Meaning of "Everything Changes" by Sara Bareilles

In "Everything Changes," Sara Bareilles explores the powerful emotions and life-altering transformation that comes with becoming a mother. The lyrics capture the overwhelming joy and sense of purpose that the narrator experiences as she embraces her new role. The opening lines set the tone for the song, emphasizing the profound impact of motherhood on the narrator's identity. She no longer recognizes herself as the person she was before, and instead finds her new identity in being a mother.

The narrator's love for her child is beautifully expressed throughout the song. She describes her child as innocent and her love as boundless. The imagery of the two tiny hands and pair of eyes suggests the vulnerability and preciousness of her child, and the unsung melody symbolizes the potential for growth and future experiences that her child holds. She is determined to protect and cherish her child at all costs, willing to even hang the moon for their happiness.

Bareilles also explores the concept of change and the transformative power of motherhood. The chorus highlights the narrator's realization that everything in her life has changed, but those changes now make sense to her in the context of her child. Her mistakes and past missteps find meaning when she can turn them around for the benefit of her child's future. The permanence she once associated with life fades away as she embraces the concept of constant change and growth.

The lyric "We were both born today" represents the narrator's realization that not only has her child been born into the world, but she too has been reborn as a mother. This reflection encapsulates the profound impact that motherhood has had on her, reshaping her entire existence and priorities. The gratitude expressed towards her child, and the sentiment that she doesn't know what she did to deserve her child, further conveys the depth of love and appreciation the narrator feels.

Ultimately, "Everything Changes" is a celebration of motherhood and the transformative power of love. It explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and growth, as well as the overwhelming joy and gratitude that come with the profound experience of becoming a parent.