With the release last week of their latest music video, ‘Leave A Mark’, Jedward are making waves with people discussing how and in what ways the icons and archival footage they have chosen to feature in the video have influenced them.
The twins have featured no fewer than 25 historical figures, events and movies, ranging from those we might expect – John F Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, James Dean, Audrey Hepburn – to the more obscure and less well known – Veronica Lake and Joel McCrea, in the film, “Sullivan’s Travels”, and Marian Anderson, who sang at 1963’s Civil Rights “March on Washington”.
Given that a lot of those featured in the video have been people considered free spirits, who thought outside the box, free thinkers, it’s not difficult to understand why they should be chosen as influences in the twins’ lives. Considering also John and Edward’s work for charity and the rights of everyone to be allowed to be themselves and follow their own dreams, it’s also not surprising to see people like Nelson Mandela, Jackie Robinson and John Lennon appear.
John and Edward have let us have a look into what makes them *them*. With the lyrics, they challenge us to make our lives count for something. The video includes footage of pop artist and film maker, Andy Warhol, who most famously is credited with saying, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes”. Fame is fleeting. Jedward challenge us to leave a lasting legacy in the world, something we’ll be proud of having done, on our deathbed.
“Before your days are numbered, laugh out loud
Do the right thing, stand tall and proud
When all is said and done, you can look back on your life
With teardrops of joy knowing you did all you should”
What’s your lasting legacy? Who are your icons? How will you leave a mark?
‘Leave A Mark’ by Jedward can be preordered on iTunes now.