If you take a moment to think about one of the most classic, emotional songs of the 90’s, Natalie Imbruglia clad in a zip up hoodie probably comes to mind. The 1997 song “Torn” is the gaze-outside-the-window song you needed – and probably still do now – when you want to be extremely dramatic.
Well, get ready for some more drama, confusion, and shock because the song we all know and love is not the original version. That’s right, the ex-soap opera star only covered the song and was not the writer of the track.
The song was originally written by Scott Cutler, Anne Preven, and Phill Thornalley of the alternative American band Ednaswap in 1993. That same year it was recorded by Danish singer Lis Sørensen and retitled “Burned” in Danish. Two years later, Ednaswap decided to do their own version of their song which can be heard below:
Another two years later and Natalie Imbruglia took the song, quickened the beats per minute and turned it into a song that topped the charts. If you’re as shocked as I am, you’re not the only one. Twitter had its fair share of great reactions on this ground breaking news and I guess you could say they’re all out of faith.
https://twitter.com/VilinskiKonjic/status/900511297766387713
Wait what Natalie Imbruglia's Torn is a cover version of Ednaswap that was a english cover version of Lis Sorensen song pic.twitter.com/GGuCtqVvPS
— Reza (@arcticolor) August 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/MorganCarlston/status/900739534845075458
I am shook. What??? Torn was a cover????? https://t.co/ZLxcWWTbJ7
— MarieTV (@MarieTV345) August 30, 2017
Im… I'm…. finally an adult. I just got healthcare and a job relating to my degree… I have a home…. I'm crying.
— David Otter (@PhillyAdmirer) August 24, 2017
Never knew Torn was a cover by Natalie Imbruglia… 20 years later, and now I find out she didn't even write the damn, catchy song, lol.
— M. Pagán (@BigMannyP) August 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/ashleybesslane/status/902680362471440384
Some people were just upset that they might need to find a new fun fact to share.
Soon everyone will know this and I will have no fun fact to say at parties https://t.co/ABx6Kt0LOz
— Bec Shaw (@Brocklesnitch) August 24, 2017
And of course, someone had to bring One Direction into it.
Just found out Torn was a cover and someone called Natalie Imbruglia did it before one direction….. What???!?!?
— The Tailormade (@thetailormade) August 26, 2017
Twenty years later and we’re still talking about this song which solidifies its classic status even more.