Meaning of "What's Inside" by Sara Bareilles

The lyrics of "What's Inside" by Sara Bareilles explore the themes of identity, secrecy, and the messiness of life through the metaphor of baking. The repetition of the ingredients sugar, butter, and flour creates an emphasis on the act of creation and the process of building something from scratch. The narrator's hands pluck these ingredients, symbolizing their agency in shaping their own life. They gather sugar and butter from the pantry, which can be interpreted as finding the sweetness and richness in life.

Adding flour represents the beginning of something new, a catalyst for change. The line "And then it's down with the recipe and bake from the heart" implies that the narrator follows a set of instructions or societal expectations, but also injects their own personal touch and emotions into the process. This suggests a struggle between conforming to external standards and expressing individuality.

The key question of the song, "What's inside?", reflects the curiosity and fascination people have with knowing the true nature of others. The narrator has always told others what's inside, but there is a sense of hiding something, as they mention, "I could tell you if I wasn't hiding." This could point to a personal secret or aspect of their identity that they feel reluctant to reveal. By using the kitchen baking metaphor, the narrator metaphorically hides their true self within the creations they make.

The phrase "My whole life is in here" suggests that the kitchen and the act of baking represent the narrator's life and experiences. As they acknowledge the mess they are making, it reflects the messiness and imperfect nature of life itself. The process of baking, like life, can be chaotic, unpredictable, and uncertain. There is a desire for change, a feeling that "something needs to change," suggesting a longing for growth and transformation.

Overall, "What's Inside" delves into the complexities of identity and the desire to express oneself in a world that often expects conformity. It explores the tension between personal truth and societal expectations, and the messiness and beauty that can emerge from embracing one's true self.