John Mayer makes 'incisive remark' at United State's 250th anniversary

John Mayer recently opened up about the criticism his song, Waiting on the World to Change, drew from all walks of life.

For those unaware, Waiting on the World to Change is a song included in his Continuum, which he released in 2006. The song addresses apathy, disillusionment, “and sense of helplessness felt by his generation regarding political corruption, media bias, and war.”

On April 17, Mayer performed in the opening concert of HISTORYTalks 2026 in Philadelphia to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. All the former presidents of the United States of America, including Jill Biden, Hilary Clinton, and Michelle Obama, as well as actress Nicole Kidman, along with other top-notch entertainers, attended the event.

During the 48-year-old American singer-songwriter and guitarist’s performance, he was requested to play Waiting on the World to Change. He replied, “It is a good idea. Sound and responsible. A lot of people thought it was passive. It was too passive.”

However, as he started singing the song, Mayer observed that the song could not tug at the heartstrings because of its perceived passivity.

The Heavier Things star went on to explain why he wrote the song by saying, “If your car broke down, or let's say you got locked out of your car, and somebody walked up to you and said, ‘Why can't you get in your car? What are you doing right now?'" he said. "And [you reply], ‘I'm waiting for AAA.'”

"Sometimes there are some people who say, 'Why don't you just smash through the window and just unlock it inside of the car?' Some people go, ‘Just wait for your roadside assistance.’”

"Theoretically, now, I wrote that song 20 years ago. AAA hasn't shown up," Mayer quipped, taking a jab at government leaders for not stepping up.

“John Mayer makes an incisive remark at the 250th anniversary [of the United States],” John Mayer laughingly remarked.