Leona Lewis, Footprints in the Sand | Music Lifts

In the 10th edition of Music Lifts (2025), British pop singer Leona Lewis uplifts performing “Footprints in the Sand.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column highlighting songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs exuding fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 10^th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “Footprints in the Sand” as performed by Leona Lewis.

“You walked with me when I was all alone / With so much unknown along the way.” To have someone to walk with you – a confidante and a protector – is special.  That is what Grammy-nominated British singer Leona Lewis sings about on “Footprints in the Sand”, the 12^th track from her multiplatinum 2007 debut album, Spirit. This ballad is tailor-made for Lewis.  It was written by Simon Cowell, David Kreuger, Per Magnusson, and Richard Page. Steve Mac produced it.

Part of the reason the ballad is tailor-made for Lewis is the production.  The sound palette includes warm piano and lush strings. Initially, instrumentally, “Footprints in the Sand” is sparer. By the second verse, the production fills out with more robust dynamics. Leona delivers gorgeous, high-flying, nuanced vocals.  She masterfully brings the tuneful melodies to life.  Additionally, the songwriting is authentic, thoughtful, and vulnerable. “I see my life flash across the sky / So many times have I been so afraid,” Lewis sings in the second verse, continuing, “And just when I… I thought I’d lost my way / You gave me strength to carry on.”  The chorus is the section to beat:

“‘I promise you, I’m always there

When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair

I’ll carry you when you need a friend

You’ll find my footprints in the sand’.”

Following the initial chorus, Lewis delivers bigger vocals with successive choruses.  Also, during the second verse, some harmonized vocals up the ante, amplifying the inspirational vibes.  There is a welcome change of pace during the bridge harmonically, while the lyrics maintain the tenor of the song (“When I’m weary / Well, I know you’ll be there / And I can feel you when you say”). A key change adds to the emotion in the final chorus, as do the voices of a gospel choir.  I love how Leona Lewis brings things down at the end.  “Footprints in the Sand” is magnificent.

Leona Lewis // Spirit // Simco Limited / Sony Music Entertainment UK // 2007

Leona Lewis, Footprints in the Sand: Music Lifts No. 10 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Simco Limited, Sony Music Entertainment UK; BD Jewel, Dave H, Jean-Daniel Francoeur, Joshua Brown, Vansh Mehta from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]