Vanessa Carlton Reveals Why Her 2002 Breakout Hit ‘A Thousand Miles’ Once Felt Like a ‘Burden’ (Exclusive)

**Vanessa Carlton Reflects on the Burden of Her Breakout Hit “A Thousand Miles”**

Vanessa Carlton has candidly discussed how her debut single, “A Thousand Miles,” initially felt like a heavy burden rather than a source of joy. Released in 2001, the track not only marked her entry into the music industry but also became a significant part of her identity as an artist. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the 45-year-old singer-songwriter shared her complex feelings surrounding the song’s overwhelming success.

Carlton admitted that while “A Thousand Miles” catapulted her career, it also led to a challenging period of introspection. “I went through a really bad period with it,” she stated, reflecting on how the expectations from fans and the pressures associated with performing the song impacted her. “For a certain period, it was like a burden to bear because it was my own burden that I created.”

The artist explained that her struggles stemmed from her inability to separate her personal identity from the fame that came with the song. “I needed to disconnect myself from all of that in order to move forward,” she explained. This disconnect was crucial for her growth both personally and artistically, allowing her to reassess her relationship with her own success.

Carlton elaborated on the distinction between managing failure and navigating success, describing her experiences in the competitive environment of the music industry. “I’m really good at surviving failure,” she commented, drawing parallels to her past as a ballet dancer where daily challenges reminded her of the importance of resilience. “But surviving success is a different thing,” she added, noting the societal tendencies that often accompany fame, where public perception can quickly shift from admiration to skepticism.

In hindsight, Carlton has come to understand that the song’s success is a double-edged sword, as it brought both recognition and pressure. She shared that overcoming her initial resentment of the song was a journey of personal growth. “Once I got through that period, I was like, ‘Okay, grow up,'” she recalled. Understanding that she now had the freedom to evolve as an artist enabled her to let go of the desire to control the narrative surrounding her music.

Today, Carlton embraces “A Thousand Miles” for the joy it brings to others and how it has become a cherished anthem for many. “I’m like, ‘This is the people’s song,'” she declared, acknowledging the luck that contributed to its creation. Her newfound perspective allows her to appreciate the connection people have to her work, recognising that the song does not solely belong to her anymore.

In a past appearance on VICE’s “The Story Of” series, Carlton revealed that she had harboured a strong dislike for the track for years. However, she has since made peace with it. “I figured out how to make peace with that song, how to honour people’s connection with it,” she stated. “That allows me to move forward as a musician.”

As for the song’s inspiration, Carlton revealed that it was about a crush she had on a fellow student during her time at Juilliard, although she opted not to disclose the person’s identity due to their fame. She further mentioned that she intentionally avoided attaching a specific gender to the subject, allowing the song to resonate with a broader audience.

Over the years, “A Thousand Miles” has reached remarkable chart positions, including peaking at No. 1 on both the U.S. Pop Airplay and Adult Contemporary charts, and securing three Grammy nominations. The song’s impact continues to be felt, and it remains a defining achievement in Carlton’s career.

Currently, Carlton is focusing on her music and has released her latest studio album, *Veils*. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her reflections on her debut single serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities that often accompany success in the music industry.