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.
Shiny
Sara Bareilles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm trying to read her mind, wondering
What she doesn't say to anybody
The laundry's folded, beds are made
It's like this every single day
It's memorized, but a thin disguise
I see what she can't see
But there's a glimmer in her brown eyes
The ones she gave to me
So I know we can both be shiny
She calls on Sundays, checking in
We talk about the weather again
It never changes, she wonders where the rain is
Once in a while I catch a glimpse
Of the truest things that she keeps hidden
Her secret heart, that's my favorite part
I see what she can't see
Her light only ever landing on me
But there's a glimmer in her brown eyes
The ones she gave to me
So I know we can both be shiny, shiny
All that glitters isn't gold, but gold is all I see
So I know we can both be shiny
In this song, Sara Bareilles tells a story about observing someone close to her, possibly her mother or a maternal figure, who seems to be carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. The person in question is represented as having her back turned to the singer at the kitchen sink, symbolizing her emotional distance and the struggles she keeps hidden. The singer, however, tries to understand the thoughts and feelings that she doesn't express to anyone.
The lyrics describe a mundane daily routine, where the laundry is folded and beds are made like clockwork. The repetition of this routine is described as a thin disguise, suggesting that the person is putting on a façade of normalcy and contentment despite what she may be going through internally. However, the singer notices a sparkle in her eyes, indicating that there is still hope and resilience within her.
The chorus reveals the deep connection between the singer and this person. The singer acknowledges that the person's light has always shone on her, but she also sees the potential for both of them to overcome their struggles and "shine" together. The person's brown eyes, symbolizing love and lineage, serve as a reminder that they share a common strength that can help them navigate the challenges they face.
Overall, "Shiny" is a heartfelt exploration of the complexity of relationships and the ability to find hope and strength even in the midst of difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond the surface and understanding the inner battles that others may face.
Line by Line Meaning
She has her back to me at the kitchen sink
She is facing away from me while doing dishes, possibly showing her emotional distance.
I'm trying to read her mind, wondering
I am attempting to understand what she is thinking, filled with curiosity.
What she doesn't say to anybody
I am curious about the things she keeps hidden and doesn't share with anyone.
The laundry's folded, beds are made
Every day, she completes the household chores diligently, maintaining order and cleanliness.
It's like this every single day
This routine is followed consistently, without any deviation.
It's memorized, but a thin disguise
Although she goes through the motions effortlessly, it is just a facade hiding her true emotions.
I see what she can't see
I am able to perceive and understand things that she fails to notice or acknowledge.
Her light only ever landed on me
Her attention and affection are solely directed towards me.
But there's a glimmer in her brown eyes
However, I can see a small hint of something deeper and more profound in her eyes.
The ones she gave to me
These eyes are a gift from her, and I cherish their significance.
So I know we can both be shiny
Because of the glimpses I've had into her true self, I believe that we can both shine and uncover our hidden brilliance.
She calls on Sundays, checking in
She reaches out to me regularly on Sundays, ensuring that we stay connected.
We talk about the weather again
Our conversations often revolve around mundane topics like the weather, lacking depth.
It never changes, she wonders where the rain is
The pattern remains the same, and she questions the absence of any excitement or unpredictability in her life.
Once in a while I catch a glimpse
Occasionally, I manage to catch a brief look into her true thoughts and emotions.
Of the truest things that she keeps hidden
I am granted a fleeting view of the most genuine aspects of her that she conceals from the world.
Her secret heart, that's my favorite part
The innermost depths of her heart, which remains unknown to others, are the most cherished and beloved to me.
All that glitters isn't gold, but gold is all I see
Not everything that appears attractive or valuable is truly so, but I can only perceive the exceptional qualities in her.
So I know we can both be shiny
With the recognition of her hidden brilliance, I am confident that both of us can radiate our unique shine.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lori McKenna, Sara Bareilles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@florarenales2002
She has her back to me at the kitchen sink
I'm trying to read her mind, wondering
What she doesn't say to anybody
The laundry's folded, beds are made
It's like this every single day
It's memorized, but a thin disguise
I see what she can't see
Her light only ever landed on me
But there's a glimmer in her brown eyes
The ones she gave to me
So I know we can both be shiny
She calls on Sundays, checking in
We talk about the weather again
It never changes, she wonders where the rain is
Once in a while I catch a glimpse
Of the truest things that she keeps hidden
Her secret heart, that's my favorite part 💕
I see what she can't see
Her light only ever landing on me
But there's a glimmer in her brown eyes
The ones she gave to me
So I know we can both be shiny, shiny
All that glitters isn't gold, but gold is all I see
So I know we can both be shiny
@stevewigg1
No idea whether it’s the lyrics or the way she delivers them but I’m getting a bit sick and tired of this woman making me cry. I’m a 58 year old man for pity’s sake. Amazing track
@123clarababy
It truly is about a mama's love and how her child values her! I'm 59 too...and just lost my mama 5 months ago. She was my best friend.
@davidblair4858
Her music is about feelings. She's one of the finest musicians that I've ever heard. Have a listen to her song, "You matter to me." Honest feelings in that one too.
@christianayers622
@@davidblair4858 she emulates unbaised love.
@melodythemassagetherapist6957
Yep!!
@erniemathews8130
I’m a 58 year old man too, I have the same problem with her🤣 she is amazing.
@felixnavarro9842
At first, I was confused about who she was singing about. At the same time, my mom walked into my room, and I got it. I teared up.
@iHeartmusic424
I love this <3
@felixnavarro9842
@@iHeartmusic424 ♥
@eosofspades_357
I didn't get it until I read this comment.
I teared up, too.