Wherever I Go

"Wherever I Go" by OneRepublic delves into the theme of an obsessive and enduring love that haunts the narrator long after the relationship has ended. Lead singer Ryan Tedder explained that the song is about 'obsession, and almost an unnatural, unhealthy level of obsession.' The central message is that the protagonist is unable to find a love that can compare to a past, profound connection. This former lover's presence lingers like a 'shadow' and a 'ghost in the room,' making any attempt to form new relationships futile because the narrator is perpetually searching for qualities of their lost love in new partners.

The lyrics also explore the idea that this intense, almost chaotic love is more desirable than a simple, uncomplicated relationship. The line, 'I feel alive when I'm close to the madness, no easy love could ever make me feel the same,' suggests a craving for the passion and emotional depth of the past relationship, even if it was tumultuous. The song touches on a universal human desire for 'magic' or a deep, meaningful connection, contrasting it with the 'quietly going insane' experience of its absence. Ultimately, the song is a declaration of being irrevocably marked by a past love, to the point where it dictates all future romantic pursuits.

The song narrates the experience of being unable to move on from a past, significant relationship. The protagonist confesses that no matter where they go or what they do, the memory and presence of a former lover follows them like a persistent shadow. There's an admission of the futility in trying to find someone new, as every search invariably becomes a quest to find traces of this lost love in others. This haunting presence is described as a 'ghost in the room,' an unseen but deeply felt entity that colors every new experience.

The lyrics delve into the idea that this intense, almost maddening connection is a desirable state, far preferable to an 'easy love' that lacks the same spark and intensity. The narrator feels most alive when close to this 'madness,' suggesting a craving for the exhilarating highs and lows that came with this particular relationship. Other people's approaches to love are observed; some lie to themselves while searching for a similar 'magic,' while others quietly lose their minds in its absence. There's a sense of shared human experience in this search for an extraordinary connection, with some resorting to prayer in their quest for something that transcends the mundane.

The repetition of the core idea, 'Wherever I go, I'll be looking for you,' reinforces the central theme of obsessive and enduring attachment. It's a candid confession of being perpetually stuck in the past, unable and perhaps unwilling to break free from the powerful hold of a love that has set an impossibly high standard. The song captures the internal conflict of knowing one could lie and pretend to have moved on, but ultimately choosing to face the truth of this undying, consuming longing. It's a story of a love so profound that it has become an integral and inescapable part of the narrator's identity and perception of the world.

"Wherever I Go" was released on May 13, 2016, as the lead single from OneRepublic's fourth studio album, Oh My My. The song was written and produced by the band's lead singer Ryan Tedder and bassist/cellist Brent Kutzle, along with producer Noel Zancanella. The recording process took place in 2015 at various locations, including Revolution Studio in Toronto, Ontario, and the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow, Russia, with additional work done at Neptune Valley and Waterloo Studios in Los Angeles.

The creation of the song marked a conscious effort by the band to evolve their sound. Ryan Tedder stated that they were influenced by late '90s French and Italian disco music, citing artists like Daft Punk, Cassius, and Justice, as well as Scandinavian bands like Miike Snow and Mew. This led to a funk-driven, bass-heavy track that was a departure from their previous work. Tedder described the song as an 'appetizer' for the album, meant to be a 'more digestible version' of some of the more experimental tracks on Oh My My, and intentionally different to showcase a new style. The band aimed to create a modern sound while retaining the 'humanity in the instruments.'

"Wherever I Go" features a relatively straightforward rhyme scheme in its verses, generally following an ABCB pattern, such as in the first verse with 'magic' and 'insane,' and 'madness' and 'same.' The chorus sections maintain a consistent end rhyme on the second and fourth lines (e.g., 'truth'/'you,' 'new'/'you'). The song's rhythm is one of its most defining characteristics. It has a fast-beat, upbeat tempo with a strong, funk-driven rhythmic pulse that makes it highly danceable. This energetic rhythm creates an interesting contrast with the lyrical theme of being haunted and unable to move on. The pacing starts somewhat more subdued and builds dramatically to a powerful climax in the chorus, driven by a thudding kick beat and pounding piano. The interplay between the energetic musical rhythm and the more melancholic lyrical rhythm of obsessive longing creates a sense of frantic, almost desperate energy, mirroring the 'madness' described in the lyrics.

Musically, "Wherever I Go" marks a significant stylistic shift for OneRepublic, blending several genres. It's characterized as funk rock, synth-pop, and new wave. The track is built upon a funk-driven rhythm, prominent piano lines, and a 'slinky' bassline, inspired by late '90s French disco. A notable feature is the use of what critics called 'steam kettle squeals' and a 'come-to-Jesus hook.' Ryan Tedder's vocal delivery is also a key element, particularly his use of a high-energy falsetto in the chorus, which adds to the song's dramatic and dynamic feel. The song is also the shortest single the band had released at that point, with a runtime of 2 minutes and 49 seconds.

Lyrically, the song employs a direct and confessional narrative voice. The repetition of the titular phrase 'Wherever I go' and the line 'I'll be looking for you' acts as a powerful refrain that drills home the song's central theme of obsession. The use of contrasting imagery, such as 'lie' versus 'truth' and 'magic' versus 'insane,' creates a sense of internal conflict and highlights the intensity of the emotions being described.

"Wherever I Go" served as the lead single for OneRepublic's fourth album, Oh My My, and was seen by critics as a bold, new direction for the band, earning praise for its funky, danceable production. While it didn't reach the top twenty on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 55, it performed well internationally, reaching the top twenty in several other countries. The song was certified double-platinum in Italy and gold in the UK. In 2016, it was nominated for Choice Rock Song at the Teen Choice Awards.

The song's music video, directed by the acclaimed Joseph Kahn, garnered significant attention. The video, starring actor Kenneth Choi, tells the story of a Korean businessman breaking free from his monotonous daily life. The video's theme was inspired by a quote from Henry David Thoreau's Walden: 'The mass of mankind lead lives of quiet desperation.' The video received praise for its narrative and vibrant visuals, and its popularity helped bolster the song's presence. The song was also featured in the promotion for the television series 'Riverdale'.

The lyrics of "Wherever I Go" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that illustrate the song's central theme of obsessive love.

• The Shadow and The Ghost: The most prominent metaphors are the 'shadow of you' and 'the ghost in the room.' The 'shadow' symbolizes the inescapable presence of a past lover, following the narrator everywhere and darkening the prospect of new relationships. The 'ghost' metaphor deepens this idea, suggesting an intangible but ever-present haunting, a memory so potent it feels like a spectral entity inhabiting the narrator's life.
• Magic: The recurring word 'magic' represents an ideal, profound, and almost supernatural connection that the narrator once experienced. People are depicted as desperately searching for this 'magic,' some through lies and others through prayer, highlighting its elusiveness and desirability. It's the benchmark against which all other relationships are measured and found lacking.
• Madness: The 'madness' described in the lyrics symbolizes the intense, passionate, and perhaps chaotic nature of the past relationship. The line 'I feel alive when I'm close to the madness' suggests that the narrator finds a thrilling vitality in this emotional intensity, preferring it to the dullness of an 'easy love.' This 'madness' becomes a synonym for passionate aliveness.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Wherever I Go" is the title line itself, often followed by 'I'll be looking for you.' This repetition serves as the song's central thesis and mantra, reinforcing the theme of a relentless and inescapable search for a lost love. Its constant recurrence throughout the intro, chorus, and outro makes it an unforgettable hook and the emotional core of the narrative.

Another recurring motif is the search for 'magic.' This word appears in different contexts within the verses—some people lie while looking for it, others pray for it—but it consistently represents the elusive, perfect connection the narrator yearns to find again.

The imagery of the 'shadow' and the 'ghost' also recurs, solidifying the idea of being haunted by a past relationship. These motifs work together to paint a picture of someone trapped in a cycle of memory and longing, where every path leads back to the person they can no longer have.