Who wrote the 2005 hit song "Daughters"?

John Mayer wrote the 2005 hit song “Daughters.”

The song was written by Mayer and released on his 2003 album *Heavier Things*. Although the album appeared earlier, “Daughters” became a major hit during the 2004–05 single cycle and won the 2005 Grammy Award for Song of the Year, making Mayer the song’s sole credited songwriter.

Mayer has said he began writing “Daughters” in 2003, reportedly developing the song while staying in Australia or New Zealand. Its gentle acoustic arrangement and lyrics about how parents shape their children helped it stand out from more conventional rock radio singles. The song became one of his signature recordings and earned additional recognition for his vocal performance.

A common mix-up is the release date: the song is associated with 2005 because that was its breakthrough year and Grammy recognition, but it first appeared on *Heavier Things* in 2003. Mayer also performed a more blues-oriented version with the John Mayer Trio, but that group did not change the song’s credited authorship.