The Sunscreen Song is narrated by Baz Luhrmann.
A more detailed response to your request
The Sunscreen Song, also known as “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen),” is a spoken-word piece originally released in 1999 by Australian film director Baz Luhrmann. The song became an instant hit and offers various life advice to listeners.
According to the lyrics, the advice is based on an essay written by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich, titled “Advice, Like Youth, Probably Just Wasted on the Young.” However, despite popular belief, the essay was never read aloud as a commencement speech by author Kurt Vonnegut.
Famous for his work on films such as Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!, Luhrmann reportedly stumbled across Schmich’s essay and was transfixed by its message. He decided to set it to music and released it as a single. The track features a mellow backing track with Luhrmann delivering Schmich’s advice as a spoken word vocal.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Luhrmann explained his decision to create the song: “I began to imagine a typical commencement speech, but with a twist…Maybe, a speech that tells you that the future is more about uncertainty than certainly.”
To date, the Sunscreen Song has sold over 6 million copies worldwide and continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration to many that hear it. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the wisdom and positivity of its advice.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who wrote the essay the song is based on | Mary Schmich |
| What is the essay titled | “Advice, Like Youth, Probably Just Wasted on the Young.” |
| What is the song also known as | “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” |
| Has the essay ever been read by Kurt Vonnegut | No, despite popular belief. |
| How many copies of the song have been sold | Over 6 million copies worldwide. |
In the words of American singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter, “Do you know about the Sunscreen Song? That’s the best commencement speech I’ve ever heard.”
Video response to your question
In the YouTube video titled “THE SUNSCREEN SONG (Class of ’99) | Baz Luhrmann – Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen (English CC),” the speaker provides advice to the Class of ’99. The primary advice is to wear sunscreen, while other advice is based on the speaker’s personal experiences, including enjoying youth and pursuing passions. The speaker urges graduates to maintain positive relationships and to accept inevitable truths, such as getting old. Additionally, the speaker advises respect for elders, independence, being cautious of advice taken, and the freedom to feel good.
View the further responses I located
artist Lee PerryThe Sunscreen Song was a huge global hit 18 years ago and produced by Baz Lurmann. Australian voiceover artist Lee Perry did the voice for the song but admits that 18 years later, "No one really knows".
Dieter Brandecker
The German translation is narrated by the German actor Dieter Brandecker. A Brazilian version, entitled "Filtro Solar", is narrated in Portuguese by journalist and TV presenter Pedro Bial and was released in the last 2003 edition of the program Fantástico, on Rede Globo.