“Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” – Musical Analysis #2

Artists rely on many different approaches when trying communicate their thoughts and message to the listeners. Some use relatable, tangible lyrics to call out to the audience, trying to make them grasp the intended message on their own. Others entrance the listeners with progressively hypnotic melodies and harmonies, which soothes the audience into a state of vulnerability, allowing the meaning of the song to take hold. And some remarkable artists are able to transmit their senses just through the build of a song, stacking layers and elements until the inevitable unveiling of the message takes shape. And even some, truly outstanding composers are able to design a song that balances all of these elements with others, engulfing the listeners in the inferno that is their brilliance. “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”, written and performed by John Mayer in the USA in 2006 in is one of those songs.

Listen to “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” performed by John Mayer live – Where The Light Is: Live at the Nokia Theater – 2008.

Imagery

For the title of the song, Mayer creates a central image through two juxtaposing ones: slow dancing, and a room on fire. Each is a symbol that lies beneath the surface of this lyrical hook. First is the soft, slow dance that is shared between the couple. Genius Lyrics labels this as a “fatalistic dance that only exists in the present” (Genius Lyrics). There is a content complacency in the initial love these have for each other, regardless of what lies ahead. The two know their love is passionate, as evidenced by the tone and terms of endearment used by Mayor, however the relationship is riddled with practical problems that can only result in its collapse. Every dance must come to an end, and this one is no exception. Second, is the notably tragic, and painfully unmistakable burning room. This symbolizes the relationship in its current, terminal state. There is no remedy, no hope, and no one to rescue them from the looming flames.

When I hear this song, I see a large, beautiful ballroom, with giant red curtains ablaze and magnificent chandeliers tearing out of the ceiling. I can hear the roaring of the fire as it consumes the tables and fixtures. And in the center of this room, is a semi-composed duo, aware of the danger, yet they remain in the heart of their threatening surroundings. This doomed setup may seem dismal, but there is a distinctive artistry in its inevitability. There is no disillusion or false sense of security. There is only the end to something beautiful, and these two individuals savor and reminisce in that beauty for the remainder of its life.

Developing Form

The song follows an ordinary form, containing two verses each followed by a chorus, which is then followed by a bridge and an outro. My particular fondness with this element is not with the specific structure the form takes, but how each section of the song builds towards the song’s final climax. Mayer begins to take liberties, adding extra flare in his lead guitar riffs. A second guitar is added before the second verse, which accompanies the lead for the rest of the song. Similarly, the drums begin with a simple, consistent snare that is continued throughout the entirety of the song. In the bridge however, this snare is overlain with intermittent cymbals. The climax of the song is reached in the outro, where each instrument takes full advantage of its musical capabilities. I believe this once again adds to the burning flames metaphor the song is detailed around. Starting off small, and contained, but allowed to grow into a powerful, intense display of incredible magnitude.

Repetition

Throughout the song, the chorus remains unchanged lyrically. The bridge is the repetition of the lyric, “Go cry about it why don’t you?” and the outro is the same line, “Don’t you think we ought to know by know? Don’t you think we should’ve learned somehow?” repeated three times as the lyrics concede to the main guitar in his final solo. Repetition, in literature or lyrics is used as a means in persuasion or influence. I believe this is not used to convince the listeners of the imminent separation, but to convince his partner and himself. Perhaps there are still some remnants of disbelief that the relationship was destined to fall apart, or perhaps they are not yet ready to face the reality they have created.

Chord Progression

The song only contains a set of three chords used for each verse, the bridge and the outro, and an additional two added for each chorus. This melody in the verse is extremely steady, with each phrase repeating the same three chords, C#m7, Aadd9 and E, four distinct times. This progresses to the chorus where the same repetition is used, except using Badd11, C#m7, and Aadd9 (or F#m11). He ends each chorus however with the familiar C#m7, Aadd9 and E tag used earlier. And through only these five distinct chords, a story is told. I feel this fits the nature of the song completely. The song progresses simply, adding textures and layers on to the melody to give the tune its emotional depth and power, but at the same you can always pick out that same melody and riff from the beginning, just as if you are able to reminisce back to simpler times before the flames took hold.

Timbre

Adding to the theme of composed chaos is the timbre in John Mayer’s voice when compared to that of the guitar. The guitar begins the song with its passionate riff that lays the foundation for the song. The vocals however, begin soothing and full. For the most part, depending on the version you listen to, Mayer’s vocals remain steady, keeping a calm, almost relaxed sound through a majority of the song, whereas his guitar adds sharp solos and heartrending riffs on top of the pre-existing ones. I see this balance as the voice representing the composed nature the couple tries to embody, while the guitar conveys the reality of that which lies ahead.

In my eyes John Mayer is one of a few artists who possess the extraordinary ability of being able to perfectly channel his message into his music. This slow-burning song tackles a theme that thousands have attempted before. I feel Jonno with the website One Song A Day said it well when he wrote, “Only John Mayer would try and sell people something they’d already forgotten they liked, in a way that sounds completely fresh and vibrant.” “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” sincerely captures the slow degradation of a love affair, through just the bending of six strings and some vocals – and all written by a kid in his twenties. Well done John Mayer.

Sources:

Jonno. “John Mayer – ‘Slow Dancing in a Burning Room’.” One A Day RSS, www.1songaday.com/2012/11/john-mayer-slow-dancing-in-a-burning-room/.

“John Mayer – ‘Slow Dancing in a Burning Room’.” Genius, 12 Sept. 2006. Genius.com/John-mayer-slow-dancing-in-a-burning-room-lyrics.