A Safe Place To Land (feat. John Legend)

Sara Bareilles' song "A Safe Place To Land," featuring John Legend, is a poignant exploration of finding hope and solace in the midst of overwhelming adversity. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of dire situations where holding one's breath feels safer than breathing, and letting go is an act of bravery. These lines suggest a world where truth is elusive, and pain is a constant companion, likened to a kiss from a monster. The imagery of home being the belly of the beast further emphasizes the sense of entrapment and danger that the characters in the song experience.

The chorus introduces the metaphor of a sinking boat in a wild ocean, symbolizing a life-threatening situation where hope is the only thing left to hold onto. The invocation to say the Lord's Prayer and hold one's babies tight underscores the desperation and the need for divine intervention or a miracle. The repeated plea for someone to reach out a hand and provide a safe place to land highlights the human need for connection and support during times of crisis.

In the latter part of the song, the focus shifts to a call for action. Bareilles and Legend urge listeners to be the hand of a hopeful stranger, to be the light in the dark, and to offer strength and support to those in need. This message of solidarity and compassion is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, individuals have the capacity to make a difference. The repetition of the phrase "'til the sun comes up" serves as a beacon of hope, suggesting that dawn will eventually break, bringing light and relief after the night of suffering.