Assassin

John Mayer · Battle Studies [2009]

I work in the dead of night

When the roads are quiet

And no one is around

To track my moves



Race in the end of lights

To find the gate is open

She's waiting in the room

I just slip on through



PRE-CHORUS

You get in, you get done

And then you get gone

You never leave a trace or show your face

You get gone



Should have turned around

And left before the sun came up again

But the sun came up again



Enter the morning light,

To find the day is burning

The curtains and the wine

In a little white room



No, I'm not alone

Her head is heavy on me

She's sleeping like a child

What could I do?



PRE-CHORUS

You get in, you get done

And then you get gone

You never leave a trace or show your face

You get gone



Should have turned around

And left before the sun came up again

But the sun came up again



CHORUS

I was a killer, was the best they'd ever seen

I'd steal your heart before you ever heard a thing

I'm an assassin and I had a job to do

Little did I know that girl was an assassin too



Suddenly I'm in over my head,

And I can hardly breathe



Suddenly I'm floating over her bed,

And I feel everything



And suddenly I know exactly what I did,

But I cannot move a thing



And suddenly I know exactly what I'd done,

And what it's gonna mean to me, mean to me



I'm gone



CHORUS

I was a killer, was the best they'd ever seen

I'd steal your heart before you ever heard a thing

I'm an assassin and I had a job to do

Little did I know that girl was an assassin too



She's an assassin

She's an assassin

She's an assassin

She's an assassin and she had a job to do

Assassin - John Mayer

Released on the 2009 album Battle Studies, "Assassin" stands as a defining track in John Mayer's evolution from pop-rock to mature songwriting. The recording features Mayer's signature acoustic guitar work layered with a driving, rhythmic pulse that anchors the song's narrative tension. Lyrically, the piece explores themes of betrayal and the complexity of relationships, delivered with a vocal performance that balances vulnerability with assertive confidence. As part of his broader discography, this track exemplifies Mayer's ability to craft introspective ballads that resonate with listeners seeking emotional depth. The composition reflects the artistic maturity of the late 2000s era, showcasing his growth as a songwriter while maintaining the melodic sensibilities that made him a household name.