What Baking Can Do: Lyrics, Meaning, Chords, Vocal Range

Q: What musical is "What Baking Can Do" from?

The song "What Baking Can Do" is from the musical Waitress, with music and lyrics written by Sara Bareilles. The show was a hit on both Broadway and in London's West End, celebrated for its heartfelt story and memorable score.

From the first few notes, some songs have the power to tell an entire story, capturing a character’s struggle, hope, and resilience in a single, powerful anthem. For fans of musical theatre and powerful storytelling, understanding every layer of such a song—from its lyrics and meaning to its complex musicality—is essential. This guide leaves no stone unturned, providing a comprehensive analysis for performers, fans, and curious listeners alike.

“What Baking Can Do” is the signature “I want” song from the hit musical Waitress, with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. It masterfully uses the metaphor of baking to articulate the protagonist Jenna’s deep-seated desire for control, escape, and creative expression amid an abusive marriage and an unwanted pregnancy.

Leveraging a deep analysis of the song’s lyrical content, narrative context, and musical composition, this guide unpacks every element of this modern Broadway classic. We will explore the complete lyrics, dissect the profound meaning behind them, trace the song’s origins within the musical’s production history, and analyze its unique musical structure, offering a definitive resource for anyone captivated by what baking can do.

Key Facts

Creative Origins: “What Baking Can Do” was written by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles for the musical Waitress, which is based on the acclaimed 2007 independent film by Adrienne Shelly.
Broadway Debut: The musical Waitress made its official Broadway debut in April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, quickly establishing the song as a fan favorite and a central piece of the show’s identity.
Narrative Core: The song serves as the main character Jenna’s powerful anthem, articulating her use of baking as a coping mechanism and a creative escape from the trauma of her abusive marriage.
Unique Musicality: The song is noted for its complex musical structure, which features a rare downward modulation from G♭ to F, a detail that adds significant emotional and technical depth for the performer.
Iconic Performance: The role of Jenna, and therefore the performance of this song, was originated on Broadway by Jessie Mueller, whose portrayal became a benchmark for the character.

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“What Baking Can Do”: The Complete Lyrics

“What Baking Can Do” begins with the lyrics: “Make it work / Make it easy / Make it clever, craft it into pieces…” and tells the story of Jenna using baking to cope with her life’s challenges. Penned by the brilliant Sara Bareilles, the lyrics serve as Jenna’s internal monologue, transforming the mundane act of baking into a vibrant, desperate, and ultimately hopeful plan for survival.

Sugar, butter, flour
Don’t let me down
I wanna be a new woman now
Clean the place up, make it nice
I’ll be a new woman
Without that doubt I’m feeling now
I’ll think of a new pie and I’ll name it after me
I’ll bake it up and it’ll be my ticket out of here
I’ll bake me a door to help me get through
I’ll bake me a window so I can see out
I’ll bake me a staircase that I’ll climb to the moon
And I’ll never look back
Make it work
Make it easy
Make it clever, craft it into pieces
Make it sweet
Crimp the edges
Or make it sour, if that’s what he deserves
And then I’ll slice and serve my worries away
I’ll bake it all better, I swear it’s true
It’s amazing what baking can do
Sugar, butter, flour
Don’t let me down
The day’s been long and I’m feeling blue
I’ll think of a new pie, a way to get by
A little bit of heaven in a can
I’ll bake him a pie that’ll make him understand
I’ll bake him a pie and I’ll say it with a smile
“I’m leaving you, and I’m never coming back”
Make it work
Make it easy
Make it clever, craft it into pieces
Make it sweet
Crimp the edges
Or make it bitter, if that’s what he deserves
And then I’ll slice and serve my worries away
I’ll bake it all better, I swear it’s true
It’s amazing what baking can do
My mother was a baker
She’d sing a little song
While she worked, and I’d be right there with her
She’d let me lick the spoon
She was trapped in a loveless marriage
And I think baking was the one thing
She could control in her life
And now it’s mine

Unpacking the Meaning: Jenna’s Story in the Song

“What Baking Can Do” is a pivotal song where the protagonist, Jenna Hunterson, uses baking as a creative outlet and coping mechanism to escape her abusive marriage and regain a sense of control over her life. Though the song has a contemporary and upbeat tempo, it masks a much deeper and more poignant meaning about finding agency in a seemingly hopeless situation. It is in this song that the audience truly understands the power that sugar, butter, and flour hold for Jenna.

This song has a deep meaning disguised by an upbeat tempo. It tells the story of how Jenna finds an escape in baking, which she learned from her mother who also was trapped in a loveless marriage. How does the upbeat music contrast with the weight of Jenna’s reality?

Escape and Imagination: For Jenna, baking is not just a job; it is a creative act of defiance. When she sings of baking a door to get through or a staircase to the moon, she is using her craft to build a world where she can be free from her abusive husband, Earl.
Control and Agency: In a life where she feels powerless, the precise, methodical nature of baking is the one area where Jenna is in complete control. She decides whether to make a pie sweet or sour, a direct metaphor for her desire to dictate the terms of her own life. The lyrics powerfully connect this need for control to her circumstances:
> I’ll slice and serve my worries away.
Inherited Struggles and Strength: The song reveals a critical piece of Jenna’s backstory: her mother also used baking to cope with a loveless marriage. This connection adds a layer of generational sadness but also shows that the strength and resilience Jenna finds in baking are an inheritance—a tool for survival passed down from mother to daughter.

The Song’s Origin: Crafting a Hit for Waitress

This song was written by Sara Bareilles for the hit musical Waitress, which is based on the 2007 film by Adrienne Shelly and debuted on Broadway in 2016 before opening in London’s West End in 2019. The journey of Waitress from an independent film to a global stage phenomenon is a testament to its powerful story, with “What Baking Can Do” standing out as a cornerstone of its score.

The musical’s development began in 2013, with Bareilles brought on to compose the music and lyrics. Her ability to blend pop sensibilities with theatrical storytelling proved to be a perfect match for the material. Did you know the entire creative team for Waitress was female, a rarity on Broadway? The show’s path to success included a tryout run before it cemented its place as a Broadway hit.

Production	Theater	Location	Premiere Date
Original Tryout	American Repertory Theater	Cambridge, MA	August 2015
Original Broadway	Brooks Atkinson Theatre	New York, NY	April 2016
Original West End	Adelphi Theatre	London, UK	2019

A Look at the Music: Chords, Modulation, and Vocal Range

The song’s musical structure is notable for a contemporary pop groove and a rare downward modulation from G♭ to F, which adds to its emotional depth and complexity for performers. This is not just a simple, catchy tune; its composition is deliberately crafted to reflect Jenna’s shifting emotional state. Modulation, a change from one key to another, can be a challenge for singers, and its use here is particularly effective.

Pro Tip: For singers, pay close attention to the emotional shift required during the modulation from G♭ to F at 0:52. This is the moment where Jenna’s simmering frustration begins to boil over into a more determined plan of action, and the vocal performance must reflect that change in intensity.

The musical genius of the song lies in how it pairs an ascending, hopeful melody with this unusual key change. As noted in an analysis by Modulation of the Day:

“What Baking Can Do” features the rare downward modulation, from Gb to F…made even more noteworthy by an ascending melody.

Musical Style: The song is built on a contemporary pop groove, making it accessible and memorable to a wide audience.
Downward Modulation: The shift from G♭ to F is a technically demanding and emotionally resonant feature that sets the song apart.
Ascending Melody: While the key drops, the melody climbs, musically representing Jenna’s attempt to rise above her difficult circumstances.
Vocal Range: The song requires a strong belt and significant vocal control to navigate its emotional and technical complexities, making it a challenging but rewarding piece for any performer.

Notable Performances: Who Has Sung “What Baking Can Do”?

While originally performed by Jessie Mueller on Broadway, “What Baking Can Do” has been notably sung by other actresses in the role of Jenna, including Katharine McPhee, Carolyn Maitland, and Jessica Vosk. Each performer brings their own unique interpretation to this iconic song, making it a staple of the modern musical theatre canon.

The song’s power is such that it has become a signature piece for any actress who takes on the role of Jenna. Which performer’s version of the song is your favorite and why?

Jessie Mueller: As the original Broadway Jenna, Mueller’s performance is featured on the Original Broadway Cast Recording and is considered by many to be the definitive version. Her interpretation is filled with a raw vulnerability and a powerful belt.
Katharine McPhee: The acclaimed singer and actress played Jenna on both Broadway and in the West End, bringing her powerful pop vocals to the role.
Carolyn Maitland: A celebrated West End performer, Maitland has also delivered powerful renditions of the song, showcasing her incredible vocal talent.
Jessica Vosk: Known for her powerhouse voice, Vosk has also performed and recorded her own version of the song, making it a popular track for her fans.

Resources for Performers: Sheet Music & Karaoke Tracks

For those looking to perform the song, sheet music is readily available through music publishers, and karaoke or backing tracks can be found on various online platforms, making it a popular choice for soloists and choirs. Its combination of an engaging story, an upbeat tempo, and an introspective message makes it a favorite for auditions, concerts, and showcases.

Sheet Music: The official sheet music for “What Baking Can Do” is available from major music publishers like JW Pepper. It allows singers and pianists to learn the song accurately, including its signature chords and modulation.
Karaoke/Backing Tracks: High-quality backing tracks are available for performers who need instrumental accompaniment. These tracks are essential for practicing and performing the song in a cabaret or concert setting.
A Favorite for Choirs: The song’s uplifting melody and powerful message have also made it a popular choice for women’s choirs, who can bring a new dimension to its story of shared strength and resilience.

To truly bring Jenna’s story to life, having the right baking tools can make all the difference, transforming a simple recipe into a masterpiece of your own.

FAQs About What Baking Can Do

What musical is “What Baking Can Do” from?

The song “What Baking Can Do” is from the musical Waitress, with music and lyrics written by Sara Bareilles. The show was a hit on both Broadway and in London’s West End, celebrated for its heartfelt story and memorable score.

Why does Jenna sing “What Baking Can Do”?

Jenna sings the song as a personal anthem, showcasing how she uses the act of baking—a skill learned from her mother—to process her emotions and find a sense of agency amid the chaos of her abusive marriage and unexpected pregnancy. It is her escape, her creative outlet, and the one part of her life she can completely control.

Who wrote the music and lyrics for “What Baking Can Do”?

The music and lyrics for “What Baking Can Do,” and for the entire Waitress score, were written by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Her unique ability to blend pop, soul, and theater resulted in a score that has been celebrated by critics and audiences alike.

Is “What Baking Can Do” a difficult song to sing?

The song is considered moderately difficult due to its unique musical structure, particularly the downward modulation paired with an ascending melody, which requires strong vocal agility and control. While its pop groove is accessible, mastering its technical and emotional nuances is a challenge for any performer.

Final Summary: The Enduring Appeal of “What Baking Can Do”

Ultimately, “What Baking Can Do” is more than a song; it’s a powerful anthem of resilience, creativity, and finding strength in difficult circumstances, defined by its poignant lyrics, catchy melody, and deep narrative significance in the musical Waitress. It perfectly encapsulates the show’s central themes of friendship, motherhood, and the courage it takes to bake yourself a new life. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal message of hope and its brilliant execution.

A Lyrical Masterpiece: The lyrics by Sara Bareilles are clever, emotional, and deeply tied to the character’s journey.
Narrative Importance: The song is the foundational “I want” number that establishes Jenna’s entire motivation and inner world.
Musical Complexity: Its rare downward modulation and pop-theater fusion make it both a popular hit and a piece worthy of musical analysis.
A Performer’s Showcase: The song remains a go-to piece for powerful female vocalists to demonstrate both their technical skill and their storytelling ability.

Now that you know the story behind the song, listen to it again—what new details do you notice?

Last update on 2025-09-05 at 21:18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API