Unsure

At its heart, "Unsure" explores the paralyzing yet propelling nature of ambiguity. The lyrics operate on two levels: a specific commentary on a dysfunctional relationship and a broader existential reflection on self-identity.

On the relational level, the song addresses the frustration of dealing with a partner who sends mixed signals. The recurring motif of "hot then cold" and "yes then no" captures the emotional whiplash of being with someone who is inconsistent. This inconsistency leads to the protagonist feeling "jaded" and "drained," illustrating how emotional instability in a relationship can erode one's peace of mind.

On the existential level, the chorus shifts the focus inward. The protagonist defines themselves not by societal metrics ("not a winner, not a loser") but by their aspiration ("just a dreamer"). This reframes the feeling of being "unsure" not just as a negative consequence of a bad relationship, but as a natural state of being for someone who is still searching for their purpose. The song suggests that uncertainty is an inherent part of the journey ("on my way 'til I find what I'm searching for"), validating the confusion that often accompanies youth and self-discovery.

The narrative of the song centers on a protagonist who finds themselves in a state of limbo, both in life and in a romantic connection. It begins with a declaration of identity that sits somewhere in the middle—not defined by success or failure, wealth or poverty, but rather by the pursuit of something greater. This character is a "dreamer," actively moving forward on a journey toward an undefined goal, with the only certainty being their profound feeling of uncertainty.

As the story progresses, the narrator reflects on their internal state, admitting to feeling jaded and overwhelmed by life's pressures. Instead of voicing these frustrations, they internalize them, leading to a cycle of overthinking. The situation is described as a draining "game" that they wish would end, highlighting a sense of exhaustion with the ambiguity they are facing.

The core conflict reveals itself through the behavior of a partner or the unpredictable nature of the situation, characterized by extreme fluctuations—"hot then cold" and "high to low." These oscillating signals have become tiresome, stripping away the enjoyment and leaving the narrator confused about their own desires. Despite admitting to being a "mess" and acknowledging they are neither truly happy nor deeply sad, the narrator remains in this transitional phase, continuing their search while grappling with the emotional turbulence of not knowing where they stand.

The creation of "Unsure" is a testament to the modern, digital-first music industry. The song's origins can be traced back to TikTok, where Alan Walker discovered a viral video by a creator named Jex Jordyn. This initial spark inspired a demo that Walker began developing. Recognizing the potential for a new anthem, Walker sought a vocalist who could embody the track's youthful and energetic spirit.

He enlisted Kylie Cantrall, an American actress and singer known for her work with Disney (Descendants: The Rise of Red). The collaboration was a remote effort; due to conflicting schedules and geographic distance, the duo filmed the music video separately—Walker in Norway and Cantrall in the United States. To bridge this gap, Walker utilized AI motion capture technology for the first time, integrating their performances into his virtual "Walkerworld" universe.

The track was officially released on May 2, 2024. It was produced by Alan Walker and the production team STATE. The songwriting credits include a collaborative team of Walker, Edvard Normann, Gunnar Greve, Jordan Miller, Kristoffer Haugan, and Mats Lie Skåre. The release was accompanied by a remix competition, further engaging Walker's community of creators.

The lyrics of "Unsure" rely on binary oppositions and elemental imagery to convey emotional conflict.

• Temperature and Height (Hot/Cold, High/Low): These oppositions symbolize the instability of the relationship. "Hot" and "High" represent moments of passion and validation, while "Cold" and "Low" represent distance and rejection. The rapid cycling between these states serves as a metaphor for emotional manipulation or indecision.
• The "Game": Referring to the situation as a "game" that is "draining" implies that the relationship is transactional and strategic rather than genuine. It suggests a power struggle where the rules are unclear and the protagonist feels they are losing.
• The Dreamer: This archetype represents hope and resilience. By identifying as a dreamer, the protagonist elevates themselves above the binary of "winner" or "loser." It symbolizes the active pursuit of meaning despite current confusion.
• Jadedness: The feeling of being "jaded" symbolizes a loss of innocence or optimism, suggesting that repeated exposure to this uncertainty has hardened the protagonist's emotional exterior.

The emotional landscape of "Unsure" is a complex blend of melancholic frustration and euphoric determination. The verses convey a mood of exhaustion and anxiety ("jaded," "draining," "mess"), painting a picture of someone trapped in a mental loop. However, the pre-chorus builds tension that releases into a high-energy, triumphant chorus.

The instrumentation lifts the heavy lyrical content, suggesting that while the situation is confusing, the act of acknowledging it and dancing through it is liberating. The shift from the introspective verses to the anthemic drop creates a feeling of catharsis, allowing the listener to release the tension built up by the uncertainty.

"Unsure" exemplifies the growing symbiotic relationship between social media and music production. Its inception from a TikTok demo highlights how fan-generated content can directly influence major artist releases. The song bridges the gap between Alan Walker's established EDM fanbase and the younger, Gen Z audience brought in by Kylie Cantrall's Disney stardom.

The "Walkerworld" integration and the use of AI motion capture for the music video position the song at the forefront of digital convergence, where music, gaming, and technology intersect. By hosting a remix competition, Walker further solidified the track's status as a community-driven project, reinforcing his brand's focus on user-generated content and creator collaboration.

The song employs a straightforward and accessible rhyme scheme that enhances its pop appeal.

• Rhyme Scheme: The chorus follows a loose AABB or AAAA mono-rhyme structure depending on interpretation, heavily relying on the "-ore" sound (poor, more, for, unsure). This repetition makes the hook incredibly memorable and anthemic. The pre-chorus uses internal rhymes (cold/old) to accelerate the lyrical pacing before the drop.
• Rhythm and Meter: The lyrics are set to a 4/4 time signature common in EDM. The verses feature a more staccato, conversational rhythm, reflecting the protagonist's analytical "overthinking." In contrast, the chorus opens up with longer sustained notes on key words like "more" and "unsure," allowing the emotion to resonate over the driving beat. The interplay between the driving electronic bassline and the melodic vocal top-line creates a sense of forward motion, mirroring the "chasing" mentioned in the lyrics.

Musical Techniques:

• Dance-Pop Euphoria: Despite the lyrical theme of confusion, the production is upbeat and energetic. This contrast creates a "sad banger" effect, where the listener can dance to the frustration.
• Signature Synth Melodies: True to Alan Walker's style, the track features catchy, atmospheric synth hooks that drive the momentum.
• Vocal Delivery: Kylie Cantrall's vocals are delivered with a blend of sass and vulnerability. Her rhythmic phrasing in the verses contrasts with the soaring, melodic delivery of the chorus.

Literary Techniques:

• Antithesis: The lyrics frequently place opposing concepts side-by-side ("winner/loser," "rich/poor," "hot/cold," "yes/no") to emphasize the central theme of duality and indecision.
• Internal Rhyme: Phrases like "Hot then cold is getting old" utilize internal rhyme to create a catchy, rhythmic flow that mirrors the repetitive nature of the problem.
• Anaphora: The repetition of "Not a..." in the chorus reinforces the definition of self through negation, clearing the slate to define the protagonist simply as a "dreamer."

What is the meaning of the song 'Unsure' by Alan Walker?

The song explores the frustration of mixed signals in a relationship, described as 'hot then cold.' It also touches on themes of self-identity, with the narrator identifying as a 'dreamer' who is searching for more in life despite feeling uncertain and jaded.

Who is the female singer in 'Unsure'?

The vocals are performed by Kylie Cantrall, an American actress and singer known for her roles in Disney productions like 'Descendants: The Rise of Red' and 'Gabby Duran & the Unsittables'.

How was the song 'Unsure' created?

Alan Walker discovered a viral video by TikTok user Jex Jordyn, which inspired the demo for 'Unsure.' He then collaborated with Kylie Cantrall to complete the track. The music video was filmed separately in Norway and the US using AI motion capture technology.

What genre is 'Unsure' by Alan Walker?

'Unsure' is primarily a Dance-pop and EDM (Electronic Dance Music) track, featuring Alan Walker's signature electronic production style combined with catchy pop vocals.

What does the lyric 'hot then cold' mean?

The phrase 'hot then cold' is an idiom describing a person who is inconsistent in their behavior—affectionate and interested one moment ('hot'), and distant or unfriendly the next ('cold'). This inconsistency causes the singer's uncertainty.

When was 'Unsure' released?

The song was officially released on May 2, 2024.