The video for ‘One Day’ features images of landscapes across the UK, still life photographs of dolls, dancers in their gardens, embroideries, Lego armies and more. It’s a real collaborative effort supported by friends and fans and it’s as charming as the song is uplifting. Katy Rose Bennett put out the #OneDay Video Challenge in the middle of the lock-down, asking for people to respond creatively to the song’s lyrics, and had an overwhelming response.
After early-career success, Bennett began to struggle with her mental health. ‘One Day’ was written in response to an episode of mental ill health and wondering if it would ever pass. Bennett explains the song’s origins: “I originally wrote this song about feeling mentally trapped, trapped in my own mind, and about not knowing how long that feeling would last. Luckily it didn’t last forever. The lyrics seem strangely pertinent at this uncertain time of lockdown and social distancing in which we find ourselves.” Clearly reflecting upon a difficult time, she sings: “And is this just for one day // Or is this forever? // I don’t know if I can stay // With no means of escape.” But the song manages to become both deeply, disarmingly personal and yet universally, recognisably hopeful when she continues: “Dad, let’s drive to the hills // Let’s stride to the top // With the city on one side // Mountains to the right //Help me take a look at my life // In the wide open sky.” Thankfully, Bennett was always able to make and perform music however she felt in other aspects of her life.
Although the song was originally written some time ago, ‘One Day’ will appear on her forthcoming sixth album, ‘Where Does it Hurt? An Introduction to Katy Rose Bennett’, which is due for release in October 2020. The album will be a mixture of new material and a retrospective gathering of earlier work. For the uninitiated, this first release is a good introduction to Katy Rose Bennett’s personal and positive music. Listen, watch and smile.
