Reflecting on Sunscreen: The Timeless Wisdom of Baz Luhrmann’s Iconic Song
Twenty-five years ago, the airwaves were captivated by a song that was unlike anything else on the charts. It wasn’t a love ballad, nor was it a dance track that commanded listeners to the floor. It was “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen),” a spoken word song by Baz Luhrmann that offered life advice against a backdrop of gentle music. Today, as we look back, its uniqueness and the depth of its lyrics continue to resonate, underscoring the timelessness of good advice wrapped in the comforting embrace of nostalgia.
The song originated from a column titled “Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young” written by Mary Schmich and published in the Chicago Tribune in 1997. Luhrmann, an Australian film director, was inspired by Schmich’s column and set it to music, creating a piece that straddled the line between a musical track and a spoken word performance. The voice behind the sage advice was that of Lee Perry, offering guidance with an almost paternal warmth and sincerity.
What made this song stand out was not just its format but the universality and depth of its advice. At a time when pop culture was heavily dominated by MTV and the burgeoning internet, “Sunscreen” cut through the noise with its simple yet profound observations on life. It didn’t attempt to sell anything, nor did it try to moralize. Instead, it offered snippets of wisdom on everything from the importance of sunscreen to the inevitability of time’s passage and the value of doing things that scare you.
The song’s advice ranged from the practical to the philosophical. It touched on the importance of being kind to your knees, choosing a career path, and the unpredictability of the future. Each piece of advice served as a gentle reminder of the shared human experience, our vulnerabilities, and the beauty of living a life filled with intention and kindness.
What perhaps cemented “Sunscreen’s” place in the hearts of many was its timing. Released in 1999, it came at the cusp of the new millennium, a time ripe with both excitement and uncertainty. The song became a sort of soothing balm for the collective anxiety about the future, encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown with optimism rather than fear.
The legacy of “Sunscreen” lies in its ability to transcend its era. While it is very much a product of its time, its message is not confined by the date of its release. It speaks to the universal truths of human life, touching on fears, hopes, and dreams that span generations. It reminds listeners that while technology, trends, and the world at large may change, the core of human experience remains constant.
Reflecting on “Sunscreen” twenty-five years later, it’s clear that its appeal lies not just in the nostalgia it evokes for a simpler time but in its enduring wisdom. Its advice continues to inspire, proving that sometimes, the simplest messages are the most impactful. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the song stands as a reminder to focus on what truly matters, advocating for a life lived with purpose, kindness, and a healthy dose of sunscreen.
