King Of Anything

Sara Bareilles' song 'King Of Anything' is a powerful declaration of personal autonomy and self-assertion. The lyrics depict a scenario where the protagonist is confronted by someone who is overly opinionated and controlling. The opening lines, 'Keep drinking coffee, stare me down across the table / While I look outside,' set the stage for a tense interaction. The protagonist feels overwhelmed by the other person's unsolicited advice and opinions, which are symbolized by the metaphor of 'making maps with my name on them in all caps.' This imagery suggests an attempt to dictate the protagonist's life and choices.

The chorus, 'Who cares if you disagree? / You are not me / Who made you king of anything?' serves as a defiant rejection of this control. It emphasizes the protagonist's realization that they do not need to conform to someone else's expectations or demands. The repeated question, 'Who died and made you king of anything?' underscores the absurdity of the other person's self-appointed authority. This line is a rhetorical challenge to the notion that anyone has the right to dictate another person's life.

Throughout the song, Bareilles explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment. The line, 'All my life I've tried to make everybody happy / While I just hurt and hide,' reveals the protagonist's past struggles with people-pleasing and the emotional toll it has taken. The song ultimately becomes an anthem for anyone who has felt pressured to conform to others' expectations. It encourages listeners to reclaim their own voice and make their own decisions, symbolized by the closing line, 'Let me hold your crown, babe.' This final statement is a bold assertion of personal sovereignty and the right to live authentically.