Footprints In The Sand

Album: Spirit (2008)
Charted: 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was issued as a double A-sided single along with "Better In Time" in the United Kingdom. It was released in aid of BBC's Sport Relief 2008.
  • This is an adaptation of the allegorical poem Footprints In The Sand. Lewis said: "I recorded Footprints In The Sand in the UK with (producer) Steve Mac and it's a very special song to me. Originally it was a poem; it's very inspirational so we put it into a song. I think it is very moving, with a very emotional lyric and I really love to sing this song."
  • Lewis told the BBC: "Footprints was actually a poem and it's about standing by someone and being there for people who need your help."
  • X-Factor and American Idol judge Simon Cowell had a co-writing credit on this. Lewis explained to The Times March 8, 2008: "He came up with the original idea to make it into a song. He told me [about it] and I was, like, 'That could be really quite interesting.'"
  • In March 2008 this became officially only the second recording in the entire history of the UK singles chart to occupy two simultaneous chart positions. It peaked at #2 thanks to sales on CD and #25 through online stores. The only other song in history to manage such a feat was Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg's erotic chart-topper "'Je T'aime, Moi Non Plus," which in 1969 was deleted by its original issuer Fontana records and in the same week re-issued by the independent Major Minor label. The two singles were deemed separate products, resulting in the last available copies of the Fontana release charting at #16 and the Major Minor issue debuting at #3.
  • Lewis' "Better In Time" director Sophie Muller returned for the video. Filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa, it focuses on the country's hardships, like poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Comments: 2

  • Dorian from Housten, TxI thought it was about this dude who saw Jesus and he walked with him on the beach leaving footprints behind..he was on the brink of losing his life. He even said he saw his life flash above him in the sky...really thought this song was for that..I'm dumb
  • Rhonda from Sault Ste Maire, Onmy best friend was there for me at the lowest time in my life and i will always love her for that im your footprints thanks marie ann rhonda
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The Kingdom

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The KingdomSongwriter Interviews

The Bush frontman on where he finds inspiration for lyrics, if his "machine head" is a guitar tuner, and the stories behind songs from the album The Kingdom.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Scott Stapp

Scott StappSongwriter Interviews

The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits.

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.

Tony Joe White

Tony Joe WhiteSongwriter Interviews

The writer of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Polk Salad Annie" explains how he cooks up his Louisiana swamp rock.