Melo was born in the East End of Hamilton, Ontario, to Maria and Augusto Melo, immigrants from São Miguel, Portugal. He professionally trained vocals at the Royans School for the Musical Performing Arts, which also featured Rock Star Supernova winner Lukas Rossi and Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida. He also volunteered to help in recording vocal harmonies with some of the school's students.
At the time of his Idol audition, he was still living in Hamilton working as a construction worker. He had auditioned in previous seasons but had not made it past the judges. In 2007 he was encouraged by his best friend and brother to try again in Toronto. His was the first audition shown in the television broadcast.
The judges praised Melo for his emotional performances and his command of the stage. After his performance of Karma Police by Radiohead in the Top 5 episode, the audience and judges gave him a standing ovation, with Jake Gold remarking, "I just hope the people at home understand what they just saw. Its one of the most magical moments ever on this show." Zack Werner added, "Your parents must be proud, they might have a son who is the next Canadian Idol."
On September 11, 2007, Melo won Canadian Idol, despite having been considered the "dark horse" at the start of the competition, and having landed in the Bottom 2 twice. He beat Jaydee Bixby for the title.
His first single, "All I Ever Wanted", was released at 12:00 AM on September 13, 2007. The song is also featured on his first album, Livin' It, released November 27, 2007.
Livin' It
Brian Melo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you let her words sink in
She said I was in the wrong lane
On the wrong road
Heading for a dead end
I thought that you were right
For a moment
I almost took your advice
I made you a liar
[Chorus]
You always said that I'd be the first
To give in
Never believed and pushed me away
From livin' it
But all of your words and your memories
Just faded
I'll never stop
Now here I am
Livin' it
I just got your letter
It's funny how your tone has changed
Like I wouldn't remember
Every time you turned me away
Now you think that you're the one
Who lit up this fire
I'll make you a liar
You always said that I'd be the first
To give in
Never believed and pushed me away
From livin' it
But all of your words and your memories
Just faded
I'll never stop
Now here I am
Livin' it
Livin' it
Livin' it
Ya, I'm living it, oh yeah
Livin' it
Livin' it
You always said that I'd be the first
To give in
Never believed and pushed me away
From livin' it
But all of your words and your memories
Just faded
I'll never stop
Now here I am
Livin' it
You always said that I'd be the first
To give in (oh yeah)
Never believed and pushed me away
From livin' it
But all of your words and your memory
Just faded
I'll never stop
Now here I am
Ya, I'm livin' it
Oh, oh, oh yeah,
Livin' it
Livin' it
Livin' it
Livin' it
Livin' it
Oh, oh, oh yeah,
Livin' it
Livin' it
Livin' it
Livin' it
Livin' it
The song 'Livin' It' by Brian Melo begins with the artist reflecting on a moment when he almost gave up on his dreams. He remembers a time when someone close to him told him that he was on the wrong path and headed for destruction. But instead of taking that person's advice, he used it to fuel his passion and prove them wrong. In the chorus, the artist addresses the person who doubted him, saying that their words no longer hold weight and that he will never stop pursuing his dreams.
As the song progresses, the artist receives a letter from the person who doubted him, and he notices a change in tone. The person who once turned him away now claims that they were the one who inspired him to chase his dreams. But the artist knows the truth and refuses to give them credit for his success. Throughout the song, the artist affirms his determination to keep going and live life on his own terms.
This song is an anthem for anyone who has been told that they can't achieve their dreams. It encourages listeners to keep pushing themselves and to never let someone else's doubts or criticism discourage them. 'Livin' It' is an empowering and uplifting song that reminds listeners that they are the only ones who can control their own destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
The day I had to tell myself
The day came when I had to motivate myself to move forward.
Don't you let her words sink in
I shouldn't allow negative words from others to affect me.
She said I was in the wrong lane
Someone told me that I was heading in the wrong direction.
On the wrong road
I was pursuing things that didn't add value to my life.
Heading for a dead end
I was on my way to a path that would eventually lead me nowhere.
I thought that you were right
I agreed with someone's opinion which was limiting my growth.
For a moment
I was only agreeing for a short while.
I almost took your advice
I was considering taking someone's opinion which didn't align with my goals.
That lit up this fire
That made me even more motivated and determined to follow my dreams.
I made you a liar
My success contradicted what someone had casually predicted for me.
You always said that I'd be the first to give in
You always underestimated me and thought I wouldn't be able to pursue and achieve my aspirations.
Never believed and pushed me away from livin' it
You didn't believe in me and discouraged me from living my dream.
But all of your words and your memories just faded
All your negativity and doubts began to fade away when I succeeded.
I'll never stop
I won't stop pursuing what I love doing.
Now here I am Livin' it
Now I'm happily living my dream.
I just got your letter
I received a letter from you.
It's funny how your tone has changed
It's strange that your tone has become positive after seeing my success.
Like I wouldn't remember every time you turned me away
You thought I forgot about how many times you discouraged me and pushed me away from my dreams.
Now you think that you're the one who lit up this fire
You mistakenly believe that it was your encouragement that motivated me.
I'll make you a liar
I'll prove you wrong once again.
Livin' it
Living my life's purpose.
Ya, I'm living it, oh yeah
Yes, I'm happily and successfully living my dream.
You always said that I'd be the first to give in (oh yeah)
You always doubted me and believed that I'd be the first to give up, oh yeah.
Oh, oh, oh yeah, Livin' it
Ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah, enjoying the life that I want.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christine Wiley
Great job on this video..i was so excited on the first song that I was too swept away to even think about videotaping..thanks for the memory!!