Meaning of "Something Like Olivia" by John Mayer

The song "Something Like Olivia" by John Mayer explores the theme of unrequited love and longing for someone who is already in a committed relationship. The narrator, who is presumably single, is infatuated with Olivia and sees qualities in her that he desires in a partner. Though Olivia is already taken, the narrator remains hopeful that he can find a love interest who possesses similar qualities. This unattainable desire for Olivia symbolizes the longing for something or someone that is just out of reach. The repetition of her name throughout the song emphasizes the intensity of the narrator's desire and the power she holds over him. The acknowledgement that Olivia is with another man reflects the narrator's understanding of boundaries and his hesitation to interfere with someone else's relationship. However, the lyrics also reveal the narrator's vulnerability and willingness to entertain the idea of reciprocation if Olivia were to express interest in him. Overall, the song conveys a sense of longing, yearning, and the internal conflict that arises when one desires someone who is unattainable.