Second Hand White Baby Grand

Megan Hilty's song "Second Hand White Baby Grand" is a poignant exploration of resilience, memory, and the beauty found in imperfection. The narrative centers around a secondhand piano, bought by the singer's mother from a silent movie star. Despite being out of tune and worn, the piano becomes a source of joy and escape for the singer, symbolizing the power of music to transcend pain and hardship. The piano, much like the singer, is secondhand and broken, yet it still produces a beautiful sound, highlighting the theme that even flawed things can have immense value and beauty.

The lyrics delve into the emotional connection between the singer and her mother, with the piano serving as a silent witness to their unspoken words and shared moments. The piano's imperfections, such as missing keys and broken strings, mirror the struggles and challenges faced by the singer and her mother. Despite these flaws, the music they create together is uniquely their own, providing solace and a sense of identity. The piano's journey, from being discarded to finding a new home, parallels the singer's own journey of finding her place and voice in the world.

The song also touches on themes of loss and longing, particularly in the lines where the singer wishes her mother could hear the music once more. The piano stands as a testament to their bond and the enduring impact of their shared experiences. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of hope and the belief that everyone, no matter how broken or secondhand, has something beautiful to offer. It calls for recognition and appreciation of the hidden beauty in things and people that may seem imperfect or overlooked.