She Used To Be Mine Analyse

884 Words2 Pages

Sara Bareilles wrote “She Used to Be Mine” for the stage adaptation of “Waitress” she starred in. The musical is about a pregnant waitress in an abusive marriage who gets a second chance at her dreams when she enters a baking contest. “She Used to Be Mine” is a ballad about grieving the person you once were and coming to terms with who you are today, after the many trials and tribulations that life brings. Sara Bareilles’ moving lyrics and use of musical elements like pace and melody create a song that makes even the most upbeat and self-confident people pause and think of their younger, brighter, sparkly-eyed selves. I don’t remember exactly when I found this song, but it has been one of my favorites for a few years. As a freshman in high school, my friend, Maggie, got me into Broadway musicals by introducing me to Hamilton, and I’m sure I found this song …show more content…

Put simply, this song calms me down when I am sad because it makes me feel understood and seen. The song has a simple and timeless musical style with a repetitive but enchanting piano track that is comforting yet solemn. A mild and consistent pace reflects the theme of feeling stuck as the person you are and missing the person you used to be. Later in the song, changes in volume and intensity represent the singer’s change in attitude. She shifts from grieving the person she used to be to realizing that that younger version of herself is still inside her. Being a person you don’t entirely love is a concept that is most likely very familiar to all of us. When people look back and see how different they are now, it can be a sudden and jolting realization – for some, it feels free and for others, it is a cage. I appreciate how the shift in the song’s intensity pays tribute to that strong energy. Maybe Sara’s belt makes you feel happier, perhaps it makes you burst into tears. Either way, you feel the

Open Document