Secrets

Album: Waking Up (2009)
Charted: 77 21
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This ballad is the lead single in Germany from Coloradan quintet OneRepublic's second studio album, Waking Up. The song was chosen due to the fact that it was used as the title song in a German movie called Zweiohrküken, the sequel to Keinohrhasen, which used their song "Apologize" as the title song. In all other territories this served as the official second single, "All the Right Moves" having been the previous release.
  • Since the band's debut release in 2007, the band's frontman Ryan Tedder has achieved international success penning hit songs for artists such as Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson and Beyoncé. On this song Tedder looks at the pressure of topping previous songwriting successes. He explained to iProng Magazine: "The whole idea is the person, the 'artist' saying I don't really trust my own flow, I don't trust my own delivery in writing, so tell me what you want to hear. This song is basically asking the audience, what do you want me to do? It's kind of an interesting song. The song slips back and forth between insecurity and total confidence, insecurity, total confidence, which is to me the life of the artist."
  • An instrumental version of this song was featured in advertising to launch Apple's iPhone 4.
  • The song featured in a 2010 global ad campaign for the launch of Ralph Lauren's men's fragrance, The Big Pony Collection.
  • Welsh classical crossover artist Katherine Jenkins recorded an Italian language version re-titled "Segreti" for her 2014 Home Sweet Home album. The idea for the cover came when Jenkins heard The Piano Guys performing an instrumental version of the song at a BAFTA ceremony.

Comments: 2

  • Martin from Fresno CaI think he is asking for support from all his friends and family. I think he is tired of keeping things from others and feels confident to share them with others. A great song.
  • Jenn from Norwalk, CtThis song is incredible. I *love* when artists meld strings with other music. They did it so beautifully. The song lyrics are also beautiful. I hope the younger generation can appreciate and respect such art in a land of terrible music.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Crystal Waters

Crystal WatersSongwriter Interviews

Waters tells the "Gypsy Woman" story, shares some of her songwriting insights, and explains how Dennis Rodman ended up on one of her songs.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Early Days of MTV

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.