If I Lose Myself

The song If I Lose Myself by OneRepublic is a sonic journey that blends pop rock with elements of dance and house, all set to a vibrant rhythm of 140 beats per minute. What makes this piece interesting is that, while it sounds festive and euphoric, its lyrics tackle a darker theme: the fear of flying and the anxiety of facing a critical situation, such as an airplane accident. Ryan Tedder, the vocalist, shares that the song reflects that moment of panic when one realizes the fragility of life, but also finds solace in being with someone dear in that terrifying instant.

Recorded in 2012 and released as the first single from the album Native on January 8, 2013, If I Lose Myself was the result of a collaboration between Tedder, Benny Blanco, Brent Kutzle, and Zach Filkins. The production was handled by Tedder and Blanco, with Kutzle as co-producer. Although the song reached number 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100, its impact was felt more strongly elsewhere, such as in Germany, where it climbed to number 6. In 2014, following the success of another single, Counting Stars, the song was re-released in the United Kingdom, which helped boost its popularity.

The music video, which premiered on January 24, 2013, features an intriguing narrative in which a group of people follows clues around the city, guided by a message from Tedder that includes an image of a wolf. This quest leads them to a secret concert by the band. The video's aesthetic, with animal projections and colorful lights, complements the song's atmosphere and is inspired by films like 12 Monkeys and The Matrix. With over 123 million views, it has become one of OneRepublic's most-watched videos. Additionally, a remix by Swedish producer Alesso was featured at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami in 2013 and was nominated for a Grammy, further expanding the reach of this captivating song.