"My Own Shit"

Jason Mraz released a much-awaited studio album in 2018 called "Know" and it was his sixth. However, only 10 songs made it in the album’s tracklist. Other gems from the singer/songwriter’s roster had to be still unreleased. One of those unreleased gems was a song called “My Own Shit”.

Jason Mraz from redandblack.com

LINK FROM YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ8mWOb3Pro

Judging from the title, it was not very radio-friendly with regards to the profanity of the word “shit”. In line with this, a song from that album called “Unlonely” used the word “fruck” to disguise some other word that rhymes with it. Going beyond the title, one would really feel the emotion running through the course of the whole song. I would say that “My Own Shit” could humanize whoever is singing along with it.

With only audience recordings of the song’s rare performance available, it could be said that non-concertgoers like me would be able to grasp the meaning of the song.

The song starts off with these lines.

“Everybody’s got a little bit of their own

I got voices inside

And I got fears I still hide

I’m gonna break down sometimes

‘Cause I got tears I must cry

I’ve got wrongs I get to right

Truth be told I’ve told some lies

I’ve got friends I’ve got to find

And I still need to apologize…”

Soon after, Jason leads us to this wonderful chorus.

“Everybody's got, everybody's got

Everybody's got their demons

Everybody got their reasons

Everybody goes to seasons

Trying to hold on

Everybody’s got their own shit

Everybody's got to own it

Everybody's got those hardships they're trying to let go of

I've got my own”

The song tells us about the struggle present in one’s life. There are conflicts involving friends, parents and families, and even lovers. But as for me, the most difficult one to handle would be the conflicts that one could have with their own self. Those inner demons can damage you more than anything else, and eventually be the roots of the conflicts one is bound to have with some, if not all, of the relationships and interactions needed for harmonious living.

It can be very challenging to admit that you have issues and roots of conflicts within you. What can make it work is knowing that “everybody’s got a little bit of their own”. Knowing that we all experience problems though they may not be entirely similar. It is not about the joy knowing that there is somebody else feeling the same agony that you feel, but it is instead about the thought that you are not alone. “I am not the only one who is still a work in progress.”

The worst thing that one can feel after acknowledging the existence of his/her demons and conflicts is the feeling of being alone. One shall not be a lone fighter in this world. One cannot overcome his battles alone. Being there for someone can be really instrumental in accomplishing that work in progress.

Why Filipino Fans are Unlonely

While in Singapore, Jason Mraz held a press conference on October 29 and live-streamed it via Facebook Live. In the said press conference, Mraz announced that he would be bringing the good vibes through his Good Vibes 2019 Tour in Asia next year.

Mraz said that there would be six shows in Asia for the whole month of May, starting on May 8, 2019, in Manila. The series of shows ends in Shanghai.

Official Tour Poster from Manila Concerts Scene

Aside from the tour announcement, Mraz also answered a few questions from the press. One question was about the reason why the tour was named "Good Vibes Tour" and not "Know Tour" instead. Mraz responded in a very Jason Mraz--way, saying that he only meant for the album to be named "Know." for it to be the follow up to the 2014 released album "Yes!". He said that to transform the negative vibe that the word "No" could bring, he changed it into "Know" as some sort of wordplay. With the "Good Vibes Tour", he wanted to spread the positive mindset that he has shared through this new album even more, on a much wider aspect.

He also shared that "Know." was in the works since January 1, 20,16 and that the working title that he had was "Master Peace". This phrase actually made it into the album in the ballad "Love is Still the Answer" (To learn how to master peace, or master war...). I thought that this song was crafted during the early days of this album, hence, the working title of "Master Peace".

He also shared that during the creation of the album, he had been far from home, far from his wife. This was the reason why the album was filled with love notes and letters for his wife. He also went back to songs from his past like the single "Have It All" which was written when he was in Myanmar in 212, the song for his wife "Might As Well Dance", and the 1999 track "Sleeping to Dream".

The creation of the album was a trial and error and a mix of ups and downs for him. With his superband, the Raining Jane, and Toca Rivera, the music scene was finally ready for more good vibes from Jason Mraz.

Aside from the aformentioned singles, fans would be expecting hits such as "Unlonely", "More Than Friends", "Let's See What the Night Can Do", and probably a debut live version of the song "No Plans". Mraz hinted that there might be newer and unreleased songs in the upcoming tour. 

The all-time favorites like "The Remedy", "Unfold", "Common Pleasure", "Tonight, Not Again", "No Stopping Us", "Mr. Curiosity", and "Zero Percent Interest" would also be a great addition to the set list, as far as long-time Jason Mraz fans would be concerned, especially if done with more Toca Rivera than Raining Jane.

Surely, Asian fans found that it was matchless to #Know this good vibes alert.

Are You Up For Not Giving Up?

The past few months have been filled with lots of hope for most Jason Mraz fans. As of this day, two songs have been available for us to listen to, "Have It All" and "Unlonely", with bits of news about the new album "Know".  

Aside from that, tour dates until December have been announced as well.

Jason Mraz is widely known as the singer/songwriter of the 2008 hit song "I'm Yours" and this song probably has displayed his positive outlook on love and life best among his long roster of songs. Good vibes!

Like most fans, it has been a habit of me to watch videos of his live performances on YouTube and of course, read comments. This one comment has gotten my attention ever since.

It's non-verbatim but it's mostly like this. It talked something about Jason Mraz songwriting. According to the statement, the singer/songwriter's recent songs have all been about being happy, staying happy and living a sadness-free life with love.

So what do I have to say about that?

Gone are the less-happy Jason Mraz songs that fans have both listened and cried to like "Absolutely Zero" and "The Boy Is Gone".

On the last album "Yes!", the only song that could fall on that category is "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" (Boyz II Men cover) since "A World With You" could be the little brother of "A Beautiful Mess" for me and still covered the subject of living life with someone you love through the ups and downs.

In his set at the 2016 Bonnaroo, he sang four new songs - "Work In Progress", "More Than Friends", "Chocolate", and "The Man Who Planted Trees". They were still jolly and easy-to-sing-along-to songs except for the last one.

Do I have an issue with him releasing songs that seek to spread the good vibes and positive outlook that he has? Not at all. In this world of endless catastrophes and inevitable perils, what we need are sources of inspiration and motivation to still move forward even if times are hard. Especially if times are hard.

His continuous supplication of songs that seek to uplift us is a sign that he is a very generous person. He continually gives us the inspiration to still get back up after a beating and to rise up after falling down multiple times.

Sometimes, we don't need to be reminded of the tragedies that we have in life, especially when we already know how tragic our life has become. Being reminded of those things through songs could either backfire or inspire. We wouldn't know. 

Being reminded of the good things in life, being appreciative, and at the same time, being compassionate would only lead to one thing:  a stress-free life.

That would be the event more often than not. So why wouldn't we want to stick with that?

Jason Still Has It All

Four years after the events of "Yes!" Jason Mraz has finally released a new single and guess what, folks, hints regarding the follow-up album and tour have also surfaced! Yes!

"Have It All" is the title of the new Jason Mraz studio single, the first one since "Love Someone" from "Yes!". Since its release days ago, this song has proven that our heat-loving friend still has it all indeed - the musicality, the wordplay, and the positivity. 

It is not a fancy song. It has no tricks nor hidden agendas. Instead, it is a treat for all of us who have been waiting for the next Jason Mraz album and concert tour. It is just a simple, easy-to-listen-to song which is the trademark of a bona fide Jason Mraz song.

It's not easy-to-sing-along though because of Jason's very playful wordplay unless it's on repeat on your music player (just like what I do). 

Based on the music video and if you are an avid Jason Mraz listener, you'd easily know that Raining Jane is a part of this song. That might mean that there would be fewer chances of having the fan-favorite Jason & Toca moment on the stage with just a guitar, a djembe, and their voices.

Nevertheless, any Jason Mraz news is a good news that fans like me would always look forward to. I hope that by 2019, Manila will be a part of their concert tour for that new music.

Here is the song from his YouTube channel, give it a listen and tell me what it does to you. Good vibes, folks!





"Have It All" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFkTu8Y1KLs

TOP 10: Jason Mraz Songs

Most of us music listeners probably first heard of Jason Mraz via 2008's "I'm Yours”. It was such a massive hit, it made me label the singer-songwriter as a "one-hit wonder". By 2011, "I Won't Give Up" came along with his messy curly hair and facial hair and by that time, I relabeled him as a "two-hit wonder". 

Little did I know that those two massive hits of the singer-songwriter were just parts of the tip of the iceberg that his musical ingenuity is.

Almost everyone grew fond of that catchy, easy-to-join-in song that "I'm Yours" is. However, there came a time when I despised the singer-songwriter because of the mainstream attention that the song got. It was the first "Thinking Out Loud” and "Gangnam Style" that I could remember. Both were really huge hits that eventually became irritating to listen to.

In 2014, I was reintroduced to the music of Jason Mraz. It was only then that I knew that he's been playing and singing songs since the early 2000's. It was only then that I knew there was daylight before "I'm Yours". It was only then that I knew what I have been missing from his music.

Now, I'm going to share with you my Top 10 Jason Mraz songs. This is in no way an official list, this is just my personal favorite list. So, here it goes!

#10. The Boy's Gone

This is the perfect song for reflecting on yourself, about the things that you should have done, and of course, the things that you shouldn't have. 

Everything and everyone will go back to its origin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGeBwpNQ5cM

#9. 3 Things

"3 Things" feels like a generic Jason Mraz good vibes song you can always sing along for and with your friends and loved ones.

Whenever your life falls apart, just lend this song your ears. You may not have the answer, or the solution to your problem right away, but at least, you have the peace of mind to think of something outside your box.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYwF-IXpbNk

 #8. Song For A Friend

Ever thought about writing a song for your best friend without putting any malice and hidden intentions, especially if you are of the same sex? Here is the perfect example for you. "Song For A Friend" basically seems like a conversation between two friends because it really is. Jason Mraz has revealed in one of his shows that it was a friend of his that inspired the song.

He said that he wanted to thank his roommate and friend, Jerry, for all the things that Jerry has done for him when he was just starting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_P4kaax7pQ

#7. Make It Mine

This Grammy-winning track is the second single after "I'm Yours" on Jason Mraz's third album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things". Hear it once and you will surely be captivated by the positive vibes that this song can give to you.

"Make It Mine" features Jason Mraz's horn section, but the selling point of this song for me, other than the words and its live-life-to-the-fullest meaning in totality, is the beautiful melody that Jason Mraz can produce especially when Toca Rivera joins him in singing some parts in the chorus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIHhLVJsggo

#6. I’m Yours

We all know it. Some know it by heart, some know it after hearing it from sons, daughters, and friends. We all love hearing and singing this song. We love it when this song is being sung to us. We love it we're the one singing it and dedicating it to someone else.

That is the best thing about this happy little hippie song. It just spells L-I-F-E and L-O-V-E every time it is being heard and sung. Moreover, according to Jason Mraz, he doesn't even remember sitting down to write it because it quickly went to him as it "came out of joy".

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qwXlcpXBrg

 #5./#4./#3. A Beautiful Mess/The Woman I Love/I Won’t Give Up

These songs are in a triple-tie because the messages in each are almost one and the same. They all sing about the same required element in every relationship: COMMITMENT.

With “A Beautiful Mess”, the song tells right from the start that things are not always perfect. There will be negativities, off-mood days, there is imperfection. There is an existing unconditional love even after being aware of the imperfections and all other bad stuff and that is happiness for them, as implied. If you find happiness in loving someone despite having the worst issues imaginable and unimaginable, don’t ever lose it.

Now we go to “The Woman I Love”. Every time Jason Mraz sings it in his concerts, he has this mini speech to introduce this song. It goes something like this: “I always invite the men to listen to this song. Men, it’s dedicated to you. Because anyone who has tried to stand beside a woman knows that sometimes our ladies lose it. Sometimes, they get a little loopy, they go bananas. Gentlemen, it’s up to you. It’s up to us to man up and love them back into the women we know them to be.” To all the gentlemen out there, you know he is right. I know his right, too, for I’ve always taken refuge in this song whenever there is a rift between me and my lover. It is like a tutorial of what to do and what not to do. Let’s always love them back into the women we know them to be.

“I Won’t Give Up” tells the complete story of unconditional love, faith, and commitment. The one great thing about this song is that it is not a song solely for your lover. It may actually be your dream, or goal in life. It can be even your faith in God, or in your religion, whatever religion you may be in. It tells that there will always be someone that will keep on waiting, pursuing and persevering for you. It won’t stop, it won’t end even if the skies will get rough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD9iDZHrQjw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ampuq1w06Rc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMBJ-qxa9FA

#2. Mr. Curiosity

This track from his second album "Mr. A-Z" offers something that is rarely heard on a Jason Mraz track. This song is mostly played on piano and it has an opera solo made by Jason Mraz himself.

Like "The Boy's Gone", this song tackles reflection on life and it is basically asking for "Mr. Curiosity to come back to his life". Looking for Mr. Curiosity serves as a metaphor for finding interest, and curiosity again for his own life after experiencing Goliath-like life dilemmas.

The song really makes you feel the hopelessness and depressed state of the person after finding no reason to live and to be curious about what might happen next in his life.

This song was not originally in this spot. But, hey, this one deserves this change of place. It is a really good song and I recalled that it kind of helped me when I was losing curiosity in my life, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZeSZEvcck

 #1. The Remedy (I Won't Worry)

Maybe it is not a surprise that the top spot belongs to the one that started it all for Jason Mraz. Actually, in my case, this was the song that reintroduced Jason Mraz's music to me. This was the daylight before "I'm Yours" and "I Won't Give Up". 

"The Remedy" is another song inspired by one of Jason Mraz's friends. This time it is his childhood friend, Charlie Mingroni, who was diagnosed with cancer. Mraz was inspired by the positive outlook that his friend had shown even after the diagnosis of the Big C. "I won't worry my life away" was the actual concept of Mingroni's positivity, and Mraz immortalized it as "The Remedy", a song he plays in almost every performance he plays in up until now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lqsZTcGjR4

Whether with his Superband or not, just an intimate performance with his great pal Toca Rivera and his djembe, Jason Mraz really nails every performance he is into. 

So give these aMRAZing songs their chance to be heard, folks!

*Photos and video links are not mine and I just put them here for sharing purposes. I do not claim any copyright with any of them.