Get ready to dive deep into the empowering lyrics of Natasha Bedingfield’s iconic hit, “Unwritten.” This anthemic melody has made its way through graduation ceremonies, wedding dances, and even dominated the theme for the popular MTV show, “The Hills.”
It’s safe to say that this song has touched many hearts and stirred many minds over the years. But what’s the true meaning hidden behind its catchy tune?
Let’s unpack the lyrics, explore Bedingfield’s inspiration behind the song, and understand why “Unwritten” has remained an enduring anthem of personal freedom and self-expression for listeners worldwide.
Table of Contents
Lyrics Interpretation
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1: Self-Definition
“I am unwritten
Can’t read my mind
I’m undefined
I’m just beginning
The pen’s in my hand
Ending unplanned”
Bedingfield initiates her song, “Unwritten,” by declaring herself as an ‘unwritten’ entity, undefined and only just beginning. This metaphor reflects the human experience, an existence still in its creation phase. The songwriter’s assertion that she holds the pen alludes to the personal agency we possess in crafting our narratives. The unplanned ending accentuates the open-endedness of life, a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Chorus: An Invitation to Authenticity
“Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten”
In the chorus, Bedingfield extends an invitation to her audience to express their authenticity. The act of staring at the blank page underscores the anticipation and fear often accompanying the initial steps toward self-expression. She urges us to open our ‘dirty windows’, embracing vulnerability and allowing light – a symbol for understanding – to help us find our voice.
The phrase ‘reaching for something in the distance’ signifies our aspiration, the tantalizing possibilities that lie just beyond our reach. By encouraging us to ‘release our inhibitions’, she emphasizes the importance of shedding societal expectations, permitting us to experience life firsthand – ‘feel the rain on your skin’ – because only we can truly understand our unique experiences.
She further empowers us to speak our truth – ‘speak the words on your lips’ and immerse ourselves in our thoughts and feelings – ‘drench yourself in words unspoken’. The exhortation to ‘live your life with arms wide open’ serves as a reminder to embrace life’s opportunities. Bedingfield concludes the chorus by asserting that ‘today is where your book begins’, underscoring that our narrative is continually evolving, and ‘the rest is still unwritten’, a reminder that we have the power to shape our future.
Verse 2: Breaking Tradition
“I break tradition
Sometimes my tries are outside the lines
We’ve been conditioned to not make mistakes
But I can’t live that way”
In the second verse, Bedingfield champions the idea of defying conventions and norms, daring to venture ‘outside the lines’. This mirrors her call to abandon inhibitions, challenging the social conditioning that stigmatizes making mistakes. She firmly asserts her refusal to be bound by such constraints, advocating for a life of exploration and risk-taking.
True Meaning Behind “Unwritten”
Natasha penned this track for her brother’s 14th birthday – pretty cool gift, huh? She was low on cash, but ended up giving him something priceless: a tune about embracing life’s unpredictability. Think about it, every day is like a blank page, waiting for you to scribble down your adventures. It’s about seizing the day and keeping an eye out for all the exciting possibilities life can toss your way.
And did you know? Natasha’s own insecurities actually sparked this song. As she shared with Seventeen magazine, she started dreaming big around the age of 17 but was always worried about being mocked. She decided to kick those fears to the curb and started writing songs, promising herself she’d keep going until she got good at it. And boy, did she nail it with “Unwritten.”
One of the rad things about this track is that it resonates with so many people on different levels. Some folks blast it at their graduation, while others choose it as their wedding dance tune. But at its core, “Unwritten” is a reminder not to stress too much about having all the answers. After all, you don’t have to know what college you’re going to or what your major will be when you’re barely figuring out life, right?
MTV certainly knew they had a gem on their hands when they picked it as their theme song. It wasn’t just a cool track for their show, but a way to boost Natasha’s career, even featuring her music video in the credits. The payoff? “Unwritten” became the most-played song on US radio in 2006.
But the “Unwritten” saga didn’t stop there. Fast forward to 2021, and the song blew up on TikTok, thanks to a remix uploaded by user Èsco Upp. When Natasha joined in on the fun and posted a video of herself dancing to the remix, it breathed new life into the song and it was suddenly everywhere.
So, next time you’re humming along to “Unwritten,” remember it’s more than just a catchy song. It’s a celebration of life’s unpredictability, a nudge to chase your dreams, and an anthem for living every day like a new adventure. Who knew a birthday gift could inspire so many?
Conclusion
Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” presents a timeless message of self-expression, authenticity, and the courage to shape our narratives. Through her lyrics, she invites us to confront our fears, embrace our unique experiences, and be active authors in the ongoing saga of our lives.
Amid a culture that often encourages conformity, her anthem resonates, reminding us that the power to pen our story lies in our hands, and ‘the rest is still unwritten’.