The Ultimate "Carpe Diem" Anthem
"I Lived" is the closing track on OneRepublic's album Native, and it stands as a vocal endurance test disguised as a catchy pop song. Written by frontman Ryan Tedder and Noel Zancanella, the song builds from a conversational low register to an explosive, chant-like chorus.
To sing this well, you need to master dynamics. It's not about being loud the whole time; it's about the journey from the intimate verses to the massive, stadium-filling choruses. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Vowels
On the high chorus note "I... I did it all," many singers close their throat. Modify the vowel from a tight "Ee" (as in 'see') to a more open "Ih" (as in 'sit') to hit the B4 without straining your neck muscles.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low Control)
The song begins in B Major with Ryan singing in his lower register (down to F#3). This can be tricky for higher voices who lose power down here. The key is to keep the sound "forward" in the mask of the face, rather than swallowing the notes.
The Trap: Don't fry your voice trying to sound gritty. Keep the tone clean and conversational, focusing on the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As the lyrics "I hope that you spend your days..." come in, the melody starts to ascend. This is where you need to engage your breath support. Imagine you are pushing down on the floor with your feet to ground yourself as the pitch rises.
- Volume: Gradually increase your volume (crescendo).
- Resonance: Shift from chest resonance to a lighter, brighter mix.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The chorus is pure pop-rock energy. The line "I, I did it all" hits a sustained B4. This is the "money note" of the track.
Ryan Tedder uses a technique called "belting," but he mixes in enough head resonance so it doesn't sound like shouting. To practice this, try singing the chorus on a "Mum" sound first to find the placement without the tension of the lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note is a B4 (on the word "I"). There are falsetto ad-libs in the background that go higher, but the core melody tops out at B4.
It's great for intermediate singers. The range is wide (F#3 to B4), which forces you to work on bridging your chest and head voice. Beginners might find the sustained high notes tiring.
Tedder is known for his "falsetto flips"—quickly switching between chest and head voice at the end of phrases. Practice these breaks slowly to get that signature OneRepublic style.
