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10 Powerful Life Lessons Hidden In The Words To The Song "Brave" By Sara Bareilles

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Sara Bareilles’ "Brave" remains one of the most enduring and vital empowerment anthems of the last decade, and as of today, December 21, 2025, its message of speaking one's truth is more relevant than ever. Released in 2013, the song served as the lead single from her fourth studio album, The Blessed Unrest, and quickly transcended its pop origins to become a global symbol for courage, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and for anyone struggling with self-expression. The true power of the song lies not just in its catchy, piano-driven melody, but in the deliberate and deeply personal nature of its lyrics, which were inspired by a conversation with a close friend.

The words to the song "Brave" are a direct, encouraging plea to overcome the fear of vulnerability and to finally "say what you wanna say." Its simple yet profound message has cemented its place in pop culture history, inspiring countless people to take the terrifying but necessary leap of faith toward living authentically. This deep dive explores the full lyrics, the story behind the song, and the lasting cultural impact of this modern masterpiece.

Sara Bareilles: A Brief Biography and Profile

Sara Beth Bareilles is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actress renowned for her soulful, piano-based pop music and emotionally resonant lyrics. Born on December 7, 1979, in Eureka, California, Bareilles' musical journey began with her self-described "piano-based pop soul" style, which often features candid and relatable storytelling.

  • Full Name: Sara Beth Bareilles
  • Born: December 7, 1979 (Age 46 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Eureka, California, U.S.
  • Musical Style: Piano-based Pop Soul, Pop Rock, Singer-Songwriter
  • Breakthrough Hit: "Love Song" (2007), from the album Little Voice.
  • Key Album (Featuring "Brave"): The Blessed Unrest (2013)
  • Career Highlights: Bareilles has sold over three million albums and over 15 million singles. She is also a successful Broadway composer and actress, having written the music and lyrics for the hit musical Waitress, earning multiple Tony Award nominations.
  • Recent Focus (2024/2025): Bareilles has been openly discussing her journey with grief, indicating that her newer music explores this deeper, more vulnerable theme, providing a poignant contrast to the pure empowerment of "Brave."

The Full Words to the Song "Brave" (Lyric Structure)

The structure of "Brave" is a masterclass in motivational songwriting, building tension in the verses and bridge before releasing it in the anthemic, sing-along chorus. The lyrics, co-written with Jack Antonoff, are a conversational pep talk from one friend to another, urging them to break their silence and embrace vulnerability.

Verse 1

You can be amazing
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody's lack of love
Or you can start speaking up
Nothing's gonna hurt you the way that words do
When they settle 'neath your skin
Kept on the inside and no sunlight
Sometimes a shadow wins

Pre-Chorus

But I wonder what would happen if you
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

Chorus

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

Verse 2

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
Oh, I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
Oh, I wanna see you be brave

Pre-Chorus

But I wonder what would happen if you
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

Chorus

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

Bridge

Everybody's been there
Everybody's been stared down by the enemy
Fallen for the fear
And done whatever it takes to quiet all those voices in your head that tell you hold it in
Tempting you to stop and just forget about this thing
But I wonder what would happen if you
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

Coda/Outro

Innocence, your history of silence
Won't do you any good
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don't you tell them the truth?
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

The Deeper Meaning and Cultural Impact of "Brave"

The power of "Brave" comes from its origin story and the subsequent life it took on as a cultural touchstone. Understanding the context of the lyrics reveals why it continues to resonate with so many people over a decade later.

The Real-Life Inspiration: A Friend's Coming Out

Bareilles revealed that the song was directly inspired by a close friend who was struggling to come out as gay. The line "Say what you wanna say / And let the words fall out" was a personal message to this friend, encouraging them to overcome their fear and speak their truth. This deeply personal origin story immediately grounded the song in the reality of human struggle and the courage required for authenticity. The lyrics serve as a permission slip, telling the listener that the fear is normal, but silence is damaging.

A Modern Anthem for Vulnerability and the LGBTQ+ Community

While written for a specific person, the song quickly became a universal anthem for marginalized groups and anyone facing internal conflict. The LGBTQ+ community, in particular, embraced "Brave" as a powerful soundtrack for coming out, standing up to bullies, and living openly. The song's legacy is tied to this cultural impact, celebrating the bravery of simply existing as one's true self. The phrase "Innocence, your history of silence / Won't do you any good" from the bridge is a sharp, critical moment, urging the listener to recognize that maintaining a false image is more harmful than the temporary discomfort of speaking up.

Lyrical Devices: The Power of Language

A closer analysis of the words reveals Sara Bareilles' masterful use of literary devices to amplify the message:

  • Metaphor: The opening lines, "You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug," immediately establish the dual, life-altering power of words. Words can hurt, but they can also heal and empower.
  • Alliteration: Phrases like "Fallen for the fear" and "history of silence" are memorable and add a rhythmic urgency to the message.
  • Repetition: The repeated central phrase, "Honestly, I wanna see you be brave," acts as a constant, gentle push, transforming from an external suggestion into an internal mantra by the song's end.

The Enduring Legacy in a New Era

The song's release on the album *The Blessed Unrest* in 2013 marked a significant shift in Bareilles' career, earning her Grammy nominations and solidifying her role as a voice for empowerment. Even today, "Brave" is frequently used in public service announcements, motivational content, and as a theme for various "This Is My Brave" mental health initiatives. As Sara Bareilles explores new, heavier themes in her recent work, such as processing grief, the enduring light and optimism of "Brave" serves as a powerful foundation, reminding listeners that even in the face of loss and pain, the courage to speak and feel is the first step toward healing.

10 Powerful Life Lessons Hidden in the Words to the Song
words to the song brave by sara bareilles
words to the song brave by sara bareilles

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