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Born to Try
Born to Try
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"Born to Try"
Single by Delta Goodrem
from the album Innocent Eyes
B-side
  • "Longer"
  • "In My Own Time"
Released11 November 2002 (2002-11-11)
StudioCove City Sound (Glen Cove, New York)
GenrePop
Length4:13
LabelEpic
Songwriters
ProducerRic Wake
Delta Goodrem singles chronology
"I Don't Care"
(2001)
"Born to Try"
(2002)
"Lost Without You"
(2003)
Music video
"Born to Try" on YouTube

"Born to Try" is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, written by Goodrem and Audius Mtawarira and produced by Ric Wake for Goodrem's debut studio album, Innocent Eyes (2003). The song was released as the first single off the studio album on 11 November 2002 by Epic Records. It was later featured on her first Japanese compilation album Innocent Eyes (2006). The song was co-written by her while she was staying at her home in Sydney, Australia, for the production of the studio album, as well as written and producing four other songs together.

As the song features instrumentation with a piano, guitars (acoustic and electric) and drums, the song is a low tempo pop song, with influences of piano pop and pop rock. Lyrically, the song is about taking chances and leading one's independence. The song was universally praised from music critics, praising Goodrem's vocal abilities and lyrical content. The song is considered as Goodrem's signature song, as it charted in several countries worldwide, including Australia and New Zealand, where it reached number one. The song also peaked at number three in the United Kingdom, her first single to chart outside the Oceania. It also charted in many European countries including Ireland, Switzerland and Germany.

An accompanying music video was shot for the single, which featured Goodrem near a lake, then sees her in a more country-side place and also featured in Helsinki where its effects was presented with timelapse effects. The music video was featured on her video compilation Delta and was performed at both her commercially successful tours; Visualise Australian Tour and Believe Again Australian Tour.

Background and composition

[edit]

Before this song or the album Innocent Eyes had even commenced, when Delta Goodrem was 15, she got signed a record deal with Sony Music and began work on an album of pop-dance songs including the unsuccessful debut single "I Don't Care". The album and proposed second single "A Year Ago Today" were pushed aside as a result, allowing Goodrem and Sony to re-evaluate her future musical direction.

In 2002, Goodrem starred on Australian TV series Neighbours as a shy school girl and aspiring singer Nina Tucker. The song was eventually performed on an episode on Neighbours. The song was co-written by Goodrem along with songwriter Audius Mtawarira at her home in Sydney. The two originally met in 2001 and Goodrem states "Audius and I got on really well and someone at the record company suggested we write together. He came out to our house, mum made some lunch and we wrote four songs. 'Born To Try' was the last one. We just naturally clicked and there was no pressure so it was just music for music's sake".[1]

Musically, "Born to Try" is a lowtempo pop song, with influences of piano pop and pop rock. The song fuses instrumentations including piano, guitars (acoustic and electric) and drums. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the song is written in the key of A♭ major.[2] The song's beat is set in common time, and moves at a tempo of 66 beats per minute.[2] Goodrem's vocals span from the note of F3 to the note of Ab5.[2]

Reception

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"Born to Try" was praised by certain music critics. Matthew Chisling from Allmusic said, along with "Longer" and "Innocent Eyes"; "[...] are pop gems in purest form."[3] The song was highlighted as a standout from the album.[4] Caroline Sullivan from The Guardian said the song along with the album's lyrical content "[...] are a bit la-la-floating-on-clouds, but that doesn't dilute their charm."[5] The song received many accolades from many nominations. The song won two awards at the ARIA Music Awards; both for Best Single and Best Breakthrough Artist.[6] The song had won the International Viewers' Choice Award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2003. The Video Hits show won the Video of the Year award.

Commercially, the song was successful and has been known as Goodrem's signature song. The song debuted at number three on the Australian Singles Chart, and eventually peaked at number one for a sole week. The song spent a total of twenty-two weeks in the charts and was certified triple-platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), selling over 220,114 copies in that country. After the releases of her other singles off the album, which subsequently peaked at number one, it gave her a record for becoming the first ever artist to have five number-one singles from a debut album.[7] It spent three months in the top five and ranked within the top 10 of the Australian year-end charts for both 2002 and 2003.[8][9] The song debuted at number forty-nine on the New Zealand Singles Chart, and rose to number five. After 14 weeks, it managed to peak at number one, making it her first and only number one in that country. It stayed in the charts for twenty-four weeks and was certified gold by Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ), selling over 7,500 copies.

The song had less success in Europe, where it peaked at fifty-eight in Switzerland, where it stayed in the charts for six weeks. It also peaked at eighteen in The Netherlands, staying in the charts for twelve weeks. It was successful in the UK Singles Chart, where it debuted at number three, a high peak for Goodrem and stayed in the charts for thirteen weeks.

Track listings

[edit]
Australian CD single[10]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Born to Try"Delta Goodrem, Audius Mtawarira4:13
2."Born to Try" (Graham Stack remix)Goodrem, Mtawarira4:14
3."Born to Try" (original demo)Goodrem, Mtawarira4:14
Total length:12:41
UK CD1[11]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Born to Try" (radio edit)Goodrem, Mtawarira3:51
2."Born to Try" (Mash Master mix)Goodrem, Mtawarira6:28
3."Longer" (album version)Goodrem, Gary Barlow, Eliot Kennedy, Tim Woodcock3:39
4."Born to Try" (video)Goodrem, Mtawarira 
Total length:14:18
UK CD2[12]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Born to Try" (album version)Goodrem, Mtawarira4:13
2."Born to Try" (original demo)Goodrem, Mtawarira4:14
3."In My Own Time"Goodrem4:07
Total length:12:34
UK cassette single and European CD single[13][14]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Born to Try" (radio edit)Goodrem, Mtawarira3:51
2."Longer" (album version)Goodrem, Barlow, Kennedy, Woodcock3:39
Total length:7:30

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are lifted from the Innocent Eyes album booklet.[15]

Studios

Personnel

  • Delta Goodrem – writing
  • Audius Mtawarira – writing
  • Russ DeSalvo – guitars, synths, arrangement
  • Patrick Carroll – bass, percussion programming
  • Richard Sanford – piano
  • Frank Vilardi – drums
  • Ric Wake – production, arrangement
  • Bob Cadway – recording
  • DUG – recording (guitars)
  • Michael H. Brauer – mixing
  • Jim Annunziato – assistant engineering
  • Mark Russell – production coordination
  • Greg Calbi – mastering

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[30] 4× Platinum 280,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[31] Gold 5,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[32] Silver 200,000

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Australia 11 November 2002 Epic CD [33]
United Kingdom 10 March 2003
  • CD
  • cassette
[34]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Born to Try" is a pop by Australian , serving as the from her debut studio album, Innocent Eyes. Released on 11 November 2002 by , the track marked Goodrem's breakthrough as a recording artist following her early acting career on the Neighbours. Co-written by Goodrem and Audius Mtawarira and produced by , the song features piano-driven instrumentation and lyrics centered on themes of perseverance, self-belief, and embracing life's challenges, with the chorus declaring, "That I was born to try." Its emotional depth resonated widely, contributing to its status as one of Goodrem's signature works. Commercially, "Born to Try" was a major success, debuting at number three on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart before ascending to number one for one week in 2002, where it was certified triple platinum for sales exceeding 210,000 units. In , it topped the RIANZ Singles Chart for one week and spent 24 weeks in the top 40. The single also peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, marking Goodrem's highest entry there at the time, and charted across and . The song's promotion was overshadowed by Goodrem's diagnosis with Hodgkin's lymphoma in July 2003, at age 18, which forced her to pause touring and public appearances during treatment; she later reflected on the track's message as a personal anthem during her recovery. Despite these challenges, "Born to Try" won Single of the Year at the 2003 ARIA Awards and helped propel Innocent Eyes to over 1.2 million sales in alone, establishing Goodrem as a prominent figure in contemporary .

Background

Development and writing

Delta Goodrem signed a with in June 1999 at the age of 15, leading to the development of an initial pop-dance album project recorded between 1999 and 2000. This self-titled album, featuring 12 tracks produced by and Paul Higgins, was ultimately shelved after failing to attract label interest, prompting a legal dispute over royalties and rights. Later that year, Goodrem transitioned to following a private showcase, marking a shift toward a more mature musical direction. In 2002, amid her rising profile from acting, Goodrem co-wrote "Born to Try" with Zimbabwean-Australian songwriter Audius Mtawarira. The writing process emphasized authentic self-expression, reflecting Goodrem's determination to craft material that aligned with her evolving artistic identity. The song drew inspiration from Goodrem's role as the aspiring singer Nina Tucker on the Australian soap opera , where she joined the cast in early 2002. It was first featured on-screen when Nina practices and records the song in episode 4110, which aired on October 11, 2002. later entered the recording in a UniFM talent contest, where it won, serving as an on-screen debut that propelled the track's public recognition.

Recording

The recording of "Born to Try" took place in 2002 at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, , New York, with additional elements captured at Sony Music Studios in . The sessions were led by producer , who handled the overall production and co-arrangements alongside Russ DeSalvo, focusing on a piano-driven arrangement to highlight the song's introspective quality. Key session musicians contributed to the track's foundation, including Russ DeSalvo on guitars and synthesizers, Patrick Carroll programming bass and percussion, and Richard Sanford on , with provided by Frank Villardi. Recording engineer Bob Cadway oversaw the primary sessions, capturing the instrumental layers that supported the ballad's slow tempo and emotional build. Delta Goodrem's vocals were recorded to showcase a direct and heartfelt performance that aligned with the song's intimate style. The production decisions prioritized clarity in her delivery, with mixing handled by Michael H. Brauer.

Composition

Musical structure

"Born to Try" is classified as a , incorporating elements of piano pop due to its prominent accompaniment and pop rock influences through its arrangement and guitar elements. The song follows a verse-chorus form, beginning with an intro, followed by two verses, pre-choruses, multiple choruses, a bridge, and an outro, with a total duration of 4:13. The serves as the primary instrument, providing the foundational and throughout, while the builds dynamically in the choruses with additions and swells from synthesizers and programmed percussion. The track is set at a of approximately 67 beats per minute in the key of , contributing to its introspective and emotional feel. Delta Goodrem's vocal delivery features a contrast between the softer, more intimate phrasing in the verses and powerful belting in the choruses, reaching notes up to A♭5 and demonstrating her wide .

Lyrics and themes

"Born to Try" centers on the core theme of , encouraging listeners to take risks and embrace independence in pursuit of their aspirations, encapsulated in the "I was born to try." The song's message promotes resilience and self-, urging individuals to make difficult choices and persist despite setbacks, reflecting a that personal growth comes from attempting new challenges.[]https://www.vice.com/en/article/delta-goodrem-innocent-eyes-interview-2018/ The lyrical structure unfolds through verses that depict personal struggles and moments of hesitation, such as questioning one's path amid life's uncertainties, contrasted by choruses that affirm unwavering determination and the value of .[]https://genius.com/Delta-goodrem-born-to-try-lyrics In the verses, Goodrem explores the tension between comfort and ambition, with lines like "Sometimes you've got to the things you like / But I was born to try," highlighting the necessity of tough decisions to achieve fulfillment.[]https://genius.com/Delta-goodrem-born-to-try-lyrics The pre-chorus builds emotional intensity by emphasizing learning through experience, while the bridge reinforces aspiration with of climbing toward dreams, symbolizing relentless pursuit of goals.[]https://genius.com/Delta-goodrem-born-to-try-lyrics Key lines such as "Climb until your dreams come true" serve as a powerful of aspiration, motivating listeners to overcome obstacles and trust in their potential.[]https://genius.com/Delta-goodrem-born-to-try-lyrics These elements draw from Goodrem's own youth, written at age 17 as a piano-and-vocal demo that she instinctively felt was special, capturing the raw emotions of transitioning into adulthood and early career ambitions.[]https://www.vice.com/en/article/delta-goodrem-innocent-eyes-interview-2018/ Goodrem has described the song as integral to her artistic identity, stating it allowed her to "share my musical right out of the gate" and forge an immediate connection with young audiences navigating similar challenges.[]https://www.nme.com/features/music-interviews/delta-goodrem-the-voice-olivia-newton-john-soundtrack-of-my-life-3477741 Overall, the song maintains an inspirational tone, designed to offer guidance and reassurance to young people facing life's trials, positioning "Born to Try" as a for personal empowerment and bold self-expression.

Music video

Production

The music video for "Born to Try" was directed by Finnish director Miikka Lommi and filmed in , , during 2002. Production entailed coordinating an international shoot for the then-17-year-old artist, involving travel from to capture scenes in Finland's natural settings, including lakes and countryside landscapes to integrate elements of and terrain. Timelapse effects were employed throughout to symbolize the passage of time and personal growth, enhancing the thematic resonance without relying on elaborate . The video adopted a low-key, narrative-driven approach, centering Goodrem's to emphasize .

Synopsis

The music video for "Born to Try" opens with Delta standing by a serene lake, capturing moments of as she gazes thoughtfully at the water, evoking a sense of personal reflection and inner strength. This initial setting transitions into scenes of Goodrem walking through expansive countryside landscapes, symbolizing a journey toward freedom and self-discovery, with wide shots emphasizing her solitary path amid natural beauty. Subsequent sequences shift to , incorporating urban timelapse footage that showcases bustling city lights and dynamic movement, illustrating the broader challenges and opportunities of "trying" in a vast, evolving world. Throughout, Goodrem appears in simple, ethereal outfits featuring whites and earth tones, maintaining a solo focus with numerous shots highlighting her emotional expressions of determination and vulnerability. These visual choices align with the song's empowerment theme of resilience and growth. The video builds to a climax during the chorus, employing dynamic camera movements and quick cuts that sync with the musical swells, culminating in an uplifting resolution that reinforces themes of triumph and hope.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release as Delta Goodrem's debut single in November 2002, "Born to Try" garnered positive initial responses from critics, who commended the 18-year-old singer's powerful and heartfelt vocals alongside the song's relatable, inspirational lyrics. In a contemporary review of Goodrem's accompanying Innocent Eyes, praised her delivery of aspirational ballads with "heartfelt candour," noting that the lyrical content retained charm even when occasionally "a bit la-la-floating-on-clouds." The track's premiere performance by Goodrem's Neighbours character Nina Tucker served as an effective launchpad, providing national exposure in ahead of the single's commercial release on 11 November 2002, with the performance airing on 2 October 2002 and fueling its breakthrough potential. Australian media highlighted the song's immediate chart impact and its role in establishing Goodrem as a mature pop artist. In the UK, where the single arrived in March 2003, reviewers celebrated its strong debut at number three on the charts—coinciding with week—as evidence of Goodrem's rising star power.

Retrospective assessments

In the years following its release, "Born to Try" received significant accolades that underscored its immediate and lasting impact on Australian music. At the 2003 ARIA Music Awards, the song won Single of the Year and Breakthrough Artist – Single, recognizing its commercial dominance and role in launching Delta Goodrem's career. Additionally, it secured the International Viewers' Choice Award for MTV Australia at the , highlighting its global appeal among international audiences. These honors positioned the track as a cornerstone of Goodrem's debut era, cementing its status as a pivotal achievement in her discography. Retrospective analyses in the and have frequently hailed "Born to Try" as a signature empowerment anthem within Australian pop, emphasizing its themes of resilience and self-belief that resonated deeply with listeners navigating personal challenges. A review described it as a "defining sound" for Goodrem, capturing the universal drive to pursue dreams despite adversity, which contributed to its enduring playback in media and fan discussions. Marking the 20th anniversary of Goodrem's debut album Innocent Eyes in 2023, publications reflected on the song's role in resetting the local pop landscape, praising its piano-driven balladry as a mature counterpoint to contemporary trends and an empowering narrative that inspired a generation of female artists. The track is widely recognized as Goodrem's breakthrough hit, profoundly influencing her career trajectory following her Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in July 2003, just months after the song's success. Despite undergoing treatment that interrupted her touring and public appearances, Goodrem later reflected on the song's message of perseverance as a during her recovery, with her triumphant return to the ARIA Awards stage—where she collected multiple honors—highlighting her resilience. This narrative of triumph over illness amplified its cultural resonance, solidifying Goodrem's legacy as a resilient figure in Australian . Media and academic discussions have further examined "Born to Try" for its contribution to the early 2000s teen pop revival in Australia, positioning it as an outlier that blended introspective songwriting with accessible pop structures to revitalize the genre amid a post-millennial shift. By achieving five number-one singles from a debut album—a feat enabled by the song's lead momentum—it helped elevate Australian teen pop from soap opera tie-ins to substantive, chart-topping artistry, influencing subsequent acts in the domestic scene.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Born to Try" achieved significant commercial success upon release, debuting at number three on the Australian Singles Chart in November 2002 before climbing to the top spot, where it held for one week. The track also topped the Singles Chart (then compiled by RIANZ) for one week and debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart, which was also its peak position. It further charted moderately in Europe, reaching number twelve on the , number eighteen on the , and number eleven on the chart. The song's strong performance extended its chart longevity in key markets, spending a total of twenty-two weeks on the Singles Chart, twenty-four weeks on the Singles Chart, and thirteen weeks on the UK Singles Chart.

Peak Positions

Chart (2002–2003)Peak position
(ARIA)1
(RIANZ)1
(OCC)3
(IRMA)12
(Single Top 100)18
(European Hot 100 Singles)11
On year-end summaries, "Born to Try" ranked number seven on the 2002 ARIA Singles Chart, number four on the 2003 ARIA Singles Chart, and number three on the 2003 New Zealand year-end singles chart.

Decade-End and All-Time Rankings

Chart SummaryPosition
Australia (ARIA 2000s)19

Certifications and sales

"Born to Try" has received several certifications across various territories, reflecting its commercial success following its 2002 release. In , the single was certified triple Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in 2003 for shipments of 210,000 units. The track also earned Silver certification from the (BPI) in the that same year, for 200,000 units shipped. Its strong chart performance, including a number one peak in , contributed to these sales figures.

Track listings

Australian CD

  1. "Born to Try" – 4:13
  2. "Born to Try" (Graham Stack Remix) – 4:14
  3. "Born to Try" (Original Demo) – 4:14

UK CD1

  1. "Born to Try" () – 3:54
  2. "Born to Try" (MAS*H Master Mix) – 6:31
  3. "" – 3:41

UK CD2

  1. "Born to Try" (Album Version) – 4:12
  2. "Born to Try" (Original Demo) – 4:14
  3. "In My Own Time" – 4:05

Credits and personnel

Personnel
  • Delta Goodrem – vocals, writer
  • Audius Mtawarira – writer
  • Ric Wake – producer, arranger
  • Russ DeSalvo – guitar, synthesizer, arrangement
  • Patrick Carroll – bass programming, percussion programming
  • Frank Villardi – drums
  • Richard Sanford – piano
  • Bob Cadway – recording engineer
  • Michael H. Brauer – mixing
Recorded at Cove City Sound Studios, Long Island, New York.

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelCatalogue
Australia11 November 2002CD singleEpic673256.2
United Kingdom10 March 2003CD single, enhancedEpic673634 2
United Kingdom10 March 2003CD singleEpic673634 5
United Kingdom10 March 2003Cassette singleEpic673634 4
Europe2003CD single, cardboard sleeveEpicEPC 6735751
Germany2003CD mini, singleEpicEPC 673575 3
Germany2003CD mini, singleEpicEPC 67357507
Europe2004CD maxi-single, enhancedEpicEPC 673575 2

References

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