Maroon 5

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I miss the taste of a sweeter life
I miss the conversation
I'm searching for a song tonight
I'm changing all of the stations
I like to think that we had it all
We drew a map to a better place
But on that road, I took a fall
Oh, baby, why did you run away?

[Pre-Chorus]
I was there for you in your darkest times
I was there for you in your darkest night

[Chorus]
But I wonder, where were you?
When I was at my worst, down on my knees
And you said you had my back
So I wonder, where were you?
When all the roads you took came back to me

[Post-Chorus]
So I'm following the map that leads to you
The map that leads to you
Ain't nothing I can do
The map that leads to you
Following, following, following to you
The map that leads to you
Ain't nothing I can do
The map that leads to you
Following, following, following
[Verse 2]
I hear your voice in my sleep at night
Hard to resist temptation
'Cause something strange has come over me
And now, I can't get over you
No, I just can't get over you, ooh

[Pre-Chorus]
I was there for you in your darkest times
I was there for you in your darkest nights

[Chorus]
But I wonder, where were you?
When I was at my worst, down on my knees
And you said you had my back
So I wonder, where were you?
When all the roads you took came back to me

[Post-Chorus]
So I'm following the map that leads to you
The map that leads to you
Ain't nothing I can do
The map that leads to you
Following, following, following to you
The map that leads to you
Ain't nothing I can do
The map that leads to you
[Bridge]
Oh, oh, oh, ah
Ooh, oh, oh, ah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, ah
Ah, ah, mmm, ah
Oh, I was there for you, oh, in your darkest time
Oh, I was there for you, oh in your darkest night
Oh, I was there for you, oh, in your darkest time
Oh, I was there for you, oh, in your darkest night

[Chorus]
But I wonder, where were you?
When I was at my worst, down on my knees
And you said you had my back
So I wonder, where were you?
When all the roads you took came back to me

[Post-Chorus]
So I'm following the map that leads to you
The map that leads to you
Ain't nothing I can do
The map that leads to you
Following, following, following to you
The map that leads to you
Ain't nothing I can do
The map that leads to you
Following, following, following

Maroon 5’s hit song “Maps” is a track that was released as the first single from their fifth studio album, V. Its reception was nothing short of extraordinary, with the song breaking records during its release. On its first day, “Maps” logged 1,800 spins on the radio, which translates to around 17 million people listening to the song. It is no wonder that this track became extremely popular, with it peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

About Maps

The lyrics of “Maps” talk about Adam Levine’s search for his past love. He has been through a lot with his lover, supporting them through thick and thin, but he hasn't always received the same from them.

The song starts with a soft, piano-driven melody before incorporating drums, bass guitar, and synth sound effects. The band’s signature sound is maintained, with Lead singer Adam Levine showcasing his vocal range from the song’s opening lines. The chorus is catchy, with Levine singing about how he needs to have a “map” so that he can find his way back to his lover.

The love-hate lyrics of the song were penned by Adam Levine, Ammar Malik, Benjamin Levin, Noel Zancanella, and Ryan Tedder. This impressive team of songwriters managed to create lyrics that managed to attract an enormous listenership across the globe.

One of the unique things about “Maps” is the incorporation of various textures. The song opens up softly, with a solo piano playing a catchy melody that resonates with the listener. As the song progresses, the drum beats come into play, along with the bass guitar and electric guitar, gradually multiplying the tempo. Finally, the chorus sees the influx of backing vocals that elevate the track to its full potential. The interlocking rhythms, combined with pulsing synths and Adam Levine's melodious voice, help to create a song that is both pop and rock.

Throughout the song, Levine's dynamic and emotionally charged voice is highlighted. He provides a catchy melody and an incredible delivery, with each word conveying a multitude of feelings. This emotional depth and musicality make “Maps” a song that is guaranteed to capture anyone's heart.

What makes “Maps” truly memorable is the production, the percussion, and the song’s alignment with themes that resonate with a global audience. Everyone can relate to the idea of searching for something or somebody, and the song encapsulates that pursuit perfectly. It is a modern classic and a testament to Maroon 5’s artistic inclinations and the emotional depth they convey through their music.

This song holds a unique and permanent place in the canon of pop music, and it is not challenging to see why. Aging remarkably well, the track is still played on the radio and its summery melodies will always bring a smile to the faces of listeners. It is one of Maroon 5’s most successful songs, and deservedly so. The complex interplay of lyrics, instruments, voice, and rhythm make it an excellent example of musical craftsmanship and an advocate of the power of music to connect people.

Overall, “Maps” is a song that is worth listening to over and over again. It’s a testament to Maroon 5's musical genius, and it successfully manages to achieve its goal as a pop/rock smash hit that hits all the right notes.

• Release Date: June 16, 2014
• Artist: Maroon 5