)
I know tomorrow is uncertain
And I know time is our greatest wealth
I am grateful for my teachers (teachers)
And there's many of ′em
They taught me how to follow my heart
They taught me that all of the world is a stage (all of the world is a stage)
They taught me life imitates art
I am grateful for my parents (grateful, grateful)
I′m grateful they divorced (grateful, grateful)
When they divided, they multiplied it
And two parents became four (grateful, grateful)
And I am grateful for my fur friends (grateful, grateful)
The ones that follow me around
Singing, "Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow"
They remind me to slow down (slow down)
To kneel and kiss the ground (thank you, thank you)
I am grateful for music (music)
It helps me feel understood (thank you, thank you)
And I'm grateful to gratitude itself (thank you)
It helps me look for the good (thank you)
Look for the good (thank you, thank you)
I look for the good (thank you, thank you)
Look for the good (aah)
Mhh
The lyrics of Jason Mraz's song "Gratitude" express a deep sense of appreciation for both the positive and negative experiences, as well as the people who have influenced and shaped his life. The song begins with acknowledgment and gratitude towards those who challenged him in his youth, including the bullies who taught him resilience and the girls who rejected him, teaching him the value of self-love and independence. Mraz recognizes that these experiences have played a significant role in shaping his character and helping him become the person he is today.
Moving beyond personal relationships, the song extends gratitude to others who have made an impact on Mraz's life. He thanks the captains of boats who conquered the seas, the farmers who sowed the seeds, and the men who paved the roads he's traveled on. Additionally, he expresses appreciation for volunteers, engineers, janitors, and all those who have selflessly contributed to society and made the world a better place. These individuals have taught him generosity and helped him see the potential he holds to make a difference.
The song then shifts to a more introspective tone, where Mraz expresses gratitude for the simple joys in life. He appreciates the value of taking deep breaths, having good health, and recognizing the preciousness of time. He acknowledges the impact of his teachers who encouraged him to follow his heart and embrace the transformative power of art. Mraz also expresses gratitude for his parents, acknowledging the positive outcomes that arose from their divorce, and his furry friends who remind him to slow down and appreciate the present moment.
Overall, "Gratitude" serves as a powerful reminder to be thankful for both the positive and negative experiences, the people who have shaped our lives, and the simple blessings that bring joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Mhh, mhh, mhh
Expressing a positive emotional response
I'm so grateful
I feel a deep sense of appreciation
I thank the boys who kicked my ass when I was seventeen
I express gratitude towards those who pushed me to overcome challenges during my adolescence
I thank the ones who chose to laugh and those who acted mean
I appreciate both the people who brought joy to my life and those who taught me important lessons through their harshness
I thank the bullies for all their scraps and accidents and then some
I acknowledge the bullies for their negative influence on my life, which ultimately contributed to my personal growth
They shaped my life
Their actions molded and influenced the person I have become
They made me like who I've become
I appreciate how their actions have shaped my current self
I thank the girls who gave their hand
I express gratitude towards the girls who provided help and support
And showed me how to dance
They taught me how to enjoy life and embrace the rhythm it has to offer
And I thank the ones who turned me down
I appreciate those who rejected me, as it allowed me to develop resilience and learn the value of perseverance
And never gave me a second chance
Their refusal taught me the importance of seizing opportunities and making the most of the present
I learned that it's okay for hearts to go on their own way
I gained the understanding that people's feelings and desires may lead them on different paths, and that's acceptable
They shaped my life
Their actions influenced the trajectory of my existence
They made me like who I am today
I appreciate how their influence has contributed to my current self
That's right, that's right
Affirming the truth and validity of the previous statements
Now I've got gratitude
At present, I possess a profound sense of appreciation
Yes, I do
Certainly, I do
Gratitude
The state of feeling grateful
I've got gratitude
I possess a strong sense of appreciation
I thank the captains of the boats
I express gratitude towards the leaders who navigated the vessels
Who braved the seas (thank you, thank you)
They showed great courage and determination in facing the challenges of the open waters
And I thank the farmers for the sowing of those seeds (thank you)
I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the farmers who planted and cultivated the crops
And I thank the men who paved the roads I'm traveling on (thank you)
I express gratitude towards the individuals who constructed the paths that guide my journey
They shaped my life
Their actions influenced the course of my existence
They took me down the paths I've gone
I appreciate how their efforts have led me to where I am today
I thank the volunteers for giving up their time for free (thank you)
I express gratitude towards the individuals who selflessly dedicate their time and energy for the benefit of others
I thank the engineers, all those who keep our water clean (thank you)
I appreciate the engineers and all those who ensure the purity and availability of clean water in our lives
I thank the janitors for all their years behind the scenes (thank you)
I express gratitude towards the janitors who work tirelessly behind the scenes, maintaining cleanliness and order
They shaped my life
Their contributions have influenced the course of my existence
They taught me generosity (yeah)
Their actions have taught me the importance of being generous and giving
They shaped my life
Their influence has molded and guided me
They helped me see who I could be
I appreciate how their guidance has enabled me to recognize my potential
Now I've got gratitude
Currently, I possess a strong sense of appreciation
Yes, I do
Certainly, I do
Gratitude
The state of feeling grateful
I've got gratitude
I possess a deep sense of appreciation
So grateful
Feeling incredibly thankful
Let me tell you what I'm grateful for
Allow me to share the things I deeply appreciate
I am grateful for deep breaths
I express appreciation for the ability to take profound breaths, symbolizing life and vitality
I'm grateful for my health (grateful, grateful)
I appreciate the state of being physically and mentally well
I know tomorrow is uncertain
I am aware that the future is unpredictable
And I know time is our greatest wealth
Recognizing that time is the most valuable resource we possess
I am grateful for my teachers (teachers)
I express gratitude towards the individuals who have imparted knowledge and wisdom to me
And there's many of 'em
There are numerous teachers who have played a significant role in my life
They taught me how to follow my heart
They have instilled in me the importance of listening to my inner voice and pursuing my passions
They taught me that all of the world is a stage (all of the world is a stage)
They have shown me that life itself is like a theatrical production, where we all play our roles
They taught me life imitates art
They have taught me that life often reflects the creativity and lessons found in various forms of art
I am grateful for my parents (grateful, grateful)
I express gratitude towards my parents
I'm grateful they divorced (grateful, grateful)
I appreciate the separation of my parents as it allowed for personal growth and the formation of new relationships
When they divided, they multiplied it
Their separation created new connections and expanded our family dynamic
And two parents became four (grateful, grateful)
The split of my parents resulted in an extended family, offering additional support and love
And I am grateful for my fur friends (grateful, grateful)
I express gratitude towards my beloved pets
The ones that follow me around
Referring to the animals that faithfully accompany and bring joy to my life
Singing, 'Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow'
Playfully illustrating the sounds and interactions with the feline companions
They remind me to slow down (slow down)
Through their presence, they encourage me to take a moment and appreciate the present
To kneel and kiss the ground (thank you, thank you)
The animals' influence prompts me to show gratitude for the world around me
I am grateful for music (music)
I express gratitude towards the art form of music
It helps me feel understood (thank you, thank you)
Music serves as a means of connection and understanding
And I'm grateful to gratitude itself (thank you)
I appreciate the concept of gratitude and its transformative power
It helps me look for the good (thank you)
Gratitude enables me to actively seek and appreciate the positive aspects of life
Look for the good (thank you, thank you)
Encouraging the act of seeking positivity and expressing gratitude
I look for the good (thank you, thank you)
I actively seek and appreciate the positive aspects of life
Look for the good (aah)
Promoting the search for positivity and goodness in the world
Mhh
Expressing a pleasant humming sound
Writer(s): Sacha Skarbek, Martin Terefe, Michael Daly, Matt Morris, Jason Mraz
Contributed by Alexandra K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hadley Oling
I literally cried when he sang " I am grateful for my parents, and grateful they divorced. When they divided, they multiplied it, and two parents became four." How can someone be grateful for having his parents divorced? I mean it takes a lot of courage to accept that as a child who wants his parents to be together for life. I have the same situation and didn't even realized that it was something I can be grateful for. This man , Jason Mraz, is truly different. So much love for this man !
google google
A Beautiful Description, I must say! 😍
Asma Bella
He always look at the best side of things, through his songs he want to transmit this message, he is my favorite
Hadley Oling
@Asma Bella same here <3
Victoria Ye
He is a noble man. Which majority of us can't! He is an angel.
Brown Cindy
Thanks for the love and support, I really appreciate your sweet words tho....keep it real always. Kindly drop your number or Gmail & I promise to text you back 🥰🥰🥰
Lynda Shepherd
Gratitude is the word that will change the world soon! GRATITUDE for your music from the depths of your soul Jason! Your positive energy is wonderful
Charlie Sabin
Listening this reminds me of middle school when I was young and dumb and listened to your catchy songs I'm 22 now and I'm so grateful for all the bad things in my life that have happened because it definitely shaped who I am today. Lifelong fan Jason I love you and everyone in my life I would be nothing w/o them❤
Pass Away
Anxiety is kicking in and jason's music is always there to help :')
Luciana Ryndycz
This album got me through quarantine and through difficult times. I'm so grateful for the friends who introduced me to your music and for your existence, Jason!! You are a healer and a teacher, no doubt! Your art and poetry always gives me food for thought, I'm grateful for that, too!