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.
Tightrope
Sara Bareilles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That is simple and planned, tied with a ribbon
Some people won't sail the sea,
'Cause they're safer on land
To follow what's written but I'd
Follow you to the great unknown
Off to a world we call our own
We're walking a tightrope
High in the sky we can see the whole world down below
We're walking a tightrope
Never sure, never know how far we could fall
But it's all an adventure
That comes with a breathtaking view
Walking a tightrope with you
Mountains and valleys and all that will come in between
Desert and ocean
You pulled me in and together we're lost in a dream
Oh, he's in motion so I risk it all
Just to be with you
And I'll risk it all for this life we choose
Hand in my hand and you promise to never let go
We're walking a tightrope
High in the sky we can see the whole world down below
We're walking a tightrope
Never sure, but you catch me if I should fall
Well, it's all an adventure that comes with a breathtaking view
Walking the tightrope with you
In "Tightrope," Sara Bareilles describes the thrilling and precarious nature of being in a relationship with someone and embarking on new experiences with them. She contrasts those who seek a simple and steady life with those who are willing to take risks and "walk a tightrope" toward new adventures. The singer acknowledges the uncertainty and potential for falling that comes with being on a literal tightrope, but still decides to take the leap and explore the beauty and excitement that the world has to offer with her partner. She suggests that the reward of the breathtaking view at the end of the journey and the powerful connection with her partner is worth the risk of the fall.
Through this thought-provoking song, Bareilles encourages listeners to embrace the unknown and trust in themselves and their partners enough to take on new adventures, even when the outcome is not guaranteed. The idea of walking a tightrope also implies a sense of balance and trust, which are essential traits in any healthy relationship. Overall, "Tightrope" encourages us to take a chance on love and life, and to take the risk of falling in order to reach new heights of joy and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people long for a life
That is simple and planned, tied with a ribbon
Some people desire a life that is uncomplicated and organized, with everything laid out for them in a neat package.
Some people won't sail the sea,
'Cause they're safer on land
Some people prefer to stay on familiar ground and avoid taking risks, for fear of the unknown dangers of the open sea.
To follow what's written but I'd
Follow you to the great unknown
Off to a world we call our own
Although most people may choose to follow a predetermined path, I am willing to follow you into uncharted territory, to create our own destiny.
Hand in my hand and we promise to never let go
We're walking a tightrope
High in the sky we can see the whole world down below
We're walking a tightrope
Never sure, never know how far we could fall
But it's all an adventure
That comes with a breathtaking view
Walking a tightrope with you
Together, we are taking a risk and living life on the edge, but we are committed to never letting go of each other. Despite the uncertainty of our journey, we have a thrilling view of the world beneath us, and we choose to embrace this adventure together.
Mountains and valleys and all that will come in between
Desert and ocean
You pulled me in and together we're lost in a dream
Oh, he's in motion so I risk it all
Just to be with you
And I'll risk it all for this life we choose
Our journey will take us through all kinds of terrain, from the rugged mountains to the vast oceans, but with you by my side, I am lost in a beautiful dream. I am willing to take risks and make sacrifices to be with you, and I know that this life we have chosen is worth it.
Never sure, but you catch me if I should fall
Well, it's all an adventure that comes with a breathtaking view
Walking the tightrope with you
I know that I may stumble and fall along the way, but you will always be there to catch me. And even in the face of uncertainty and danger, I am exhilarated by the beauty of our shared experience, and I choose to walk this tightrope with you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Okkkkkkk-ol5kz
The most underrated song in the movie. I love Sara Bareilles, and she did a great job “reimagining” this song! ❤️
@farllenfrenchfry
Right?
@rullyzuldhfermana2900
A J EXACTLY what I tought. I really felt Charity's anxiety when this song's on.
@chrislafargue-bonet6054
I'm with you. Beautiful song and beautiful rendition, in a very "up-close and personal" style, very fitting.
@charlenevong3023
AJ • Same! I used to listen to every song but tightrope but I accidentally forgot to skip it in the soundtrack but I'm glad I did
@barbietch1861
IKR! THIS SONG IS BEAUTIFUL ACTUALLY
@davidanthonymanibo6854
I love how Sara made it sadder and deeper. I definitely think about life deeply when I listened to it
@samd2013
Wrong
@mariejohannagarganera9698
Yeah feels like her "Manhattan" song. The vibe feels sad and accepting at the same time.
@ceoa
💯 more meaningful and beautiful.✨