“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
Natalie Imbruglia’s song “Torn” focuses on the emotional damage that comes with a bad breakup. Here, the singer tells the story of how she thought she had gotten the perfect man of her dreams, only to realize later that he’s nowhere near perfect for her.
The disappointment she experiences as a result of her initial expectations causes her to feel emotionally shattered. Her illusions of what her perfect lover must be seems to have overshadowed her ability to come to terms with the reality of who her lover really was. In the end she feels she did not receive adequate care from her partner, thus leading to the break in their affair.
The singer feels more hurt mainly because she believes she may have fooled herself and secondly because the truth hit her hard that this man or possibly any other man might not be able to satisfy her ideal expectations.
Natalie Imbruglia talks about “Torn”
Although Natalie Imbruglia did not originally write the song, she has explained that “Torn” primarily covers the emotion of a wrecked relationship.
Writing Credits for “Torn”
Natalie didn’t write “Torn”. The following famous songwriters did:
- Phil Thornalley
- Scott Cutler
- Anne Preven
Thornalley, who co-wrote the song, also produced it.
Release Date of “Torn”
Natalie released this classic under RCA Records on October 27th, 1997. Her management released the song as the first single from her debut album (“Left of the Middle”). This was actually the first single that Natalie Imbruglia released as a professional singer.
Natalie’s Version isn’t Original
Not too many are aware of this fact. But Natalie Imbruglia’s version of “Torn” isn’t the original version. “Torn” was originally recorded by Danish singer Lis Sørensen in 1993. Sørensen released her version under the title “Brændt”. “Brændt” means “Burned” in Sørensen’s native tongue (Danish). Two years after Sørensen’s version came out, the American rock band Ednaswap also released their version. FYI, the track’s writers (Thornalley, Cutler and Preven) were all members of Ednaswap. So “Torn” is technically an Ednaswap song.
A year after Ednaswap’s version was released, another version was released by a singer named Trine Rein released. This was in 1996. Natalie’s version eventually came out in 1997. And of all of the versions, it was Natalie’s that was most successful. Actually, she made the song uber-famous the world over.
How successful was “Torn”?
It was so successful it grabbed the number 1 position in multiple charts worldwide, including Sweden and Spain. In the United Kingdom, it rose to number 2. On America’s Hot 100, the song peaked at position number 42. It went on to sell several million copies globally. To be honest, “Torn” was responsible for catapulting Natalie into the global spotlight.
Grammy Nomination
“Torn” was so successful, it earned Natalie a Grammy nomination in the category of the “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” at the 1999 Grammys. However, Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” ended up clinching the award.
Who is Natalie Imbruglia’s partner in the music video for “Torn”?
In the video, Natalie’s romantic interest was played by English actor and former dancer Jeremy Sheffield. The video was directed by Canadian film and video director Alison Maclean.
I just got rejected and had a pretty crappy last few days this seems fitting for the situation and honestly helped alleviate some bad feelings.
I didn’t necessarily get rejected, but past grief from an old split with a partner brought me eventually to this song.
Kinda how I feel.
I spent most of the day crying on the shower floor. Thank God it’s the weekend! 😂
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.34.18.ESV
This is most definitely more than just a song. It speaks to me in many ways, spiritual, dimensional, conclusive, captivating , illusive, heartbreaking, mystical, and intrusively phenomeunonal . From the past ,to now, to the next. From the bare floor to the break of the soar in my aching heart, painted upon the sky. If for any reason someone reads this and wishes to speak to me. I’m open.. [email protected] 5594208777
I emailed you <3
mystical is the word 🙂
Not entirely sure she is singing about breaking up with a man. Watch the bizarre video.
This can also have mean towards ones self 🙂 depression!
Getting rejected hurts so much – yet it does make us grow into incredibly resilient humans in the end – if you can stand it.
Yes agreed. I realized I had been one step ahead to break up first to avoid being the one rejected. Sad but true. I’ve since learned to be more in the now.
this is the most satanic song driving people away from jesus – the devil is in the details.
@Anonymous April 14th
I always felt this song toward my husband (pending ex)but I kinda heard it differently this time and it scared me. I had actually wondered if the song was talking about God/Jesus. Thus why I decided to look it up since I wouldn’t relate to those feelings about our FATHER & would no longer sing it if that was the case. But I don’t believe it is so I feel safe. In the beginning, middle and end…God 1st!!!
Amen
Well, I loved the song since the very first time I heard it. Just the title implies what the content is about. Is a common tragedy; we all have gone through it sometime; and, most perfect loves ended up being totally the opposite… anyhow… I JUST LOVE THE SONG….
I don’t care about the song’s meaning. I just like the music.