Piano & I by Alicia Keys is a reflection on the artist's journey, paying homage to her roots in classical music and expressing her profound connection to the piano. The song opens with a Beethoven piece, signifying Keys' classical training, before merging into contemporary sounds. Themes of resilience, self-discovery, and passion for music are woven throughout the lyrics. A particularly poignant moment is when Keys refers to the piano as a sanctuary and a vessel of her emotions.