Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

It is rare to find a song that fits numerous occasions, but Natasha Bedingfield has done just that. ‘Unwritten’, released in 2004, spins the narrative of having no set plan and taking control of one’s story. It was released at a time when female pop icons like Avril Lavine and Britney Speers dominated radio waves, pioneering some of the period’s most influential music. This song has been blasted through breakups, new relationships, good days, and bad days. It is a universal anthem for being unsure of the future but charging forward anyway. The lyrics are beautifully written and the carefully crafted backtrack feels motivating and uplifting without seeming overly peppy.

We live in a world with heavy societal expectations that can feel impossible to meet. ‘Unwritten’ tells us that we are in control of our own happiness or sadness. This song was written for her brother, who was celebrating his fourteenth birthday. Bedingfield wanted to give some advice that she wishes she would have received at that point in her life. She recognizes the weight of external expectations and offers guidance. The line “no one else can feel it for you/only you can let it in” resonates deeply with me. I frequently feel trapped and overwhelmed by emotions and expectations, spiraling down a little rabbit hole. This song is a great reminder to take a step back, re-prioritize, and let it go. None of the things I tend to freak out about will cause the end of the world. I am simply allowing myself to be so affected. So next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up, Natasha Bedingfield has the song for you.