Song Review: "I Lived" by Onerepublic

Introduction

Music has the power to convey profound messages, inspiring listeners to reflect on their own lives. One such example is OneRepublic's song "I Lived," which promotes the idea of embracing life to the fullest despite adversity. The accompanying music video follows the story of a young boy battling cystic fibrosis, yet refusing to let his condition define his existence. Through the use of visual elements, including color schemes, symbolic objects, and location settings, "I Lived" effectively communicates its central theme: resilience and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

The Role of Color in Setting the Mood

Color plays a crucial role in shaping emotions and atmosphere in visual storytelling. OneRepublic employs both dark and warm colors throughout the video to reflect contrasting emotional states. For instance, during somber moments, such as when the protagonist dons his breathing mask, the scene is enveloped in dim lighting, emphasizing his struggle and evoking a sense of hardship (1:54). Conversely, during moments of joy—when he is outside engaging in activities like biking or playing hockey—the lighting is bright, enhancing the sense of vibrancy and exhilaration.

The significance of color in visual narratives is well-documented. As Andrew Baker notes in his article "Storytelling With Color," "You look at The Godfather, and if you were to make it brighter so you could see the actors' faces better, it would take you out of that mood" (Baker, 2020). This statement reinforces the idea that color influences the audience’s emotional response. Just as horror films use darker palettes to evoke fear, "I Lived" strategically employs color to differentiate between moments of struggle and triumph, reinforcing the song’s uplifting message.

Symbolism of Objects and Their Emotional Impact

Beyond color, "I Lived" employs symbolic objects to deepen its emotional impact. One of the most significant objects in the video is the boy’s breathing mask. When he puts it on, the tone of the video shifts to one of somber introspection, illustrating the daily challenges he faces. The mask serves as a symbol of limitation—an object that momentarily halts the vibrancy of life.

In contrast, the boy’s bicycle and hockey stick represent liberation and joy. When he is seen cycling or playing hockey with his friends, the video conveys a sense of normalcy and enthusiasm, reinforcing the idea that his medical condition does not define his identity. The shift in tone highlights the contrast between struggle and triumph, furthering the video’s overarching theme of perseverance.

This use of symbolism aligns with broader storytelling techniques. As Bernhardt, a mother of a child with a degenerative illness, explains in an article on resilience, "Sending Anna to a new school means a 35-minute round-trip bus ride every day—and it would only accelerate her decline" (Bernhardt, 2018). The school bus in this context becomes a symbol of inevitable deterioration. Similarly, in "I Lived," the breathing mask represents the protagonist’s battle with cystic fibrosis, while the bicycle and hockey stick embody his defiance and determination to live freely.

The Importance of Location in Conveying Emotion

Location plays a fundamental role in visual storytelling by reinforcing thematic elements. Throughout the "I Lived" music video, indoor scenes typically depict moments of difficulty, while outdoor settings are associated with happiness and freedom. The protagonist is often shown gazing outside while confined within his home, longing to partake in the world beyond. When he finally ventures outside, riding his bike or engaging in sports, the video exudes a sense of triumph and joy.

This theme parallels real-life experiences of finding solace in specific environments. Joyce Chang, Editor-in-Chief of Positive Living Magazine, describes how certain activities help individuals find joy despite hardships: "There’s something so relaxing about savoring the smell of spices cooking on the stove, pouring a glass of wine, and the best part: getting to eat the finished product" (Chang, 2019). Just as Chang finds comfort in cooking, the boy in "I Lived" finds fulfillment in outdoor activities, underscoring the importance of discovering personal sources of happiness.

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis and the Protagonist’s Journey

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. It leads to the accumulation of thick mucus, making breathing difficult and increasing vulnerability to respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. In males, it can also result in infertility. Despite advancements in medical treatment, CF remains a life-threatening condition with no known cure.

Standard treatments for CF include the use of a vibrating chest vest to loosen mucus, inhalation therapy through breathing masks, and dietary supplements to maintain adequate nutrition. While these treatments help manage symptoms, they do not eliminate the disease. However, physical exercise—such as cycling—has been shown to improve lung function and overall well-being (National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2022).

The boy in "I Lived" exemplifies resilience by actively participating in physical activities, refusing to let CF limit his experiences. His cycling team even participates in charity races to raise funds for CF research, further demonstrating his commitment to making a difference despite his condition. This aspect of the video reinforces the song’s core message: embracing life’s challenges with courage and determination.

Conclusion: Embracing Life’s Challenges

OneRepublic’s "I Lived" serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome obstacles. Through its thoughtful use of colors, symbolic objects, and location settings, the music video effectively conveys a message of hope and perseverance. The protagonist’s journey reminds viewers that challenges should not define one’s life; rather, they should serve as motivation to push boundaries and seek joy in everyday moments.

At the end of the day, life is about the choices we make. We can either dwell on our struggles or embrace them and move forward. As the song suggests, "Hope that you spend your days, but they all add up." The young boy in the video chose to make the most of his time, and in doing so, he left an inspiring mark on those around him. So, the next time life knocks you down, ask yourself—are you truly living?

References

• Baker, A. (2020). Storytelling With Color. Journal of Visual Media.
• Bernhardt, M. (2018). Dying to Live: A Mother’s Journey Through Terminal Illness. Medical Humanities Journal.
• Chang, J. (2019). Positive Living: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments. Positive Living Magazine.
• National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (2022). Cystic Fibrosis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Research.
• OneRepublic. (2014). "I Lived" [Music Video]. YouTube.