Best believe we are still belting out that chorus just as loud as we did in 2004
With January coming to a steady close we have had almost a month to reflect on the stories that have propped us up, been our mattress once we have fallen down, and given us the fighting words to stand up on our own again.Reinvention through reflection , forgiveness and healing are all semantics in Natasha Bedingfield’s 2004 track ‘Unwritten’ which reached no.6 during its initial release.
20 years later it’s back in the UKs top 20 in part due to Will Gluck’s Romcom starring Sydney Sweeny and Glen Powell. It is becoming the trend of new movies sharing a light on nougthies tracks, as seen with Sophie Ellis-Bextors- Murder on the Dancefloor featured in the final scene of Emerald Fennells disturbingly delicious ‘Saltburn’. Unwritten is not only poignant and insightful it is catchy and upbeat lending it a timeless nature that is still relevant today.
Used as the soundtrack to popular American TV series The Hills in 2006 Unwritten has seen frequent pop culture attention, I refrain from using the word reveal as it seems the song never lost is significance, with Bedingfield releasing a remix for a rerun of the show in 2019.
It’s R&B influences and its uptempo pop feel boast a nostalgic edge with a contemporary vibe, this song is the sound of summer, it is the sound of things to come, be them good or bad you can prepare and stay composed whatever happens it can be ‘unwritten’, you can always try again tomorrow. With will and positivity, empathy and education you can go forward, knowing you can change your circumstance or your mindset to it.
Originally associated with graduations due to its inspiring message for the future, reminding us that one day does not have to define the rest, Bedingfield wrote the song for her brother whilst on tour, considering everything she wished she had been told at his age.
We are only defined by the pen we hold and the words we write, propelled by the actions we take, the choices we make, the mistakes we learn from, the mistakes we make again. Our failiabilty, our optimism so innately human.Her lyrics and energy are empowering, reassuring and restorative, the audible equivieleint to the perfect tea and a kiss on the forehead before a deep, restful sleep.
Unwritten is full of hope, unity and independence, a mantra about taking each moment in our stride as we go through the rest of 2024.