In 2006, after spending 2 years writing songs, Ryan formed a new rock band, Low Level Flight. Teamed up with friends Shaun Noronha and James Rooke, the band and in the studio recording their debut album with acclaimed producer Mike Borkosky. LLF are planning to release their debut record by the end of the year, supported by a major tour of Canada and the US.
Malcolm did not crack the top 10 in his first attempt but was awarded a spot on the wildcard show after which, because the vote was so close, he became the 11th contestant in the final group. His consistency throughout the final phase of the competition and his great song choices won him many fans and eventually the Canadian Idol crown.
His debut single "Something More" was released to radio the day after his win and to the public on September 30. It went four times platinum on the first day of its release and stayed at #1 on the Canadian singles chart for 14 straight weeks.
On December 9, 2003, Ryan's debut album, "Home" was released and went platinum selling 110,000 copies and earning a Juno nomination for best pop album.
I Gotta Be Me
Ryan Malcolm Lyrics
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Have to learn to pay attention
But I'd never listen to a word she said and I
Always wound up in detention
It wasn't fair
I didn't care
Never fit into the box
I gotta be me
Mister, unorthodox
I gotta be me
Always different from the crowd
I gotta be me
Even my whisper comes outloud
I remember working my very first job I was lifting crates
My boss said boy you'll never fit in
He's the one who's stuck there living inside a life he hates
I'm the one who's really living
It wasn't fair
I didn't care
I gotta be me
Never fit into the box
I gotta be me
Mister, unorthodox
I gotta be me
Always different from the crowd
I gotta be me
Even my whisper comes outloud
It wasn't fair
I didn't care
I gotta be me
Never fit into the box
I gotta be me
Mister, unorthodox
I gotta be me
Always different from the crowd
I gotta be me
Even my whisper comes outloud
The lyrics to Ryan Malcolm's song "I Gotta Be Me" express the artist's determination to be true to himself, even if it means going against the advice and expectations of authority figures. He recounts how, from a young age, he struggled to follow instructions in school and found himself frequently getting into trouble. Despite his teacher's warnings to pay attention and try to fit in, he couldn't bring himself to conform and always ended up in detention. He resents the unfairness of the situation but feels powerless to change it.
Later, as an adult working in a menial job, he encounters similar resistance from his boss, who tells him he'll never fit in. But instead of feeling discouraged, he feels a sense of freedom in being different and true to himself. He sees his boss as someone who's trapped in a life he hates, while he himself is truly living by being true to himself. The song's chorus reinforces this message of individuality and irreverence, with Malcolm singing that he's "Mister, unorthodox" and "always different from the crowd," and even his "whisper comes out loud."
Overall, the song's message is one of empowerment and defiance, encouraging listeners to embrace their uniqueness and refuse to be boxed in by societal norms and expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
My first grade teacher said that if I wanted to get ahead I'd,
My teacher in grade one told me that in order to be successful, I had to focus and pay attention.
Have to learn to pay attention
She advised me to concentrate and be attentive.
But I'd never listen to a word she said and I
However, I never paid heed to her words and refused to comply.
Always wound up in detention
As a result, I always got in trouble and ended up serving punitive measures.
It wasn't fair
I felt that it was unjust.
I didn't care
But I didn't let it bother me, and continued with my ways.
I gotta be me
I have to stay true to who I am as a person.
Never fit into the box
I do not conform or fit the mold that others want me to fit into.
Mister, unorthodox
I am unconventional and do not follow the usual norms and standards.
Always different from the crowd
I stand out from the rest of the people due to my distinctive qualities.
Even my whisper comes outloud
My voice and opinions are strong and powerful even when I express them softly.
I remember working my very first job I was lifting crates
I recall my initial occupation of carrying boxes.
My boss said boy you'll never fit in
My employer informed me that I'll never be able to assimilate with the rest of the employees.
He's the one who's stuck there living inside a life he hates
However, he's the one who's forced to endure his miserable existence.
I'm the one who's really living
On the other hand, I'm the one who's truly enjoying and living my life to the fullest.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BEN DUNK, JOEL BENJAMIN SERLIN, MATTHEW E. MARSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind