Contemplating Fairy Tales.

I don't have much to say.

(it's only 1PM. As lovely as the sunshine is today,

I won't start waxing eloquent for another few hours.)

But in the meantime, I am Contemplating Fairy Tales.

Just what do they mean in today's world?

Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty (obviously my favorite) and Snow White and Rapunzel.

Cinderella's on the bedroom floor,

She's got a crush on the guy at the liquor stoor,

'Cause Mr. Charming don't come home anymore,

And she forgets why she came here.

Sleeping Beauty's in a foul mood, for shame.

She says, "None for you, dear Prince. I'm tired today.

I'd rather sleep my whole life away

Than have you keep me from dreaming."

...

Snow White is doin' dishes again,

'Cause what else can she do with 7 itty bitty men?

Sends them to bed and she calls up a friend, says:

"Can you meet me at midnight?"

The tall blonde lets out a cry of despair, says:

"Would have cut it myself if I knew men could climb hair.

I'll have to find another tower somewhere,

And keep away from the window."

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom,

Man made up a story, said that I should believe him.

Go and tell your White Night

That he's handsome in hindsight,

But I don't want the Next Best Thing.

'Cause I don't care for your fairy tales,

You're so worried 'bout the Maiden,

Though you know she's only waiting

On the next best thing.

I don't care for your fairy tales,

Worried 'bout the Maiden though you know she's only waiting-

Spent her whole life being graded

On the sanctity of patience,

And a dumb appreciation,

But this story needs a mending

With a better Happy Ending,

'Cause I don't want the Next Best Thing.

No, I don't want the Next Best Thing.

-Sara Bareilles

photos: Cam Archer Portrait, Tim Walker image from Vogue UK March 2009, Alexia Sinclair - My Modern Metropolis, Melvin Sokolsky