When He Sees Me

Sara Bareilles' song 'When He Sees Me' delves into the complexities of vulnerability and the fear of intimacy. The protagonist in the song is someone who prefers the safety of facts and figures, a world where everything is predictable and controlled. This preference for certainty is a defense mechanism against the unpredictability of emotions and relationships. The lyrics reveal a deep-seated fear of the unknown, especially when it comes to dating and opening up to someone new. The protagonist is wary of the 'guessing game' that comes with getting to know someone, highlighting a discomfort with situations that cannot be controlled or predicted.

The song also explores the anxiety that comes with the possibility of rejection. The protagonist is terrified of the idea that someone might not like them once they get to know them. This fear is so overwhelming that it makes the protagonist question whether it's worth the risk to open up at all. The lyrics, 'What if when he sees me, what if he doesn't like it? What if he runs the other way and I can't hide from it?' encapsulate this fear perfectly. The protagonist is caught in a paradox of wanting to be seen and known, but also being terrified of what that might entail.

Despite these fears, there is a glimmer of hope and longing for connection. The protagonist admits to hoping to find someone who likes them for who they are, someone who will want to see them again. This duality of fear and hope is a common human experience, making the song relatable to many. The lyrics, 'But still I can't help from hoping to find someone to talk to who likes the way I am,' capture this beautifully. The song is a poignant exploration of the vulnerabilities that come with love and the courage it takes to open up to someone new.