"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield is a song that captures the feeling of limitless possibility and the freedom to embrace the unknown. The lyrics, penned by Bedingfield herself along with Wayne Wilkins and Steve Kipner, explore themes of self-discovery, breaking free from societal expectations, and embracing the journey of life.
Here's a breakdown of the thoughts and background behind the creation of the lyrics:
Verse 1:
- "I am unwritten, Can't read my mind, I'm undefined, I'm just beginning": This opening sets the tone of the song. The speaker asserts their individuality and emphasizes their lack of predetermined path. They are a blank slate, full of potential waiting to be realized.
- "The pen's in my hand, Ending: unplanned": The metaphor of a blank page and a pen signifies the control the speaker has over their own story. The ending is "unplanned," signifying a rejection of societal expectations and a choice to embrace the unknown.
Pre-Chorus:
- "Staring at the blank page before you, Open up the dirty window, Let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find": These lines encourage the listener to confront their own fears and embrace the unknown. The "blank page" represents the challenges and uncertainties of life. Opening the "dirty window" symbolizes letting in the light of new experiences and perspectives.
- "Reaching for something in the distance, So close you can almost taste it, Release your inhibitions": This section emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams and desires, even if they seem out of reach. The imagery of "tasting" suggests the nearness of these goals and the need to overcome inhibitions to achieve them.
Chorus:
- "Feel the rain on your skin, No one else can feel it for you, Only you can let it in": These lines highlight the uniqueness of individual experiences and the importance of embracing vulnerability.
- "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": This powerful message encourages authenticity and self-expression. The speaker urges the listener to find their voice and share their truth, even if it's uncomfortable.
- "Today is where your book begins, The rest is still unwritten": This powerful statement reinforces the theme of self-discovery and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Life is a continuous journey, and the future is still unwritten, waiting to be filled with experiences and choices.
Verse 2:
- "I break tradition, Sometimes my tries are outside the lines, yeah, yeah": This verse emphasizes the importance of defying societal norms and embracing individuality. "Breaking tradition" signifies a willingness to forge a path that is unique and authentic.
- "We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, But I can't live that way, no, oh": The speaker acknowledges societal pressures to conform and avoid mistakes, but they refuse to be bound by these limitations. They believe in learning from experiences and growing through mistakes.
Pre-Chorus, Chorus (Repeat), and Bridge:
These sections reinforce the core themes of the song, encouraging listeners to embrace their own unique journey and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the power of self-belief and the importance of living a life true to oneself.
Outro:
The song concludes with a powerful repetition of the phrase "The rest is still unwritten." This reinforces the idea that the journey of life is ongoing and full of endless possibilities.
Overall, "Unwritten" is a timeless anthem of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the courage to embrace the unknown. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their own unique journey, release their inhibitions, and create a future that is authentic and fulfilling.
It's worth noting that the song's popularity and enduring resonance suggest that it speaks to a universal yearning for authenticity and freedom, which is something people of all ages and backgrounds can relate to.