She then signed a recording contract with Sony BMG Canada and released her first single Alive, which hit stores on October 4, 2005 and debuted at number one on the Canadian singles chart, a position it held for four weeks. The single went on to be certified four-times platinum by the CRIA.
Her self-titled debut album Melissa O'Neil, was released on November 22, 2005 and debuted at number sixteen on the Canadian albums chart. The second single from her album, Let It Go was released in late 2005 and peaked at number 7 on the singles chart. On February 7, 2006, O'Neil embarked on her first solo tour in North Bay, Ontario, named the 'Let It Go Tour' after her second single. Her support act was her Canadian Idol runner-up, Rex Goudie. The third single release from O'Neil's album was Speechless, which peaked number 31. On September 16, 2006 Melissa returned to the Canadian Idol stage during grand finale of its fourth season. Here she was surprised with the certified gold presentation disc of her debut album.
Melissa attended the annual Juno Awards, where she was nominated for Best New Artist. Since then, Melissa stated that she was working on her second studio album, which she aims to illustrate her full musical aspirations, and allow her to grow as an independent, imaginative artist. She starred in the musical of Dirty Dancing in Toronto, Ontario as a featured singer. She then played the role of Gabriella in High School Musical On Stage with Drayton Entertainment in St. Jacobs and Penetanguishene and was featured as a lead in the Stage West Calgary production of "British Invasion", alongside former lead singer of The Guess Who, Terry Hatty. She made her Stratford Shakespeare Festival debut during the 2011 season as Martha/Maid by the Fire in Jesus Christ Superstar and she made an appearance in Camelot.
Outside Looking In
Melissa O'Neil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me what's in your closet, what's got you scared
Cause I've come so far, to know who you are
And you always leave me waiting
[Chorus]
I'm so tired of standin' here at your door
It's not what I wanted I want more
On the outside looking in
Feels like I've know you forever but what do I know
You never answer my questions, only the door
So I wait for you to show me who
You are, but I'm still waitin'
[Chorus]
Do your secrets keep you warm at night or do they keep you lonely?
Do the brick walls keep you safe from hammer, is that why you won't get to know me?
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Melissa O'Neil's "Outside Looking In" convey a sense of frustration and curiosity towards someone who is shrouded in secrecy. The singer is pleading with this person to reveal their true self and what they are hiding. The imagery of "under the stairs" and "in your closet" imply that they may be concealing something sinister or shameful. The repetition of "waiting" and "tired of standing here at your door" emphasizes the singer's growing impatience and desire for honesty.
The chorus expresses the singer's yearning for something more than just being left outside, only able to speculate about what lies within. Despite feeling like they've known this person for a long time, they are still met with resistance and lack of openness. The final verse takes a more introspective turn; the singer wonders whether the secrets that this person holds are actually comforting or isolating, and raises the question of whether their guardedness is rooted in a need for protection.
Overall, the lyrics evoke a feeling of being on the outside looking in, desperately trying to grasp at something that remains just beyond reach. The frustration and curiosity expressed in the song convey a relatable desire for deeper connection and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me what are you hiding, under the stairs
What are you keeping hidden in the depths of your mind?
Tell me what's in your closet, what's got you scared
What is it that you are afraid of revealing to others?
Cause I've come so far, to know who you are
I have put in so much effort to try and understand you.
And you always leave me waiting
You consistently make me wait for answers and explanations.
I'm so tired of standin' here at your door
I am exhausted from constantly being on the outside looking in.
It's not what I wanted I want more
I desire a deeper connection with you, not just superficial interactions.
I wish I knew what was inside but I've always been
I long to understand your thoughts and feelings but have never been able to.
On the outside looking in
My position in relation to you is consistently that of an outsider.
Feels like I've know you forever but what do I know
Despite feeling strongly connected to you, I am still unsure of who you truly are.
You never answer my questions, only the door
You are unwilling to engage with me on a deeper level, only offering superficial interactions.
So I wait for you to show me who
I endure the struggles of being on the outside, waiting for you to open up to me.
You are, but I'm still waitin'
Despite my patience and persistence, I am still waiting for you to reveal yourself to me.
Do your secrets keep you warm at night or do they keep you lonely?
Are the things you keep hidden giving you comfort or causing you isolation?
Do the brick walls keep you safe from hammer, is that why you won't get to know me?
Are your defenses keeping you safe but also preventing deeper connections with others?
On the outside looking in
This constant state of being on the outside looking in is what defines our relationship.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM ALEXANDER, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL PERRY, RUPERT LLOYD GAYLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jerry kinlock
AMAZING AS ALWAYS!!!💗💗💗💗💗
frakkintoaster
I discovered Melissa O'Neil on the scifi TV show Dark Matter. Did the requisite internet stalking and found this. Wow. So cool. I hope to see and hear more from her in the future.
megamindsboots
I really wish I could find this C.D. !! I miss it !
Eva Skye
omgosh i miss her music so much she is from my city calgary alberta when is she coming out with a new album lol melissa o'neil come back your fans miss u lol even though you dont have a youtube lol
Wiser1FOREVER
Now busy co-starring on the Rookie with Nathan Fillian