Raised in a suburb just outside Detroit that she describes as racially pretty segregated, Mayaeni—pronounced mah-yay-knee—was actually born to rock.
Growing up in Detroit, she spent a lot of time not necessarily knowing where to fit in. Her mom is black, her dad white.
Hanging out with her musician dad in the studio was Mayaeni’s form of grooming, with Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and Hendrix records serving both as musical surrogates and soundtracks to her life.
The instrumentally rich and electric songs she creates now are extensions of her rocker past. Her earliest material was recorded on her dad’s 8-track tapes.
Seeking independence at age 17, Mayaeni headed to London, where she made money under the tables selling clothes at Camden Markets.
The cost-of-living struggle persisted when Mayaeni moved to New York, but those survival years turned out to be perfect preparation.
In New York, Mayaeni worked the open mic circuit, up to five times a week, hopping in and out of places like Village Underground, The Grove and Café Wha.
The music is as edgy and raw as it is emotional, like the sounds of a guitar crying out, whether it’s the yearning in the mid-tempo anthem 'Million N1' or the angst in the clamorous rock-out garage jam 'Too Late.' It's the sound of progress.
Black Jeans
Mayaeni Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I don't care
Let them look on
Let them compare
Us to their lives
They call us blind
Taste just of haze
That goes with time
It's all you have, it's all you've got
Don't take the back seat
Love ain't supposed to be
Anything more than us
Oh no you don't need anyone's sympathy
What I'm gonna give you is enough
So put those black jeans on your fat ass
And bring it on home
You got that walk
You're in control
I can't resist, I can't let go
They'll never learn
Forget them all
They can't let go
So let them go
In the song "Black Jeans" by Mayaeni, the artist addresses the criticisms and limitations that society tries to impose upon individuals. She starts by acknowledging that people may view them as wrong or misguided, but she refuses to be swayed by their opinions. She encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and not let anyone else dictate who they should be or how they should live their lives. The artist paints a portrait of a person who exudes self-confidence and control, someone who is not afraid to be themselves and stand out from the crowd. She emphasizes that love should be a pure and unadulterated emotion that comes naturally, and it doesn't require validation or approval from others.
Mayaeni also highlights the importance of self-love and acceptance. She urges listeners to not seek sympathy or validation from anyone but themselves. She wants them to feel confident and secure in who they are and not let anyone else's opinions influence their self-worth. The repetitive refrain, "Put those black jeans on your fat ass and bring it on home," reinforces the idea that people should be proud of their bodies and not let anyone shame them for their appearance. The song encourages individuals to be unapologetically themselves and not to conform to society's standards or expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
They say we're wrong
People judge us and think we're making mistakes but I don't care about their opinions.
But I don't care
I am not bothered by what other people think or say.
Let them look on
Let people observe us and form their own opinions.
Let them compare
Let people measure us against themselves and see the difference.
Us to their lives
Let others compare us to their own experiences and lifestyles.
They call us blind
People criticize us for being ignorant and unaware.
Taste just of haze
Life feels confusing and unclear at times.
That goes with time
Confusion and haze in life are temporary and will eventually pass.
Don't let them stop the way you are
Do not let others change who you are or your beliefs.
It's all you have, it's all you've got
Your identity and beliefs are all you have and you shouldn't let others take that away from you.
Don't take the back seat
Do not be passive or submissive in love or life.
Love ain't supposed to be
Love does not have a fixed definition or formula.
Anything more than us
Love should be free of external expectations, standards, or comparisons.
Oh no you don't need anyone's sympathy
You do not need others to feel sorry for you or your choices.
What I'm gonna give you is enough
The love and support I have for you is sufficient.
So put those black jeans on your fat ass
Be confident in your physical appearance and wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
And bring it on home
Come home and be yourself without any fear or pressure.
You got that walk
You have an appealing and confident way of walking that can't be imitated.
You're in control
You have the power to decide and control your own life.
I can't resist, I can't let go
I am attracted to your confidence and independence and can't let you go.
They'll never learn
Other people will never understand or accept our love and relationship.
Forget them all
Do not care or think about other people's opinions and prejudices.
They can't let go
Other people are not capable of letting go of their preconceptions or prejudices.
Contributed by Katherine F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
kmbrose
TOTALLY didn't come here because of the Originals..... XD
Naiya Desai
I love your song <3 I'm looking forward to more!! <3
Mayaeni
I know this comment is 3 years ago but here is more :-) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFwzy0YvyIELmszeWPQeX0g
lalsiq1
What a voice girl!
Giorgio Bianchi
quando ascolto questa voce sono semplicemente rapito
Mayaeni
Thank you :-). I'm a year late but just now seeing this! I put out a new song this month https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFwzy0YvyIELmszeWPQeX0g
Hanan Italia
Loved the originals !! This is a hit
Julie Strauss
Great song!!!!
Michelle H
It’s not on Spotify though :’(
Norma Gonzalez
Why this song is not in Spotify??????