Gravity (Sara Bareilles song)

"Gravity" was written solely by Sara Bareilles and appears as the fifth track on Little Voice, her major-label debut released on Epic Records in 2007.¹ The song is a piano-driven ballad in the key of B-flat major, with a slow tempo and a powerful vocal performance that builds to a climax. Lyrically, it explores the theme of being drawn back to a toxic or irresistible relationship, using gravity as a metaphor for emotional pull.

Although "Gravity" was not released as a commercial single in most territories, it received significant airplay and became a fan favorite. In 2009, it charted on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100, peaking at number one, which indicates it was the highest-performing song that had not yet entered the main Hot 100 chart.² The song also appeared on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart, reaching number 35.

Bareilles has performed "Gravity" extensively in concert, often as a solo piano piece. A notable live version appears on her 2013 album Brave Enough: Live at the Variety Playhouse. The song has been covered by various artists, including Lea Michele on the television series Glee in 2010, which introduced it to a broader audience.³ Additionally, the song was featured in the soundtrack of the 2010 film Letters to Juliet.

Critics have praised "Gravity" for its raw emotion and Bareilles's vocal delivery. In a retrospective review, Billboard called it a "standout" on Little Voice. The song has become a staple in Bareilles's discography, often cited as one of her best songs. It has been used in numerous television shows and films, cementing its place in pop culture.

One lesser-known fact is that "Gravity" was originally written during Bareilles's time at UCLA, where she performed it at open mic nights.⁴ The song's demo version, recorded in 2004, circulated online before the album's release. Additionally, the song's music video, directed by Wayne Isham, was shot in black and white and features Bareilles performing in a dimly lit room. Another edge case: the song's B-side on some international releases includes a live acoustic version. Furthermore, Bareilles has noted that the song is about a specific relationship, but she has kept the details private, adding to its universal appeal.

Bubbling Under Hot 100

A chart that ranks songs that have not yet entered the Billboard Hot 100, with number one indicating the highest-ranked song below the main chart.

Piano ballad

A slow, emotional song typically accompanied by piano, often featuring a powerful vocal performance.