"Brave" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, taken from her fourth studio album, The Blessed Unrest (2013).

The song was written by Bareilles and Jack Antonoff from the band fun., as the singer was inspired from the struggles that a close friend dealt with in regard to coming out as gay.

"Brave" received positive reviews from music critics, with one writing that Bareilles channels singers like Fiona Apple and Florence Welch.

The song was covered by Lea Michele and Naya Rivera on the 97th episode of the musical series Glee, which aired on February 25, 2014.

The accompanying music video was directed by actress Rashida Jones, and features Bareilles singing intertwined with clips of people dancing in various public places such as a shopping mall, a gym, a library, and a bus stop.

"[5] Bareilles also discussed the song in many interviews, revealing that she thinks "there's so much honor and integrity and beauty in being able to be who you are, [and] it's important to be brave because by doing that you also give others permission to do the same.

[7] It was released for digital download as the lead single from Bareilles's fourth studio album, The Blessed Unrest, on April 22, 2013, through Epic Records.

[9] During the "commanding chorus" as described by Jason Lipshutz of Billboard, Bareilles encourages her friend to talk, singing, "Say what you want to say, and let the words fall out, honestly I want to see you be brave.

As opposed to her previous subdued, organically slow ballads, 'Brave' is Sara's most mainstream, pop radio-friendly effort to date.

"[14] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times gave "Brave" a mixed review, considering it a "booming and jangly [song] that announce in scale what Ms. Bareilles's sweet and sometimes nervy voice doesn't always do on its own.

"[21] Perry and Bareilles performed "Roar" along with Bonnie McKee, Ellie Goulding, Kacey Musgraves, and duo Tegan and Sara at the We Can Survive: Music for Life concert on October 23, 2013.

[22] When asked about the controversy on ABC News Radio a few days later, Bareilles mentioned they are friends, and that the accusations, "…[put] this negative spin on two artists that are choosing to share positive messages," adding, "If I'm not mad I don't know why anybody else is upset."

[28] In February 2014, buoyed by sales and airplay after Bareilles's appearance at the Grammy Awards, "Brave" hit a new chart peak, moving up to number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

As part of NBC's TODAY's Shine a Light series, Bareilles and Cyndi Lauper recorded a mashup of "Brave" and "True Colors" with to raise awareness and money for children battling cancer.

On the first night of the 2023 US Open, Bareilles sung "Brave" for fans who were waiting to see Novak Djokovic's much anticipated return to New York.