Crossroads
John Mayer Lyrics

The lyrics to John Mayer's "Crossroads" are steeped in blues and folk music tradition, as they speak of the age-old story of selling one's soul to the devil in exchange for fame, fortune, or success. The first stanza describes the singer's journey to the crossroads, where he falls down on his knees and asks the Lord for mercy, seeking redemption from his sins. This desire for absolution and forgiveness is a common theme in many blues songs, as the music itself is often associated with pain, suffering, and hardship.

In the second stanza, the singer attempts to hitch a ride at the crossroads, but finds himself ignored and rejected by all those who pass him by. This sense of isolation and estrangement is again a common theme in blues music, as the genre often speaks to the loneliness and desperation that can come with poverty and disenfranchisement. Finally, the third stanza makes reference to the legend of Robert Johnson, a blues musician who was rumored to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his incredible guitar playing abilities. The singer implores someone named "Willie Brown" to tell others that he is standing at the crossroads, sinking down into despair and hopelessness.