The song's music video shows images of Mayer clubbing and dining out at night-time paired with scenes of him alone in his apartment, cleaning up and noodling on his guitar.

[1] Referencing the video, Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly asked "Who says the life of a rock star—sexy entourage, late-night pool parties, nubile young things dancing on banquettes—is just a mask for acoustic ennui?

Crystal Bell of Billboard magazine gave a favorable review from the song, saying, "'Who Says' balances Mayer's signature velvety tone with a more stripped-down, folk-inspired arrangement."

"[3] Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly said of the single "Mayer channels Cat Stevens, Jason Mraz, and every camp counselor you ever had on this soft-rockin' celebration of women, wild times, and getting stoned."

Rolling Stone published this quote from Mayer on his take on the line, indicating that this is a simplistic interpretation: "When I sing it, I do not think about marijuana — I think about walking around your house naked with a guitar.