I recently discovered Sara Bareilles. (Yes, I know, she’s been around awhile. I’m always late to the Cool Party.) She’s the awesome.

This is “Brave” from her new album The Blessed Unrest.

I like the music, but I especially like the lyrics.

Everybody’s been there,
Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy
Fallen for the fear
And done some disappearing,
Bow down to the mighty
Don’t run, stop holding your tongue
Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in
Show me how big your brave is

It’s an interesting song. She said (source?) that it was to inspire a friend’s coming out, but if you listen to the lyrics, I think “provoke” would be a better word than “inspire.”

She’s written a lot of excellent songs. I’m amazed at how high a proportion of the songs on her album I also like. Here are some favorites:

“Uncharted,” “Gonna Get Over You,” “Hold My Heart,” and “King of Anything,” a stunning series of four songs on her album Kaleidoscope Heart.

“Vegas,” “Bottle It Up,” “Come Round Soon,” “Fairytale,” and “Love Song” from the nearly-as-good Little Voice

Plus (in addition to “Brave”) “Chasing the Sun,” “Hercules,” “Little Black Dress,” and “I Choose You,” from The Blessed Unrest.