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.
Tread Water
Sara Bareilles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thought it my turn for a break
But since the rain loves my face
I'll just let it be.
Long since gave up on long walks
To make up for long talks
Lately the silence won't stop
And I'm getting weary waiting for the harbor lights to change
I've forgotten what I do it for but I tread water just the same
I tread water
I tread water
Thought I earned my fair share
Thought the devil may care
But I called him up, he's not there.
What does that mean?
Cause I'm getting weary waiting for the harbor lights to change
I've forgotten what I do it for but I tread water just the same
I tread water
I tread water
Thought this life would lead
Far from Beauty's Beast
Well, I know at least
You can't count me out
Because I'm used to the water now.
And I'm getting weary waiting for the harbor lights to change
I've forgotten what I do it for but I tread water just the same
And I'll never let this pair of hands forget to pull their weight
This burden may be more than I would like to bear, less than I can take
And I'll tread water, I'll tread water
Tread water
I tread water
In the lyrics of "Tread Water," Sara Bareilles clearly communicates a sense of exhaustion and weariness with a situation she can't seem to escape. She believes that she deserves a break but acknowledges that there's something about the rain falling on her face that makes her feel like she can keep going. She's tried different tactics to cope with the long silences that have replaced conversations, but nothing seems to work. The harbor lights refuse to change, as if they are part of a conspiracy to keep her stuck, treading water. The lyrics hint that the devil might be involved, but he's not answering her calls. She wonders if there's a deeper meaning to all of this, but at the same time, she's become used to the water and the struggle to stay afloat. The last lines suggest a determination to persevere, even if the burden is heavy and she's unsure how much more she can endure.
One interpretation of the lyrics is that Sara Bareilles is describing a state of emotional limbo, where she's neither sinking nor swimming. She wants to take a break from the struggle but feels compelled to keep going, even if it means just treading water. The long walks and talks she refers to could be examples of attempts to alleviate boredom, but they have backfired, leading to more silence and a sense of futility. The harbor lights could represent a metaphorical beacon of hope, something that Sara is waiting for but can't seem to achieve. The devil's absence could signify a spiritual crisis, where Sara is trying to find meaning in her life but can't find any answers. In short, the lyrics of "Tread Water" express a sense of frustration, uncertainty, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Pardon me, my mistake
Apologizing for thinking it was her turn to take a break.
Thought it my turn for a break
Assumed it was her turn to take a break.
But since the rain loves my face, I'll just let it be
Decided not to take a break despite wanting to because she enjoys the rain on her face.
Long since gave up on long walks to make up for long talks
Stopped taking walks to compensate for long conversations.
Lately the silence won't stop talking at me
The absence of sound has become overwhelming.
And I'm getting weary waiting for the harbor lights to change
Feeling tired from waiting for something to change.
I've forgotten what I do it for but I tread water just the same
Doesn't remember why she does what she does but still continues doing it.
Thought I earned my fair share
Believed she deserved her fair share of something.
Thought the devil may care
Felt like taking a risk.
But I called him up, he's not there. What does that mean?
Asked herself what the absence of the devil means for her situation.
Thought this life would lead far from Beauty's Beast
Expected her life to be different from a fairytale with a beast.
Well, I know at least you can't count me out
Expressing determination to keep going.
Because I'm used to the water now
Has adapted to the challenges she faces.
And I'll never let this pair of hands forget to pull their weight
Will always work hard.
This burden may be more than I would like to bear, less than I can take
The difficulty of the situation is challenging but manageable.
And I'll tread water, I'll tread water, Tread water, I tread water
She will continue to persevere even though the situation is difficult.
Contributed by Ava V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@splashjohnson
Music that reaches the soul.
@emb_ivy
Painfully beautiful.
@MsMegan1313
She totally does! She also writes poetry.
@steviesniper
Ok, I'm a total Sara Fan. Seriously. All the albums, downloaded the singles and everything... And Ican not tell you how wonderful it is to love and support an artist that constantly surprises you! I had never heard of this song! It's so gorgeous!
@mimimilauras2
Linda essa música.
@candacevanessasaye6765
Great song. 👍thanks
@misty22me
I think the whole tread what bit is that she's having to do something repeatedly to stop her self from "drowning"
@JohannaAFlorez
I just want to know where on earth people find unreleased tracks like this!
@onlylauren4712
Limewire.
@velvets0ul
shameless