Survivors’ Anthem Series # 16: “Brave” - Sara Bareilles
- Shannon Brown
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
Finding the Courage to Use My Voice
Some survivor anthems are about strength.
Some are about survival.
Some are about healing.
And then there are the ones that ask you a question:
What are you going to do with your voice?
This is Survivors’ Anthem # 16:
“Brave” - Sara Bareilles
And this song has hit me hard more times than I can count.
The Moment Before You Speak
There is a very specific kind of fear survivors understand.
It’s the moment right before you say something true.
Your heart starts racing.
Your throat tightens.
Your brain tells you to stay quiet.
To avoid conflict.
To not make waves.
To protect yourself.
Because for a long time, staying quiet was survival.
There were many times in my life when I wanted to speak up, when I knew something wasn’t right, when I felt the truth sitting heavy in my chest, and I didn’t.
Not because I didn’t care.
But because I was scared.
Why “Brave” Hits So Deep
When Sara Bareilles sings:
“Say what you wanna say and let the words fall out…”
It feels like permission.
Not permission to be reckless.
Permission to be honest.
This song reminds me that silence might protect you in the moment, but truth sets you free in the long run.
And for survivors of child abuse and domestic violence, silence is often forced on us.
We’re taught not to tell.
Not to question.
Not to disrupt the peace.
But healing changes that.
Healing teaches you that your voice is not dangerous.
Your voice is necessary.
Being Brave for Myself
There was a time when being brave meant just getting through the day.
Now, being brave means something different.
It means speaking up even when my voice shakes.
It means sharing my story publicly.
It means writing Because of Jane.
It means advocating for children and for people who have suffered from child abuse and domestic violence in relationships.
It means choosing discomfort over silence.
And every time I hear this song, it feels like a reminder:
You don’t have to stay small anymore.
Being Brave for Others
This song isn’t just about personal empowerment.
It’s about impact.
When one person speaks, it gives someone else permission to speak.
When one survivor says, “This happened to me,” it breaks the isolation for someone still trapped in it.
Bravery isn’t loud.
It’s honest.
And if using my voice helps even one child feel less alone, or one adult survivor feel believed, then the fear is worth it.
A Thank You
Sara Bareilles - thank you.
Thank you for writing a song that encourages truth over fear. Thank you for reminding people that courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s speaking anyway.
Your music has been a nudge when I needed one.
A reminder when I hesitated.
A push when I wanted to stay quiet.
What’s Next in the Survivors’ Anthem Series
Each Survivors’ Anthem post shares:
a song
why it mattered
and how music helped carry healing forward
If you’re reading this and there’s something on your heart you’ve been afraid to say…
I hope you remember this:
Your voice matters.
Your story matters.
And you are allowed to be brave.
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