footprints in the Sand (Leona Lewis song)

{{Infobox song

| name = Footprints in the Sand

| cover = Better in Time & Footprints in the Sand.jpg

| alt = A brunette woman is standing in front of a beach. She is wearing a greenish dress and she grabs her neck with her left hand. Next to her image, the words "Leona Lewis" are written in black capital letters, and "better In time & (and) footprints In the sand" in dark brown italics. Below the image the phrase "The Official Single Of Sports Relief 2008" is written in black capital letters and next to it, the Sports Relief logo is visible.

| border = yes

| type = single

| artist = Leona Lewis

| album = Spirit

| A-side = Better in Time

| B-side = You Bring Me Down

| released = {{Start date|2008|03|9|df=yes}}

| recorded = 2007

| studio = Rokstone (London, England)

| venue =

| genre = *Pop

| length = 4:09

| label = *Sony BMG

Syco

| writer = *Richard Page

| producer = Steve Mac

| prev_title = Bleeding Love

| prev_year = 2007

| title = Better in Time

| title2 = Footprints in the Sand

| next_title = Forgive Me

| next_year = 2008

}}

"Footprints in the Sand" is a song recorded by British singer Leona Lewis for her debut studio album Spirit (2007). It was written by Simon Cowell, David Kreuger, Per Magnusson, Richard Page, and produced by Steve Mac. The song was digitally released as Lewis's third single on 9 March 2008 in the United Kingdom. Sony BMG and Syco Music launched it as a double A-side with "Better in Time", and "You Bring Me Down" as the B-side.

It is a R&B and pop song composed with a tempo of sixty beats per minute. It was written in a period of one day at Page's home in Malibu, California, with Cowell giving the idea to base it on the Christian poem "Footprints". The single's music video was filmed by British director Sophie Muller in Johannesburg, South Africa. The video describes social problems within the city, but ends with a message of hope. "Footprints in the Sand" became the official theme of the 2008 version of biennial charity programme Sport Relief, by BBC.

The song received positive reviews from music critics, some of them noting its gospel sounds and Lewis's vocals being compared to American R&B singer Mariah Carey. "Footprints in the Sand" charted as a separate single in Ireland, the United Kingdom and the European Hot 100 Singles, whilst the double A-side appeared in Germany and Switzerland, and was certified gold in the UK by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), in 2008. In the same year, Lewis performed the song for the first time in the UK live on the television programme Dancing on Ice. In 2009, the song was covered by Lucie Jones, a contestant of The X Factor, and by Julia Star from Swiss programme Die grössten Schweizer Talente.

Production and composition

"Footprints in the Sand" was written by Simon Cowell, David Kreuger, Per Magnusson and Richard Page, whilst the production was helmed by Steve Mac. It was recorded in 2007 at Rokstone Studios in London, England.{{cite web|url=http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=361961077&search_in=i&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=30&start=1|title=Song list: Footprints in the Sand|publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|access-date=21 October 2007|archive-date=9 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109082244/http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=361961077&search_in=i&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=30&start=1|url-status=live}} Cowell originally came up with the idea to base a song around the Christian poem "Footprints",{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/arts/music/07choi.html?_r=2|title=Critics' Choice New CDs|work=The New York Times|date=7 April 2008|first=Nate|last=Chinen|access-date=2 May 2011|archive-date=29 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629194445/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/arts/music/07choi.html?_r=3|url-status=live}} and suggested it to Kreuger and Magnusson.{{cite web|url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Per_Magnusson_Interview02.html|title=Per Magnusson, producer and songwriter for Leona Lewis, Il Divo, Britney Spears, Westlife|publisher=HitQuarters|date=31 August 2009|access-date=4 November 2009|archive-date=12 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212171506/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_Per_Magnusson_Interview02.html|url-status=live}} They had a scheduled session in Page's home in Malibu, California and finished the song the next day. Cowell secured a songwriting credit for coming up with the idea. In an interview with HitQuarters, Magnusson said they had thought the song would be a good idea for Irish boy band Westlife, but it was offered to British singer Leona Lewis instead. When Cowell mentioned the song concept to Lewis, she agreed that it could be "really quite interesting".{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3483994.ece|title=Leona Lewis - the X Factor star with more staying power|work=The Times|publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd|first=Pete|last=Paphides|date=8 March 2008|access-date=8 March 2008|location=London|archive-date=17 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517101322/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3483994.ece|url-status=dead}} Regarding the song, Lewis commented: "Originally it was a poem; it's very inspirational so we put it into a song. I think it is very moving, with a very emotional lyric and I really love to sing this song";{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/108054-leona-to-perform-on-ice-show|title=Leona to perform on ice show|publisher=Associated Newspapers Limited|work=Metro|access-date=25 April 2011|archive-date=11 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111024143/http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/108054-leona-to-perform-on-ice-show|url-status=live}} and added that the poem "[is] about standing by someone and being there for people who need your help."{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7245446.stm|title=Lewis makes footprints in States|publisher=BBC News. BBC|first=Liam|last=Allen|date=15 February 2008|access-date=17 February 2008|archive-date=18 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218235959/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7245446.stm|url-status=live}}

"Footprints in the Sand" was included on Lewis's debut studio album Spirit, which was released in 2007 by Syco and J Records. The song has a duration of 4:09 and was composed using common time in the key of A-flat major with a larghetto tempo of sixty beats per minute; Lewis's vocals spanned from the low note of E♭ (musical note) to the high note of G♯ (musical note). The song follows the sequence of A{{music|flat}}₅–A{{music|flat}}₅/B{{music|flat}}–Fm₇–E{{music|flat}} in the verses and A{{music|flat}}–B{{music|flat}}–B{{music|flat}}m–Fm–G{{music|flat}}–D{{music|flat}} in the chorus as its chord progression. It incorporates four instruments: keyboard instruments (a piano, an organ and synthesizers), guitar, bass and drums, and includes a choir performance made by The Tuff Session Singers. It incorporates elements of R&B and pop musical genres,{{Cite web|title=Footprints in the Sand – Leona Lewis Digital Sheet Music |publisher=Musicnotes Inc|id=MN0063217}}{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/better-in-time-footprints-in-the-sand-r1340982|title=Better in Time/Footprints in the Sand|publisher=Allmusic. Rovi Corporation|access-date=25 April 2011|archive-date=7 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407092103/http://www.allmusic.com/album/better-in-time-footprints-in-the-sand-r1340982|url-status=live}} and, according to music critics, contains a gospel production performed by a choir and features "crashing drums".{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article2786184.ece|title=Leona Lewis: Spirit|date=2 November 2007|access-date=3 May 2011|work=The Sunday Times|publisher=News International|first=Victoria|last=Segal|archive-date=17 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517062438/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article2786184.ece|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.pandora.com/music/song/leona+lewis/footprints+in+sand |title=Footprints In The Sand - Leona Lewis |access-date=12 May 2011 |publisher=Pandora Radio. Pandora Media, Inc |archive-date=24 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224060458/http://www.pandora.com/music/song/leona+lewis/footprints+in+sand |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1631242/footprints-sand-story-behind-american-idol-audition.jhtml|title='Footprints In The Sand': The Story Behind The 'American Idol' Audition|publisher=MTV News. MTV (Viacom)|date=4 February 2010|access-date=12 May 2011|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|archive-date=7 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107045801/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1631242/footprints-sand-story-behind-american-idol-audition.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

Release and promotion

On 29 January 2008, Lewis announced on her website that "Footprints in the Sand", along with "Better in Time", would be released as a double A-side. The single was launched with the song "You Bring Me Down" as the B-side, and was released in the United Kingdom as a digital download on 9 March 2008, and a physical release on the following day, with proceeds going to the charity.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tv_and_radio/sport_relief/7187853.stm |title=Sign up for the Sport Relief Mile |publisher=BBC News. BBC |access-date=19 January 2008 |date=15 January 2008 |archive-date=18 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118192430/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tv_and_radio/sport_relief/7187853.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a88342/leona-reveals-new-single-details.html|title=Leona reveals new single details|first=Nick|last=Levine|publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd|date=30 January 2008|access-date=30 January 2008|archive-date=24 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024173554/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a88342/leona-reveals-new-single-details.html|url-status=live}} The song was remixed for the single release ("Single Mix"), which, unlike the original version, begins with Lewis's voice only, and music starts after she performs the first verse{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013FXV5W |title=Better in Time/Footprints in the Sand (Single, Import) |website=Amazon |access-date=22 April 2011 |archive-date=15 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515014546/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013FXV5W |url-status=live }}—the album version of "Footprints in the Sand" starts with a piano tune before she starts to sing the lyrics—, and lasts at 3:58.

"Footprints in the Sand" became the official song of the charity Sport Relief, a biennial charity organised by Comic Relief and BBC Sport, for their 2008 broadcast.{{cite web|url=http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/better_in_time_footprints_in_the_sand_out_today/ |title='Better in Time' / 'Footprints in the Sand' out today! |access-date=25 April 2011 |publisher=Leona Lewis Official Website. Sony Music Entertainment |date=10 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002161505/http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/better_in_time_footprints_in_the_sand_out_today/ |archive-date=2 October 2011 }} In her performance, Lewis sang the song to the Sports Relief event. Also, there were musicians that played violas, violins, and a piano, and The Tuff Session Singers performed the chorus. Whilst she sang, images of "sadness and desperation" were shown to the public. But, as the Tuff Session Singers began, the third chorus, those images became pictures of "happiness".{{Cite episode |title=Sports Relief 2008 |series=Sport Relief |series-link=Sport Relief |network=BBC |station=BBC Sport / Comic Relief |airdate=10 March 2008}} As part of promotion, Lewis performed the song live on the British television programme Dancing on Ice on 9 March 2008;{{cite web|url=http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/dancing_on_ice_performance/|date=6 March 2008|title=Dancing on Ice performance|access-date=26 April 2011|publisher=Leona Lewis Official Website. Sony Music Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317130024/http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/dancing_on_ice_performance/|archive-date=17 March 2012}} her song accompanied Torvill and Dean's ice dance routine.{{cn|date=February 2020}} In 2013, Lewis added the song to the setlist of her Glassheart Tour.{{cite web|last=Corner|first=Lewis|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a473838/leona-lewis-begins-glassheart-tour-in-germany-pictures.html|title=Leona Lewis begins 'Glassheart' tour in Germany - pictures|publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK|date=17 April 2013|access-date=9 May 2013|archive-date=27 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427082633/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a473838/leona-lewis-begins-glassheart-tour-in-germany-pictures.html|url-status=live}}

=Music video=

File:Soweto township.jpg, South Africa. In it, images of poverty of the city (an urban area pictured) are shown.]]

The accompanying music video was filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa,{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sunday-mirror/2008/03/02/my-5m-leona-can-t-afford-to-be-a-home-owna-98487-20337352/|title=Leona Lewis can't afford to buy her own house, says dad|work=Sunday Mirror|publisher=Trinity Mirror|first=Louise|last=Ford|date=2 March 2008|access-date=2 March 2008}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and was directed by British director Sophie Muller back-to-back with the video for "Better in Time".{{cite web|url=http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/blog/detail/grammy_party/|title=Grammy Party!|publisher=Leona Lewis Official Website. Sony Music Entertainment|access-date=11 February 2008|date=11 February 2008|first=Leona|last=Lewis|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805004144/http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/blog/detail/grammy_party/|archive-date=5 August 2012}} It premiered on Lewis official website and BBC Radio 1's website on 27 February 2008.{{cite news|url=http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/footprints_in_the_sand_exclusive_video/|title='Footprints in the Sand' exclusive video!|publisher=Leona Lewis Official Website. Sony Music Entertainment|date=27 February 2008|access-date=27 February 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317130014/http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/footprints_in_the_sand_exclusive_video/|archive-date=17 March 2012}} The video begins with the message "Working to change lives across the world, in support of Sport Relief". Then, it intercuts a performance of Lewis in front of a wall and greyscale scenes: an image of a child walking on a landfill site, a funeral, a child lying in the street, and a kid sat in a traffic island. As the first chorus begins, the video continues showing scenes of poverty and AIDS issues in the country. Whilst the second verse goes, pictures of malnourished people appears. As the second chorus and the bridge elapse people crying still coming on the scene. But whereas The Tuff Session Singers start to sing the third chorus, the video begins to show images of kids playing association football and cricket. The video ends with children and people smiling as Lewis sings the outro of the song. It was released on the US iTunes Store on 3 February 2009.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/footprints-in-the-sand/303682923|title=Footprints In the Sand – Leona Lewis|date=3 February 2009 |access-date=31 January 2012|publisher=The iTunes Store (United States). Apple Inc|archive-date=10 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710052839/https://itunes.apple.com/us/music-video/footprints-in-the-sand/id303682923|url-status=live}}

Reception

=Critical response=

Upon the release of Spirit, "Footprints in the Sand" received generally positive reviews by music critics, with some of them comparing Lewis's performance to other singers such as Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a90538/leona-lewis-better-in-time--footprints-in-the-sand.html|title=Leona Lewis: 'Better In Time' / 'Footprints In The Sand'|date=10 March 2008|access-date=9 September 2008|first=Alex|last=Fletcher|publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd|archive-date=11 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611070705/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a90538/leona-lewis-better-in-time--footprints-in-the-sand.html|url-status=live}} In his review of the album, Chris Elwell-Sutton of the Evening Standard commented that the song would be perfect as a "theme to a Disney movie".{{cite news|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/article-23419301-cds-of-the-week.do|title=CDs of the week|publisher=Evening Standard London Limited|work=Evening Standard|first=Chris|last=Elwell-Sutton|date=5 November 2011|access-date=29 January 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125185556/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/article-23419301-cds-of-the-week.do|archive-date=25 November 2009}} Whilst reviewing Spirit, Chad Grischow of IGN Music described "Footprints in the Sand", along with "Here I Am", as a "sleeper ballad".{{cite web|url=http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/868/868556p1.html|title=Leona Lewis - Spirit. UK Songstress worthy of the hype on sparkling debut|first=Chris|last=Grischow|date=23 April 2008|access-date=2 May 2011|publisher=IGN Music. IGN Entertainment, Inc|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216151724/http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/868/868556p1.html|archive-date=16 December 2008}} Lyndsey Winship, a reviewer from BBC Music, noted that the song "is a piano warbler that brings Leona's voice to the forefront".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/2hn8|first=Lyndsey|last=Winship|publisher=BBC Music. BBC|title=Spirit is just the sound of a generic diva|date=2 November 2007|access-date=30 April 2011|archive-date=12 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212160131/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/2hn8|url-status=live}}

A reviewer for South African news site iafrica.com described the song as a "show-stopping [...] lush Mariah-style ballad [...] that utilises Lewis'[s] full vocal range and sounds uncannily like Carey at her best.{{Cite news|url=http://entertainment.iafrica.com/music/latest/932773.htm|title=Leona Lewis Spirit|publisher=iafrica.com. Primedia Online|first=Justine|last=Geffen|access-date=8 March 2008|date=19 February 2011|archive-date=14 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714013611/http://entertainment.iafrica.com/music/latest/932773.htm|url-status=live}} Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine called it "drippy", and added that with "Footprints" Lewis would receive comparisons to Carey.{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/leona-lewis-spirit/1325|title=Leona Lewis Spirit|first=Sal|last=Cinquemani|date=1 April 2008|access-date=2 May 2011|publisher=Slant Magazine|archive-date=7 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107012217/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/leona-lewis-spirit/1325|url-status=live}} Digital Spy's reviewers gave similar opinions about "Footprints in the Sand". Nick Levine in his review of the album called the song an "histrionic finale" of Spirit, and added that it "seems hellbent on revisiting Mariah Carey's schlock-pop masterwork 'Anytime You Need a Friend'".{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/albumreviews/a79709/leona-lewis-spirit.html|title=Leona Lewis: 'Spirit'|date=12 November 2007|access-date=2 May 2011|first=Nick|last=Levine|publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd|archive-date=22 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922071440/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/albumreviews/a79709/leona-lewis-spirit.html|url-status=live}} After it was released as a single Alex Fletcher claimed it has "the sort of ludicrous outro even Mariah Carey might consider over-the-top" and that its lyrics "will have your granny in tears".

=Chart performance=

File:Leona Lewis - Turnê Labirinto XI.jpg

"Footprints in the Sand" charted in Europe, reaching position seventy-three on the European Hot 100 Singles. In November 2007, the song debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number sixty-five, staying on the chart for another week. On 15 March 2008, the single re-entered it at number sixty-three. "Footprints in the Sand" claimed its peak position next week at number twenty-five, staying on the chart for eleven weeks. On the Irish Singles Chart the song debuted and peaked at number fifty; whilst on the Swiss Singles Chart, it debuted on 15 November 2009 at thirty-five, and it stayed there three weeks.

The double A-side "Better in Time" and "Footprints in the Sand" debuted at number seventy-four on the UK Singles Chart on 1 March 2008.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/I%20Decided |title=The Official Charts Company – Leona Lewis – Better In Time / Footprints in the Sand |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911035734/http://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/i%20decided/ |url-status=live }} After selling 40,476 copies it peaked at number two on 22 March 2008, the same week "Footprints in the Sand" debuted in the top forty. It was Lewis's third single to reach the top five in the UK.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/ |title=Official Charts Company - Leona Lewis |access-date=24 April 2011 |publisher=Official Charts Company |archive-date=23 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223003611/https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/ |url-status=live }} It was certified as gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on 16 January 2009. The single debuted on the German Singles Chart on 16 June 2008 at number five, and reached its peak position, at number two, on 28 July 2008.{{cite web |url=http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/title/Lewis%2CLeona/Better+In+Time%A5Premium/single |publisher=Musicline.de. Media Control Charts |access-date=3 February 2011 |title=Better in Time/Premium - Leona Lewis |language=de |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105212703/http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/title/Lewis,Leona/Better+In+Time%A5Premium/single |archive-date=5 January 2013 |url-status=dead }} It also peaked on the European Hot 100 at number eight.

Track listings and formats

;CD single (Syco), CD single (RCA) and Swiss CD single{{cite web |url=http://www.cede.ch/de/music-cd/frames/right.cfm?aobj=704336 |publisher=CeDe |access-date=22 April 2011 |language=de |title=Better in Time – 2track |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726180659/http://www.cede.ch/de/music-cd/frames/right.cfm?aobj=704336 |archive-date=26 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}

"Better in Time" (Single Mix) – 3:55
"Footprints in the Sand" (Single Mix) – 3:58

;German premium single{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0018JD5YA |title=Better in Time/Premium (Single, Maxi) |website=Amazon Germany |access-date=22 April 2011 |language=de |archive-date=15 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515014547/https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0018JD5YA |url-status=live }}

"Better in Time" (Single Mix) – 3:55
"Footprints in the Sand" (Single Mix) – 3:58
"Bleeding Love" (Moto Blanco Remix Radio Edit) – 3:40
"Better in Time" (Video) – 3:58

;Sony single;{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/better-in-time-sony-single-r1392469|title=Better in Time [Sony Single]|publisher=Allmusic. Rovi Corporation|access-date=25 April 2011|archive-date=7 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407093008/http://www.allmusic.com/album/better-in-time-sony-single-r1392469|url-status=live}} Swiss maxi single{{cite web |url=http://www.cede.ch/de/music-cd/frames/right.cfm?aobj=705839 |publisher=CeDe |access-date=22 April 2011 |language=de |title=Better in Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726180725/http://www.cede.ch/de/music-cd/frames/right.cfm?aobj=705839 |archive-date=26 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}

"Better in Time" (Single Mix) – 3:55
"Footprints in the Sand" (Single Mix) – 3:58
"Bleeding Love" (Moto Blanco Remix Radio Edit) – 3:40

;UK Sport Relief CD single{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0013FXV5W|title=Better in Time: Official Sport Relief Single 2008 (Single)|website=Amazon UK |access-date=22 April 2011|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515014545/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0013FXV5W|url-status=live}}

"Better in Time" – 3:55
"Footprints in the Sand" – 4:09
"You Bring Me Down" – 3:54

Credits and personnel

"Footprints in the Sand"{{cite AV media notes |title=Spirit |title-link=Spirit (Leona Lewis album) |others=Leona Lewis |year=2007 |type=Compact Disc |publisher=Sony BMG, J Records, Syco. |id=8 86970 25542 4 |location=Los Angeles, California}}

Leona Lewis – vocals
Carmen Reese – background vocals
The Tuff Session Singers – choirs
Steve Mac – arranger, producer, keyboards and synthesizers
Steve Pearce – bass
Dave Arch – piano, organ, strings arranger
John Paricelli – guitars
Chris Laws – recorder, drums, pro–tools editor
Daniel Pursey – recorder
Hayden Bendall – strings recorder
Richard Page – writer
Per Magnusson – writer
David Kreuger – writer
Simon Cowell – writer

"You Bring Me Down"{{cite AV media notes |title=Better In Time / Footprints In The Sand

|others=Leona Lewis |year=2008 |first=Leona |last=Lewis |author-link=Leona Lewis |type=Compact Disc |publisher=Sony BMG, Syco. |id=88697 27200 2|at=Back cover |location=Miami, Florida}}

Leona Lewis – vocals, writer
Salaam Remi – bass, piano, drums, writer
Vincent Henry – saxophone, flute, clarinet
Bruce Purse – trumpet, bass trumpet, flugelhorn
Vlado Meller – master
Manny Marroquin – mixer
Taj Jackson – vocal producer, writer
Gleyder "Gee" Disla – recorder
Franklin "Esoses" Socorro – recorder

Charts

=Weekly charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! scope="col"\| Chart (2007–2009) ! scope="col"\| Peak position
scope="row"\| European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard){{cite magazine\|url={{BillboardURLbyName\|artist=leona lewis\|chart=European Hot 100}}\|title=Leona Lewis Album & Song Chart History\|magazine=Billboard\|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc\|access-date=24 April 2011}} \| 73
scope="row"\| European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard){{cite magazine\|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2008/BB-2008-03-29.pdf\|title=Hits of the World – Eurocharts\|magazine=Billboard\|volume=120\|issue=13\|page=59\|date=29 March 2008\|access-date=2 August 2020\|archive-date=17 September 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917230118/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2008/BB-2008-03-29.pdf\|url-status=live}} {{small\|with "Better in Time"}} \| 8
scope="row"\| Germany (Official German Charts){{cite web \|url=http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/title/Lewis%2CLeona/Better+In+Time%A5Premium/single \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105212703/http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/title/Lewis,Leona/Better+In+Time%A5Premium/single \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=5 January 2013 \|publisher=Musicline.de. Media Control Charts \|access-date=1 September 2010 \|title=Better in Time/Premium - Leona Lewis \|language=de }} {{small\|with "Better in Time"}} \| 2
scope="row"\| Ireland (IRMA){{cite web\|url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Leona+Lewis\|title=Discography Leona Lewis\|publisher=Irish Recorded Music Association. Hung Medien\|access-date=24 April 2011\|archive-date=24 October 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024221015/http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Leona+Lewis\|url-status=live}} \| 50
scope="row" {{single chart\|Scotland\|1\|date=20080322\|note=with "Better in Time"\|access-date=27 December 2022}}
scope="row"\| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade){{cite web\|url=http://www.swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Leona+Lewis&titel=Footprints+In+The+Sand&cat=s\|title=Leona Lewis - Footprints In The Sand (Song)\|publisher=Hung Medien\|access-date=24 April 2011\|archive-date=25 February 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225134523/http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Leona+Lewis&titel=Footprints+In+The+Sand&cat=s\|url-status=live}} \| 35
scope="row"\| UK Singles (OCC){{cite web \|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20080316/7501/ \|title=2008 Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive \|publisher=Official Charts Company \|access-date=19 September 2011 \|archive-date=2 January 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102214301/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20080316/7501/ \|url-status=live }} \| 25
{{single chart\|UKsinglesbyname\|2\|artist=Leona Lewis\|song=Better in Time / Footprints in the Sand\|artistid=2060\|note=with "Better in Time"\|access-date=27 December 2022\|rowheader=true}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

! scope="col"| Chart (2007–2009)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

scope="row"| European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard){{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=leona lewis|chart=European Hot 100}}|title=Leona Lewis Album & Song Chart History|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|access-date=24 April 2011}}

| 73

scope="row"| European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2008/BB-2008-03-29.pdf|title=Hits of the World – Eurocharts|magazine=Billboard|volume=120|issue=13|page=59|date=29 March 2008|access-date=2 August 2020|archive-date=17 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917230118/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2008/BB-2008-03-29.pdf|url-status=live}}
{{small|with "Better in Time"}}

| 8

scope="row"| Germany (Official German Charts){{cite web |url=http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/title/Lewis%2CLeona/Better+In+Time%A5Premium/single |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105212703/http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/title/Lewis,Leona/Better+In+Time%A5Premium/single |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 January 2013 |publisher=Musicline.de. Media Control Charts |access-date=1 September 2010 |title=Better in Time/Premium - Leona Lewis |language=de }}
{{small|with "Better in Time"}}

| 2

scope="row"| Ireland (IRMA){{cite web|url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Leona+Lewis|title=Discography Leona Lewis|publisher=Irish Recorded Music Association. Hung Medien|access-date=24 April 2011|archive-date=24 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024221015/http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Leona+Lewis|url-status=live}}

| 50

scope="row" {{single chart|Scotland|1|date=20080322|note=with "Better in Time"|access-date=27 December 2022}}

scope="row"| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade){{cite web|url=http://www.swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Leona+Lewis&titel=Footprints+In+The+Sand&cat=s|title=Leona Lewis - Footprints In The Sand (Song)|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=24 April 2011|archive-date=25 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225134523/http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Leona+Lewis&titel=Footprints+In+The+Sand&cat=s|url-status=live}}

| 35

scope="row"| UK Singles (OCC){{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20080316/7501/ |title=2008 Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=2 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102214301/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20080316/7501/ |url-status=live }}

| 25

{{single chart|UKsinglesbyname|2|artist=Leona Lewis|song=Better in Time / Footprints in the Sand|artistid=2060|note=with "Better in Time"|access-date=27 December 2022|rowheader=true}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
scope="col"\| Chart (2008) ! scope="col"\| Position
scope="row"\| UK Singles (OCC){{cite web\|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2008.pdf\|title=2008\|access-date=30 August 2010\|publisher=The Official Charts Company\|archive-date=27 March 2009\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327100010/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2008.pdf\|url-status=live}} {{small\|with "Better in Time"}} \| 37

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

scope="col"| Chart (2008)

! scope="col"| Position

scope="row"| UK Singles (OCC){{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2008.pdf|title=2008|access-date=30 August 2010|publisher=The Official Charts Company|archive-date=27 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327100010/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2008.pdf|url-status=live}}
{{small|with "Better in Time"}}

| 37

Certifications

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Footprints in the Sand|artist=Leona Lewis|type=single|award=Silver|relyear=2008|certyear=2019|access-date=22 June 2018|refname="BPI2"|id=16020-1918-1}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Better in Time/Footprints in the Sand|artist=Leona Lewis|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2023|access-date=26 May 2023|note=with "Better in Time"|refname="BPI"|id=875-1918-1}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

Release history

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" \|+ Release dates and formats for "Footprints in the Sand" ! scope="col"\| Region ! scope="col"\| Date ! scope="col"\| Format(s) ! scope="col"\| Label(s) ! scope="col"\| {{abbr\|Ref.\|Reference(s)}}
scope="row"\| United Kingdom \| 10 March 2008 \| {{hlist\|Digital download {{small\|(EP)}}\|maxi CD}} \| Syco \| {{center\|{{cite web\|url=http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/new_single_announcement/ \|title=New single announcement! \|date=29 January 2008 \|access-date=30 August 2010 \|publisher=Leona Lewis Official Website. Sony Music Entertainment \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002161434/http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/new_single_announcement/ \|archive-date= 2 October 2011 }}}}
scope="row"\| Australia \| 19 April 2008 \| CD \| Sony BMG \| {{center\|{{cite web\|url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/artist/info.do?artistId=189314 \|title=Leona Lewis \|publisher=Sony Music Entertainment \|access-date=30 August 2010 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222205508/http://www.sonybmg.com.au/artist/info.do?artistId=189314 \|archive-date=22 February 2011 }}}}
scope="row"\| Germany \| 9 May 2008 \| Digital download \| Ariola \| {{center\|{{cite web\|url=https://music.apple.com/de/album/better-in-time-single/279720805\|title=Better In Time – Single\|location=Germany\|publisher=Apple Music\|date=9 May 2008\|accessdate=27 December 2022}}}}
scope="row" rowspan="2" \| Switzerland \| 16 May 2008 \| Maxi CD \| rowspan="2"\| Sony BMG \| {{center\|}}
23 May 2008 \| CD \| {{center\|}}
scope="row"\| Germany \| 30 May 2008 \| {{hlist\|CD\|maxi CD}} \| Ariola \| {{center\|}}
scope="row"\| Australia \| 5 July 2008 \| {{hlist\|Digital download {{small\|(EP)}}\|maxi CD}} \| Sony BMG \| {{center\|{{cite web\|url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/cd/releaseDetails.do?catalogueNo=88697307842 \|title=Better in Time \|publisher=Sony Music Entertainment. Sony Corporation of America \|access-date=30 August 2010 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323234238/http://www.sonybmg.com.au/cd/releaseDetails.do?catalogueNo=88697307842 \|archive-date=23 March 2011 }}{{cite web\|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/better-in-time-ep/284732605\|title=Better In Time – Single\|location=Australia\|publisher=Apple Music\|date=5 July 2008\|accessdate=27 December 2022}}}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+ Release dates and formats for "Footprints in the Sand"

! scope="col"| Region

! scope="col"| Date

! scope="col"| Format(s)

! scope="col"| Label(s)

! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}

scope="row"| United Kingdom

| 10 March 2008

| {{hlist|Digital download {{small|(EP)}}|maxi CD}}

| Syco

| {{center|{{cite web|url=http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/new_single_announcement/ |title=New single announcement! |date=29 January 2008 |access-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Leona Lewis Official Website. Sony Music Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002161434/http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/gb/news/detail/new_single_announcement/ |archive-date= 2 October 2011 }}}}

scope="row"| Australia

| 19 April 2008

| CD

| Sony BMG

| {{center|{{cite web|url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/artist/info.do?artistId=189314 |title=Leona Lewis |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |access-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222205508/http://www.sonybmg.com.au/artist/info.do?artistId=189314 |archive-date=22 February 2011 }}}}

scope="row"| Germany

| 9 May 2008

| Digital download

| Ariola

| {{center|{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/de/album/better-in-time-single/279720805|title=Better In Time – Single|location=Germany|publisher=Apple Music|date=9 May 2008|accessdate=27 December 2022}}}}

scope="row" rowspan="2" | Switzerland

| 16 May 2008

| Maxi CD

| rowspan="2"| Sony BMG

| {{center|}}

23 May 2008

| CD

| {{center|}}

scope="row"| Germany

| 30 May 2008

| {{hlist|CD|maxi CD}}

| Ariola

| {{center|}}

scope="row"| Australia

| 5 July 2008

| {{hlist|Digital download {{small|(EP)}}|maxi CD}}

| Sony BMG

| {{center|{{cite web|url=http://www.sonybmg.com.au/cd/releaseDetails.do?catalogueNo=88697307842 |title=Better in Time |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment. Sony Corporation of America |access-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323234238/http://www.sonybmg.com.au/cd/releaseDetails.do?catalogueNo=88697307842 |archive-date=23 March 2011 }}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/better-in-time-ep/284732605|title=Better In Time – Single|location=Australia|publisher=Apple Music|date=5 July 2008|accessdate=27 December 2022}}}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20110316234638/http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/us/lyrics/footprints_in_the_sand/ Lyrics] at Leona Lewis Official Website

Category:2000s ballads

Category:2007 songs

Category:2008 singles

Category:Charity singles

Category:Contemporary R&B ballads

Category:Leona Lewis songs

Category:Music videos directed by Sophie Muller

Category:Pop ballads

Category:Songs written by Per Magnusson

Category:Songs written by David Kreuger

Category:Songs written by Richard Page (musician)

Category:Comic Relief singles

Category:Syco Music singles

Category:Song recordings produced by Steve Mac

Category:Christian songs

Category:Songs based on poems