sara bareilles — Giving Up on Perfect

[Click here for video if you can't see it in your reader.]

Have you heard “King of Anything” by Sara Bareilles? I love, love, LOVE it. Of course, as a pianist with a mid-range voice (not too high, not too low), I’m a big fan of pianists with mid-range voices. And – you guessed it – Sara Bareilles fits that description.

But it’s more than that.

King of Anything is upbeat and catchy, but it actually takes a while to masterfully sing along, thanks to some unexpected syncopation. I love that.

And even though the notes are bouncy and happy-sounding, the lyrics definitely have an edge to them. That is the part I really love.

I don’t need to go into details, but I have lived this song and feel its every line, every hurt, every stand.

If you haven’t heard it, I hope you’ll check it out. Here are the lyrics (emphasis mine):

King of Anything by Sara Bareilles

Keep drinking coffee, stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I’d say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet and count the cars that pass by

You’ve got opinions, man
We’re all entitled to ‘em, but I never asked
So let me thank you for your time, and try not to waste anymore of mine
And get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe, but I’m not drowning
There’s no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

You sound so innocent, all full of good intent
Swear you know best
But you expect me to jump up on board with you
And ride off into your delusional sunset

I’m not the one who’s lost with no direction
But you’ll never see

You’re so busy making maps with my name on them in all caps
You got the talking down, just not the listening

And who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

All my life I’ve tried to make everybody happy
While I just hurt and hide
Waiting for someone to tell me it’s my turn to decide

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

Let me hold your crown, babe.

That’s good stuff, right? Have you ever felt like this? And how clever is that video – especially the silverware turned piano keys? (And how cute is her outfit with the suspenders and tie? I totally wish I could pull off that look. Not that her outfit has anything to do with the song!)

What song is speaking to you right now?

This post will be linked to Things I Love Thursday at The Diaper Diaries, because – if I didn’t mention it – I love this song!

Haven’t I Heard That Somewhere?

Do you ever notice soundalike songs or musicians? I wouldn’t say this happens to me all that often, but recently, I’ve been struck by a soundalike playing on my radio. The pop stations (and a commercial – I think for Sirius radio) are playing a song by Sara Bareilles called, “Love Song.” I really like it – it’s catchy, and I like acoustic music and the singer/songwriter vibe. Plus, I’m a sucker for the piano.

A few days ago I heard a song on the contemporary Christian station called, “I’m Letting Go” by Francesca Battistelli. First of all, I just like the song. The words are meaningful to me. But second of all, Wow! It sounds soooo much like “Love Song!”

Or maybe it’s just me. Take a listen. Let me know what you think.

Sara Bareilles – listen here.
Francesca Battistelli – listen here.

Another soundalike for you country music fans (are you out there? anyone? Bueller?): Rodney Carrington sounds just like Tim McGraw to me. Just like him! When I hear a new song by Rodney, I always, always think it’s Tim!

Have you heard any soundalikes lately?