Sara Bareilles is a singer-songwriter and composer known for her gift with melody and emotional authenticity. She wrote and starred in Waitress The Musical, bringing her intimate, confessional songwriting style to the stage and creating a score that resonates deeply with performers and audiences alike.
Why we love this
Mac Huff's arrangement preserves the song's conversational warmth while giving a choir the tools to build genuine ensemble cohesion. The piece doesn't demand technical fireworks; instead, it asks singers to listen to each other and shape phrases with intention, making it ideal for groups working on blend and musical communication.
What to expect
The song invites singers into a moment of personal recognition and quiet courage. It has the feeling of sharing something true with people you trust, marked by conversational phrasing and a melody that sticks because it sounds almost like speaking.
Who it's for
Choirs comfortable with folk and pop idioms, particularly those developing ensemble musicianship beyond classical traditions. This works for high school to adult ensembles seeking contemporary repertoire with accessible but genuine emotional depth.
How to get the most out of it
Prioritize clarity in the text; Bareilles' lyrics are narrative and specific, so diction choices matter. Resist the urge to over-sing early sections.
Let the harmonic progression breathe. This arrangement likely uses the song's folk-influenced chord changes, so balance inner voices carefully so nothing muddy the supportive harmonies.
Shape the piece's arc by tracking emotional temperature rather than volume. The song's journey is introspective, and dynamics should reflect shifts in vulnerability or resolve rather than generic crescendos.
How to use it
Pair this with other contemporary musical theatre pieces to show range and stylistic flexibility, or program it in a set exploring vulnerability and self-discovery across genres. Its intimacy makes it strong as a second-act opener or a concert finale that leaves audiences reflective.
Skills your students will build
Singing with diction clarity in pop and musical theatre styles
Listening for inner voice independence while maintaining cohesive ensemble blend
Interpreting a narrative text musically and connecting emotional content to phrasing choices
Balancing folkloric harmonic language with contemporary arranging techniques
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