Song: King Of Anything Artist: Sara Bareilles (Originally published Sept.3, 2013)

It was a Japanese guitar student who brought this song to my attention recently.  Although “King of Anything” was released in 2010, this was the first time I’d heard it, and I loved it.

Sara Bareilles first came to my attention with her song “Bottle It Up”, released on the album “Little Voice” in 2007.  Bottle It Up is a very clever pop song with some interesting chord progressions and rhyme schemes.  In fact, I should do another article on that song!

But today we’re looking at King of Anything, a wonderful “who asked you for your advice anyway?” song that another student of mine, a therapist, said she should play for one of her patients.  I suppose I can relate to it lyrically because many times I’ve experienced someone deciding to impart some unsolicited advice, especially guys on the golf course!

Musically, it’s just poppy-licious.  The arpeggio piano (obviously her instrument) and vocal stabs just give you the desire to bop around the room.  I recognized her style of singing and writing after knowing Bottle It Up fairly well (and teaching it to some of my guitar students!), so Sara has obviously created a sound for herself.

Lyrically, it’s simple, in-your-face, but with visual elements added.  I like the whole idea of “show me, don’t tell me” in lyrics.  Sometimes she reverts to the “tell me” part, but in this case it’s effective.

Keep drinking coffee, stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I’d say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet and count the cars that pass by

You’ve got opinions man
We’re all entitled to ’em
But I never asked
So let me thank you for your time
And try not to waste any more of mine
Get out of here fast

PRE-CHORUS:
I hate to break it to you babe
But I’m not drowning
There’s no one here to save

CHORUS:
Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything

You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
Swear you know best
But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
And ride off into your delusional sunset

I’m not the one who’s lost
With no direction, oh
But you’ll never see
You’re so busy making maps
With my name on them in all caps
You got the talking down
Just not the listening

[repeat CHORUS]

BRIDGE:
All my life I’ve tried
To make everybody happy while I
Just hurt and hide
Waiting for someone to tell me it’s my turn to decide

[repeat CHORUS twice]

Lemme hold your crown, babe
Oh, oh

I love the “who cares” and “you dare” lines in the chorus;  Sara uses high notes to emphasize them just as you would if you were saying them in conversation.  Who cares?

The great songwriting and distinctive performance of King Of Anything makes this a hit to my ears. You can view the video below.

IJ