Gonna Get Over You
Sara Bareilles
The Journey to Healing: Sara Bareilles' 'Gonna Get Over You'
Sara Bareilles' song 'Gonna Get Over You' is a poignant exploration of the emotional turmoil that follows a breakup. The lyrics capture the struggle of moving on from a relationship that has ended, even when the heart is reluctant to let go. The opening lines, 'Goodbye / Should be sayin' that to you by now, shouldn't I?' set the tone for the internal conflict the protagonist faces. She knows she should be moving on, but the emotional attachment makes it difficult to do so.
The song delves into the complexity of unspoken feelings and the pain of unreciprocated love. Bareilles sings about having a 'thick tongue, / Brimming with the words that go unsung,' highlighting the difficulty of expressing her true emotions. The metaphor of 'simmer then the burn for a someone, / The wrong one' illustrates the lingering pain and the realization that the person she longs for is not right for her. This internal battle is further emphasized by her 'why not me?' philosophy, a common sentiment for those grappling with rejection.
As the song progresses, Bareilles shifts from a place of longing to one of empowerment. She declares, 'Well, no more, / I won't beg to buy a shot at your back door,' signifying her decision to stop chasing after someone who doesn't value her. The repeated refrain, 'I'll be alright, just not tonight / But someday,' serves as a mantra of hope and resilience. It acknowledges the pain of the present while holding onto the belief that healing and happiness are possible in the future. The song ultimately portrays a journey of self-discovery and strength, as the protagonist learns to prioritize her own well-being over the desire for a lost love.