I remember the first time I heard Sara Bareilles' debut album Little Voice. I was in that awkward phase of life where you are trying to find your own music interests while balancing enjoying some of the music your parents listened to. I was at Walmart -- trying to make the decision between Styx or Queen's greatest hits when my mom snarked, "Why don't you listen to your OWN AGE musicians?"
My mom meant well. I was always an old soul, and my mom was always worried about me fitting in. However, I was angry at her response, and so, I stalked back to the CD aisle and found Little Voice. I literally looked for the music that was the most different from my parents' tastes, and I am so glad that one little family spat led to that discovery.
What I want to highlight about Sara Bareilles is that she is a beautiful songwriter. In a world where celebrities pay songwriters to make their new hits, Bareilles took the time and energy to make her own. While as time went on, I began to disagree with some of her music methods, overall, she keeps true to writing HER songs.
The song I am highlighting today I think showcases her beautiful writing, and how if you spend time on lyrics, the music needs to be the accompaniment. Focus on the message.
"One Sweet Love" -- Sara Bareilles
Just about the time the shadows call
I undress my mind and dare you to follow
Paint a portrait of my mystery
Only close my eyes and you are here with me
A nameless face to think I see
To sit and watch the waves with me until they're gone
A heart I'd swear I'd recognize is made out of
My own devices
Could I be wrong?
The time that I've taken
I pray is not wasted
Have I already tasted my piece of one sweet love?
Sleepless nights you creep inside of me
Paint your shadows on the breath that we share
You take more than just my sanity
You take my reason not to care
No ordinary wings I'll need
The sky itself will carry me back to you
The things I dream that I can do
I'd open up the moon for you
Just come down soon
The time that I've taken
I pray is not wasted
Have I already tasted my piece of one sweet love?
Ready and waiting
For a heart worth the breaking
But I'd settle for an honest mistake in the name of one sweet love
Savor the sorrow to soften the pain
Sip on the southern rain
As I do, I don't look don't touch don't do anything
But hope that there is a you
The earth that is the space between
I'd banish it from under me, to get to you
Your unexpected love provides my solitary's
Suicide, oh I wish I knew
The time that I've taken
I pray is not wasted
Have I already tasted my piece of one sweet love?
Ready and waiting
For a heart worth the breaking
But I'd settle for an honest mistake in the name of one sweet love
The imagery in this piece allows listeners to picture their own version of this song. I have had several people tell me -- this is a love song or this is a break-up song, and while I could analyze it and give you my point of view, the main idea here is -- it can be either or.
Look at these lyrics, "Paint a portrait of my mystery / Only close my eyes and you are here with me". These lyrics could allude to it being a break up because "mystery" could mean -- why didn't this relationship work out? It could also be the dreaming of a new relationship in the lyrics, "Only close my eyes and you are here with me." The love interest isn't there in person, but that doesn't mean the narrator cannot picture and dream of the relationship she desires.
There are many examples of the lyrics being vague and lending to the feelings of the audience to give it foundation, but the images the lyrics create are what makes this stand out -- "No ordinary wings I'll need the sky itself will carry me back to you". The lightness of love, the feeling of flying...she takes those feelings and finds creative ways to express them. That is what makes her songwriting unique.
So, vague lyrics -- again, as we have seen in other songs, can be a strength, but the song lyrics themselves can be the art that the music supports, and in today's day and age, how often do you see that? It is unique and beautiful. It is art.
Until next time.
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