Sara Beth Bareilles (born December 7, 1979) is a Grammy-winning American si… Read Full Bio ↴Sara Beth Bareilles (born December 7, 1979) is a Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter, pianist, Broadway composer, actress, and TV producer and writer. Bareilles was born and raised in Eureka, California, United States.

After graduating from UCLA in 2002, Bareilles performed at local bars and clubs. She issued two demos of mostly live tracks in 2003: The First One in April and The Summer Sessions in October.

In January 2004, Bareilles released her first studio album, Careful Confessions. She signed a contract with Epic Records' A&R executive Pete Giberga on April 15, 2005. The remainder of the year and early 2006 was spent writing and reworking songs for her upcoming album.

Her debut major-label album Little Voice came out on July 17, 2007.

Bottle It Up
Sara Bareilles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There'll be girls across the nation
That will eat this up babe
I know that it's your soul but could you bottle it up and
Get down to the heart of it,
No it's my heart you're shit out of your luck
Don't make me tell you again my love love love love.
Love love love love.

I am aiming to be somebody this somebody trusts
With her delicate soul
I don't claim to know much except soon as you start
To make room for the parts
That aren't you it gets harder to bloom in a garden of
Love love love love
Love Love love love

Only thing I ever could need, only one good thing
Worth trying to be and it's

Love, love
Love, love
I do it for love
Love, love
Love

We can understand the sentiment you're saying to us
Oh, but sensible sells so could you kindly shut up
And get started
At keeping your part of the bargain aw please
Little darlin'
You're killing me sweetly with love love love love
Love love love love

Only thing I ever could need only one good thing
Worth trying to be

And its love, love
Love, love
I do it for love
Love, love
Love

Started as a flicker meant to be a flame
Skin has gotten thicker but it burns the same
Still a baby in a cradle got to take my first fall
Baby's getting next to nowhere
with her baack against the wall.
You meant to make me happy make me sad.
Want to make it better better so bad.
But save your resolutions for your never new year
There is only one solution I can see here.

Love you're all I ever could need only one good thing
Worth trying to be and it's
Love, love
Love, love
I do it for love, love, love, love

Oh, only gonna get, get what you give away,
Love, love, love, love

Overall Meaning

In Sara Bareilles's song "Bottle It Up," she plays with the idea of bottling up emotions and love. She starts by acknowledging that her soul is something that many people would be drawn to if they were able to capture it in a bottle. However, she believes that it's something that she needs to hold onto and protect. She then talks about the delicate nature of the soul and how it's essential to protect its innermost parts. She warns against suppressing oneself to make room for other things because it dilutes who one is.

The chorus focuses on the importance of love and how it is the only thing worth striving for. Sara emphasizes that she's willing to do anything for love because it's the most crucial thing in her life. She then expresses frustration with people telling her to be practical and logical when it comes to love. She believes that it's something that one should pursue freely without worrying about practicality. Sara warns the listener against making empty promises and resolutions because love is the only solution.

The song's lyrics speak to the importance of staying true to oneself and the value of love above everything else. The song tells a story of the struggles of protecting one's innermost self and the importance of fighting for love.

Line by Line Meaning

There'll be girls across the nation
Girls all over the country will find your message appealing.

That will eat this up babe
They will be excited by what you have to say.

I know that it's your soul but could you bottle it up and
I understand that what you're sharing is deeply personal, but could you please express it in a way that's easy to understand?

Get down to the heart of it,
Let's focus on the essence of your message.

No it's my heart you're shit out of your luck
My heart is not for you to take.

Don't make me tell you again my love love love love.
I'm not going to say it again, my dear.

I am aiming to be somebody this somebody trusts
I want to be someone who is trustworthy to others.

With her delicate soul
I am especially conscious of attempting to protect their sensibilities.

I don't claim to know much except soon as you start
I'm not asserting any exalted knowledge, but what I believe for sure is that once one begins

To make room for the parts
To open oneself up truly

That aren't you it gets harder to bloom in a garden of
It becomes increasingly challenging to flourish in the garden of life

Love love love love
When love is absent

Love Love love love
When love is absent

Only thing I ever could need, only one good thing
The only thing I might ever require, the one thing that's unequivocally valuable

Worth trying to be and it's
worth striving for is

Love, love
love

I do it for love
I act out of love

Love, love
love

Love
love

We can understand the sentiment you're saying to us
I think we can all comprehend the feelings behind your words

Oh, but sensible sells so could you kindly shut up
But sometimes practicality is more persuasive, so would you mind not speaking as much?

And get started
And let's begin

At keeping your part of the bargain aw please
At least keep up your end of the deal, please.

Little darlin'
My dear

You're killing me sweetly with love love love love
The love that you're showing me is so strong that it's almost painful.

Only thing I ever could need only one good thing
The only thing I ever could need, the only thing worth having

Worth trying to be
worth aspiring to

And its love, love
and that thing is love

Love, love
love

I do it for love
I act out of love

Love, love
love

Started as a flicker meant to be a flame
It began as a small movement, but was meant to grow into something larger.

Skin has gotten thicker but it burns the same
Over time I've become stronger, but the pain remains the same.

Still a baby in a cradle got to take my first fall
I'm still a beginner, and I will inevitably make mistakes along the way.

Baby's getting next to nowhere with her baack against the wall.
It feels like I'm not getting anywhere despite my best efforts.

You meant to make me happy make me sad.
Intentionally or not, you've brought me both joy and sorrow.

Want to make it better better so bad.
I want things to be better between us so badly.

But save your resolutions for your never new year
Don't wait to make things right; the perfect moment will never come.

There is only one solution I can see here.
The only way to solve this is through love.

Love you're all I ever could need only one good thing
Love is the only thing I could ever truly need, it's the one thing that's invaluable.

Worth trying to be and it's
worth trying to attain and it is

Love, love
love

I do it for love, love, love, love
I do everything for love.

Oh, only gonna get, get what you give away,
You'll only receive as much love as you're willing to give.

Love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SARA BAREILLES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

@ShanTFull

3y↑58

Omg, I used to just play this nonstop when I was high school. I'm still in awe of Sara's talent. She's still one of my favorite artists

@Rubberfooted

8y↑215

This track is really kinda funky and nicely laid back and restrained. Real tight. Props to her for writing a real solid song.

@mikelee8937

9y↑393

Y'know, if there's one main theme I see in Mrs. Bareilles's videos, it's the lack of pretentiousness. She seems to enjoy keeping most of her vids in humble surroundings, just reveling in making the music and conveying the message simply.

@mysticsmb

9y↑22

***** Yup, she does it 'for love.' ;)

@ericsong5155

6y↑1

Agreed

@rafaeldavid9726

3y↑2

She's lovely!!! I love her sarcastic sense of humor!

@rexcraigo

She's a Ms. not a Mrs. Get it straight.

@dennisscott2516

She’s of Eureka California. If you ever go there you’ll understand it’s impossible to be pretentious in Eureka. You’re surrounded by nature in its most beautiful manifestation of love . Please note I am praising Eureka for the nature that surrounds the town. Not too fond of most of the people within. One can easily fall in love with the concept of peace, love and joy. But after you fall you’re gonna need- help, patience and understanding to stay in love.

3 More Replies...

@sofyj4206

8y↑261

she has so many songs in which she says "fuck haters and let them burn in hell" in the most beautiful and kind ways

@itsjoeycaleb

3y↑5

we love taylor swift

@shinybeast8946

2y↑2

I'll be looking up

@tinafoster8161

2y↑1

@Joey ✌🏻 d

@jane-anndavies545

😂

@rexcraigo

51w

@Joey ✌🏻 Mentioning her here is just disrespectful to the marvelous Sara Bareilles.

2 More Replies...

@LetsStopThisSong

6y↑32

She’s so underrated, I love a bunch of her songs

@user-seinaschannel

8y↑9

I don't get why she's so underrated. Her music is simply beautiful and she's the true artist,<3. Love you Sara!

@soapsnsuds

11y↑55

"I know that it's your soul, but could you bottle it up?" I really love her artistry with words. She's way over the top with her ability to put her experience into words and still manage to make it consumable/relatable to the listeners. What I like best about this song is that you understand the story behind it, but you'll also be able to find common ground with it. And really, exceptional singing and piano playing doesn't hurt :)) I love you Sara! <3

@brittanymacdonald9610

10y↑236

I dont know why some people are so obsessed with talking about her features... she is unique and beautiful .. and so is her nose! She is natural.. and many people in the public eye get nose jobs... it is not REAL... she is beautiful and knows it and is happy with herself!! Go Sarah, your gorgeous and talented

@nazarinesmart2600

10y↑3

i agree such a beautiful inspiration i dream to know

@joelm4847

3y↑19

Literally no one is saying that but you..

@tricky4735

3y↑6

@Joel M My guess is that people were talking about it...just 7 years ago

@vickimaisey2608

3y↑1

She is gorgeous. Love 💘

@matthewhue

3y↑4

It doesn’t matter but I always thought she was hot haha

10 More Replies...

@chrystamontesa7607

3y↑4

Sara Bareilles is really incomparable - even her songs! This is clearly one of my favorites ♡

@adrianosoares3428

40w↑3

2023 e a gente ainda ouve essa música #Nostalgia

@Jaachi_Aaron-CJ41

1y↑2

I fell in love with Sara Bareilles and This is exactly why I still get the feeling what I’ve always imagine it would be. ❤️😍❤️

@churchgirljesuslover1585

47w↑2

I love her music . She’s the reason I sing still.

@Bakuto1000

13y↑6

I don't know why but when I listen to her music, I always get this renewed, refreshed feeling, like I just took a shower. Her music feels good!

@wvfonseca

8y↑51

"A... Favorita" Tema de Damião (Malvino Salvatore) e Didina (Helena
Ranaldi). Os dois pegavam fogo quando se encontrava na novela ao som
desta música. Nunca antes houve um casal com tamanha química em cena. E
eles se atracavam como dois caracóis, sempre ao som desta música. E
davam beijos de desentupir veias. Aquilo fazia inveja a muitos casais na
época.
Esta música sem sombra de dúvidas foi a grande marca desta novela e também marcou muito a minha vida.

@jessycaroberta6660

5y↑2

Eu ainda escuto o Cd "A Favorita Internacional"

@jessycaroberta6660

Gosto também de "My Love" Da Celine Dion

@davi18951

4y↑3

Caralho, eu tava há séculos procurando essa música, quando achei não conseguia lembrar daonde ela tava na minha cabeça, obrigado, amigo!

@wvfonseca

3y↑2

@Jessyca Roberta Considero este CD uma das melhores trilhas sonoras de novelas de todos os tempos.
As vezes coloco o meu Cd de A Favorita Internacional e solto o volume no talo e deixo rodar, para infelicidade dos vizinhos.

@wvfonseca

3y↑1

@Estúdio Três Azuis E esta foi A TRILHA SONORA!

5 More Replies...

@NellyBulgaria

11y↑4

Believe it or not, they are all talented, it's just that some of them have sold their talents so they can be famous, and others have not, which is why their music brings light into my soul.

@julianatorresmarques6762

2y↑2

Amo essa musica!😍🎈❤

@marker0110

12y↑23

When you have a voice like hers, the piano just plays itself.

@kparsa1

10y↑30

Her music style is rather unique and soothing.... Nice to see a different style in the industry.

@redrapidreams

13y↑3

She makes me cry, literally. Her music reflects a pure soul, pure talent. Her lyrics are brilliant, deep, full of Love, Love, Love ♫

@mnrumble

13y↑10

She's so naturally beautiful, and genuinely talented. So rare in today's music. Go Sara!

@haileejinri

9y↑1

I just started listening to her last night and I only heard a few songs, but wow, they are beautiful, a lot of them are inspirational and the rhythm, the beat, here voice, HER, it's just wonderful.
I really like her. ~New fan here~ xD

@terryshannon9774

What I love about her in addition to her music and her voice is her attitude, her joy. It's infectious.

@hifromthestudio

4y↑2

love the studio version but her live acoustic performances of her and the piano is my favorite rendition

@MrSkinnyJeanz3

10y↑270

I've heard this song so many times when I was younger, and thanks to Selena I've found this great song. I really want a piano version though!

@taliahnageib223

Same

@desconhecida1905

Same

@mugen3603

14y↑2

I've always loved this song... but for all the wrong reasons it seems. I feel so silly now thinking about it. ^_^ After realizing that the "love" she is talking about is love for music itself, and that the entire song is a conversation between herself and her record label, this song suddenly makes so much sense to me. And I adore it more than ever now that I realize it's more than just another love song.

@danielmendoza7197

1y↑1

Una canción maravillosa y una de mis favoritas en inglés, por encima de "Love Song" en mi opinión. A partir del minuto 2:05, comienza una de mis partes preferidas de la melodía; la voz, el piano, el coro de fondo, la guitarra eléctrica, son estupendos en ese fragmento que se me quedó clavado en la cabeza.

@flybypotato6412

8y↑2

I love this song so much! Why can't more songs be like this.

@roxanne928

I completely forgot about this song, up until last night when I saw a cover of it. Sara is everything.

@PianoMan413

2y↑4

"Except as soon / as you start / to make room / for the parts / that aren't you / it gets harder / to bloom / in the garden / of love."

It's a fantastic lyric. A / B / A / B / A / B / A / B / of love. Rhyming.

@Yellow564

2y↑1

Me too:)

@trojanette8345

Amazing isn't it. A song about a musical instrument in anyone else's hands would end up sounding 'sappy', but not when Sara does it. Great song, catchy melody. Love this arrangement.

@paintwithsunshine

13y↑1

This song is perfect. It manages to say everything I feel at once.

@alinemuller5981

6y↑2

Love her songs! Great artist, beautiful voice!

@AlysseSailor

7y↑2

I love her music videos. they are so timeless yet modern and lovely.

@kristiaherself

Fell in love with Sara Bareilles' music since 2009 and still, Sara and her music remain in my heart even after all these years. I remember the moment I fell in love with her, her voice and music, her art - back when I first listened to Love Song. Thank you, Sara. ♥

@debora1cris

7y↑4

a favorita <3

@markgundy

4y↑2

Sara's musical genius will still be on display long after others have come and gone from memory

@inkoverconclusion

12y

The thing I love most about Sara is that no matter the circumstances, she always puts a smile on my face (and the world needs more smiles).

@therevelistmovement4683

4y↑1

One of the best lyricists of our generation.

@BedRock9808

14y↑1

I love how she always has an amazing piano part in her songs only a few people or bands recognize the true beauty and feeling the sound of the piano brings. Love the song all of them are amazing

@nazarinesmart2600

10y↑1

your probably not going to see this but to be very honest you are an inspiration. ever since i was little i listened to your songs and still do and they make me happy and make me believe. they turned me into the person i am today, and encouraged me to write song and sing and i have now found my passion thanks to your sweet voice! thank you so much for being you and staying the way you are and most importantly thankyou for not giving up music. you are an inspiration to me and one day maybe my songs will inspire others aswell as me, thats all but thanks sara!!!!

@ariadnalima1987

8y↑4

My favorite singer!!!! So gentle, so unique!!!

@mythicalsurvivor

https://youtu.be/_AqaiB0NX-k

@T777xxx

12y

In the 2 days since I found this song, I think I've listened to it about a million times. So thanks Sara Bareilles, for creating such amazing songs :D <3

@bone1428

14y

As someone who has been cynical about music lately, this is wonderful and refreshing. Sara, keep it coming.

@natalinoviana

9y↑2

ESSA GAROTA CANTA PRA CARAMBA, EXCELENTE....

@hangvt91

12y↑1

I really love her voice.

@mariaclarapontes3623

18w

Tão bela, como pode?

@pablomurilo3914

2y↑3

Trilha sonora da novela "A Favorita" em 2008.

@gigglygurl1887

14y

i love every single of her songs!!

@joaoexemple8896

3y↑2

Essa música é muito suave de ouvir

@jocelynrivera341

11y

I've only ever listened to her live albums because they are so much more beautiful and pure sounding and boy do her videos show that. Her voice on CD just does NOT compare to how wonderful her voice is without being touched up it actually sounds much better left alone then it does in a studio. You go Sara <3

@sevillive85

13y↑2

Her voice is gorgeous. Her lyrics aren't ditzy, overly sexual, or angry. She's a normal (yet beautiful) lady with a ton of talent. I adore her!

@SpiritSoPoetic

3y↑1

These lyrics are so brilliant ❤️

@matheeus_244

9y↑4

a favorita 2008 <3

@arquicadjmg

She's some of the greatest musicians of our time !

@OhYaSpaghettios

12y

She's the only artist that I've held onto throughout the years, through all of my stages. <3

@MayzaPeres

Sara, perfeita como sempre....

@jocelynrivera341

11y↑1

She is a true artist

@Michaellefkowitz0

11y

What i love about sara is she keeps her music a variety so you have the fast paced and the slow, happy and depressing. so for every one of her songs you dont like there are 5 you will =)

@ArthurFreitasAF

3y↑4

I was searching this song for 11 years, i finally found it, when i was 8, my mom put this song when were driving, so nostalgic.

@GreekAstraMaiden

12y

i had this song stuck in my head all day

@imnotaweebyounormie547

I love songs like this, her and Adele are just wonderful

@emilyphillips3357

10y↑1

I love how there's always a piano in the background of every scene haha!
Love her music so much, she inspires me a lot! (:

@Koribaby1

10y↑2

This was the song that started it all for me a few years back. Love it still.

@um2816

Once this song was 7 years old, it still is and the journey goes on

@gale31

13y↑7

It's nice to listen to a female singer who is not angry and not extremely bubbly, nor over sexualized. She's such a breath of fresh air. Lovely!

@TeaTimeTurtle

14y

I LOVE this song! It's one of my new favs!

@tornadohunter1054

5y↑1

This is by far the best song by Sara!!!!!!!!!

@dicdega42

What a talent!

@Summersimmie

34w

this song is so underrated. I really love this! Thanks, Sara :)

@nooriqbal2001

11y↑1

6 year-old song, but this is definitely one of my favourites!

@crisjara8324

7y↑17

A favorita!! - umas das melhores novelas da TVGlobo

@gabrielrodriguesdeoliveira445

Brasileiros na área

@pablomurilo3914

Vai reprisar agora em 2022.

@alansaraiva722

Também só conheço essa música por causa das novelas da Globo rs

@SugarStal

12y

i LOVE her voice!

@ellagottschalk7551

I think she is unique in her own way which is perfect she always helps me when i'm down and brings me back up she is one of the best people in the world in my opinion

@duckthurgood3651

10y

One of my favorite artists; just perfect!!! :)

@LoneWolf058

51w

Beautiful through and through. Her looks are only matched, if not surpassed, by her talent. A very rare musical soul.

@EmmaGirlified

11y

how has it been 4 years and I'm just finding this song? she needs to be heard more!

@Ekw418

5y↑5

"except soon as you start to make room for the parts that aren't you it gets harder to bloom in a garden of love" best lyric ever

@FrontRowEnt14

13y

She makes music!!! REAL MUSIC!!!

@Raptorgoalie10

12y

how is it that sara bareilles always looks so happy no matter what???? Why cant I always look happy?? Sara is my inspiration!!

@kimberlycampbell1100

5y↑2

Love it. Time really does fly, huh😍

@promise16

13y

still one of my fav songs :D

@vanessavictoria3504

I love your songs Sara!! :)

@PokemonAndPets

9y↑14

Personally I find this version better than all the rest. Like I do with Bon Iver's version of 'Skinny Love.' Mostly because it was written for them, their voice, by them, and no one has the right to do a cover without credit. If you love Selena's version SO much more, there is no need to criticize Sara about it. She has an amazing voice and talent. In fact, I love almost every one of her songs. She made this song, and therefore SHE should be the one given credit for making it, not them. Just because someone might sing better than the other doesn't mean they ARE better. You have to think about the theme and emotion poured in. This is a reason I love Regina Spektor. I may admit, not all of her songs have wonderful beats, or the music draws me to it. But I love them for the theme's, the reasons on why the song was made. Instead of some stupid love song made oh so many times, Sara and Regina and a lot of other artists (most not well known) make songs with emotion. They make you think. If you disagree with me, then that is okay. Keep in mind, I do not hate every love song. I like quite a few. If you are to disagree with me, please do it in a constructive manner, and give me reasons on why you may disagree with my opinion. I will not tolerate replies saying, 'The plain love songs are amazing, you b**!' because that, my friends, would be another peice of trash to throw in my 'Hate Bin.' Thank you.

@PokemonAndPets

9y↑1

Plus, she has a lot of more that are amazing like this. Such as King of Anything, Uncharted, Not Alone, and Parking Lot.

@melanieperez4518

9y↑1

Gasp! Regina Spektor, Bon Iver, AND Sara Barielles...!? Love them... :) And yes, not all their music might be super attractive, but it's the emotion poured into each and every song that makes it amazing.

@BTRpandatime

12y

how come im just finding out she sings all my fav songs xD Sara is awesome

@mvbt8

13y

Such a good taste and talent she has. Great girl.

@djtoychica5085

Awesome song + music :3

@evilportrait

14y↑2

Sara is so cool, and I love King of Anything. Calming and great music!

@arvincharles

7y↑1

I love her rhymes, flow and delivery on this track. The way the verses are sung is kind of rapped.

@isabellopes792

2y↑6

A favorita

@desiguy55

13y

I love love love love this. looking for it for the past week. this song is definitly full of love.

@JRHorsting

Love it!

@paulamorales2276

11y

i love her voice<3

@sluely222

13y

This song is simply amazing. There is nothing else to say.

@georgefleblanc1

Sara makes such great videos, she moves around effortlessly like a ballet dancer & she don't get out of breath or sweat & she looks so pretty in that short dress, if i moved around like her in a shorts, i would sweat up a storm, she moves like Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, it must be hard to work in front of alot of People.

@graciey5699

10y↑4

I love her music

@codyrosenbalm1

12y

It's supposed to symbolize how music will always be with us no matter what we do or where we go.

@MylittMonster

13y

this is one of my fav song just love it soo much n_n

@IMGOBBS

this song got me through so many things when i was younger.
love that it just popped into my head.

@TheAmbivalency

13y

Sara Bareilles's songs are very meaningful.

@kidwonder87

11y↑2

"You're only gonna get get what you give away, so give love. Give love." My hands down favorite lyrics from Little Voice.

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