Set Song 2 Why OneRepublic’s “I Lived” Is the Perfect Fit for an Old School, New Cool Glee Performance

Choosing the right song for this year's Glee challenge is never just about what sounds good. It’s about finding something that inspires young performers, connects with the audience, and aligns beautifully with the event’s theme. This year, with an exciting Old School, New Cool brief, our team set out to find a piece that bridges generations while showcasing both vocal and dance skills. It wasn't easy!

After listening, debating, and imagining the performance possibilities, of literally hundreds of tracks we landed on an uplifting modern anthem with a classic heart: “I Lived” by OneRepublic.

Blending Old School Soul with New Cool Energy

At first glance, OneRepublic may not seem “old school.” They’re a contemporary band not that dissimilar from our choice for set song 1, Coldplay, and known for polished pop production and radio-friendly hits. They started in the noughties, and have had success through the noughties, the 10's and the 20's. Recent successes include 2024 official UEFA song 'Fire', a current world tour - we were fortunate enough to see them at Glasgow's OVO a few months ago, in fact three generations of our family attended independently of each other - our granddaughter and her friends (their very first concert), our daughter, husband and friends and us. They also have a massive gig with Maroon 5 scheduled for Londons Hyde Park in 2026. In addition, when you look closer, their music is built on timeless foundations—classic songwriting, storytelling lyrics, and melodies that feel familiar in the best possible way.

“I Lived” embodies that balance perfectly.

Old School Qualities

• A heartfelt, universally relatable message

• Acoustic and pop-rock roots reminiscent of older anthemic ballads

• A strong melodic structure that feels classic and enduring

New Cool Qualities

• Fresh, modern production

• A driving beat ideal for choreography

• Wide recognition from recent media and youth culture

Together, these elements make “I Lived” a natural fit for a theme that celebrates the meeting point between nostalgia and contemporary flair.

A Song That Lets Young Performers Shine

Our Glee Challenge choirs are of primary school age and selecting music for this group requires a thoughtful balance of challenge and accessibility. “I Lived” checks every box.

Vocally

The melody sits comfortably within young voices, and the chorus offers opportunities for:

• Strong unison singing

• Simple but effective harmonies

• Solo lines for confident vocalists

The emotional storytelling gives students a chance to practise expression and musicality.

Choreographically

This song is a choreographer’s dream:

• Gentle, expressive verses allow for storytelling movement

• A powerful chorus invites dynamic group choreography

• Formation changes, canon, and levels all fit naturally

• Students can confidently dance and sing without strain

It’s a rare piece that supports both vocal integrity and exciting movement—ideal for a Glee performance and covering the two key judging elements.

Why It Resonates with Audiences of All Ages

One of the joys of the Old School, New Cool theme is its ability to connect generations. “I Lived” speaks to parents, grandparents, and young performers alike. Its message about embracing life fully and bravely is both simple and profound—something that feels deeply “old school” in values, even as the sound feels fresh and contemporary.

It tells a story everyone can relate to, regardless of age.

What about the other judging elements - Teamworking and Performance

By choosing “I Lived,” we feel our Glee Choirs will be able to showcase:

• Teamwork through ensemble singing and coordinated choreography

• Confidence through solo features

• Stagecraft as the song builds from gentle simplicity to powerful momentum

It lets our young performers demonstrate not only their technical abilities, but also their heart—and that is often what leaves the biggest impression on judges and audiences.

Final Thoughts: Old School, New Cool in Action

“I Lived” is more than just a popular song. In the context of our performance, it becomes a bridge—between past and present, tradition and innovation, simplicity and power. It gives our choir the chance to celebrate music that feels timeless while presenting it in a way that feels vibrant and fresh.

In short, it’s the perfect soundtrack for this year’s theme.