Not Meant to Be

Last updated
"Not Meant to Be"
Theory of a deadman not meant to be.png
Single by Theory of a Deadman
from the album Scars & Souvenirs
ReleasedNovember 18, 2008 (2008-11-18)
RecordedSeptember 2007–January 2008
Genre Alternative rock
Length3:33
Label
Composer(s)
  • Tyler Connolly
  • Dave Brenner
  • Dean Back
Lyricist(s)
Producer(s) Howard Benson
Theory of a Deadman singles chronology
"Hate My Life"
(2008)
"Not Meant to Be"
(2008)
"By the Way"
(2009)

"Not Meant to Be" is a song recorded by Canadian rock group Theory of a Deadman for their third studio album, Scars & Souvenirs (2008). Band members Tyler Connolly, Dave Brenner, and Dean Back composed the song, while Connolly co-wrote the lyrics with songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi. The song was released November 18, 2008 as the album's fifth overall radio single. It was the first song from the album to impact mainstream radio in the United States, concurrent with the release of "Hate My Life" to rock formats. In 2009, "Not Meant to Me" was included on the soundtrack to the science fiction action film, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen . [1]

Contents

"Not Meant to Be" became the group's highest-charting entry in the United States, peaking at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as their first top ten hit on the Billboard Adult Top 40 airplay chart. The song has been certified Platinum by both Music Canada and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). [2] [3]

Content

"Not Meant to Be" is a ballad with influences of pop and rock music composed in the key of A minor and set in common time to a "slow" tempo of 120 BPM. [4] The vocals range over two octaves from D4 to G5. [4] The song is written from the point of view of a man who wants to be with his ex-girlfriend so much after their relationship ends, but she is never satisfied with him and keeps pushing him away, leaving him thinking that their relationship is "not meant to be." Lead vocalist Tyler Connolly co-wrote the lyrics with Kara DioGuardi at the latter's house. "We wrote 'Not Meant To Be' in 5 minutes," Connolly said in a 2009 interview with The Gauntlet. "Our writing styles fit together so perfectly it was almost like it was 'meant to be.'" [5] In the same interview, DioGuardi stated that "the best part about my job is that you never know who you are going to meet, and who's going to inspire you. Although I'd never worked with Tyler, when he started singing the song, I knew we were onto something special." [5] The song's mid-tempo composition has been compared to the work of labelmates Nickelback. [6] [7]

Critical reception

In a review of the album Scars & Souvenirs for AllMusic, Katherine Fulton identified "Not Meant to Be" as an example of the album's "derivative" sound, writing that its "melody and chorus bear more than a passing resemblance to" Nickelback's 2006 single "Rockstar". [7]

Music video

The band filmed the music video with Tony Petrossian in February 2009. [5] It features Kara DioGuardi (the song's co-writer) as the love interest. [8] It was released on March 25, 2009. [8] The video begins when Kara walks out on Tyler, breaks up with him and drives away. By the first chorus in the song, all of the non-singing scenes start running backwards: all the objects in the house (including a fish tank, a wine rack, a mirror, a table, two chairs and more) change from broken to unbroken and Kara's car is also shown travelling backwards, implying that the whole timeline of the main story is running in reverse. At the end of the video, Kara goes back to the house and hugs Tyler. The final scene depicts Tyler and Kara hugging each other.

Track listing

Digital EP – released July 10, 2009 [9]

  1. "Not Meant to Be" — 3:35
  2. "Not Meant to Be" (Acoustic) — 3:29
  3. "Not Meant to Be" (Music Video) — 3:33

Chart positions

"Not Meant to Be" debuted at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated April 25, 2009. [10] It later peaked at number 55 on the chart dated July 4, 2009, the group's highest-charting entry to date. [11] The song experienced similar success in Canada, reaching number 53 on the Canadian Hot 100. [12]

Weekly charts

Chart (2009)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [12] 53
Canada AC ( Billboard ) [13] 23
Canada CHR/Top 40 ( Billboard ) [14] 21
Canada Hot AC ( Billboard ) [15] 13
Canada Rock ( Billboard ) [16] 18
Mexico Ingles Airplay ( Billboard ) [17] 46
US Billboard Hot 100 [11] 55
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [18] 28
US Adult Top 40 ( Billboard ) [19] 4
US Mainstream Top 40 ( Billboard ) [20] 19

Year-end charts

Chart (2009)Position
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard) [21] 20

Certifications and sales

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [2] Platinum80,000Double-dagger-14-plain.png
United States (RIAA) [3] Platinum1,000,000Double-dagger-14-plain.png

Double-dagger-14-plain.png Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kara DioGuardi</span> American songwriter

Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi is an American songwriter, record producer, music publisher, A&R executive, and singer. She writes music primarily in the pop rock genre. DioGuardi has worked with many popular artists; sales of albums on which her songs appear exceed 160 million worldwide. DioGuardi is a 2011 NAMM Music for Life Award winner, 2009 NMPA Songwriter Icon Award winner, 2007 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year, and has received 20 BMI Awards for co-writing the most performed songs on the radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theory of a Deadman</span> Canadian rock band

Theory of a Deadman is a Canadian rock band from North Delta, British Columbia. Formed in 1999, the band is currently signed to Roadrunner Records as well as 604 Records. The band includes traits of music styles, such as country and acoustic, in addition to their post-grunge and alternative rock foundation. Nine of their singles have entered the top ten of the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including four songs that peaked at number one: "Bad Girlfriend", "Lowlife", "Rx (Medicate)" and "History of Violence".

<i>Theory of a Deadman</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Theory of a Deadman

Theory of a Deadman is the debut by the band Theory of a Deadman released in 2002.

<i>Gasoline</i> (Theory of a Deadman album) Album released by Theory of a Deadman

Gasoline is the second studio album released by Theory of a Deadman on March 29, 2005. The album features four songs used in the video game Fahrenheit, "Santa Monica", "No Surprise", "Say Goodbye" and "No Way Out". The album was first released in Canada by 604 Records, and was later released in the U.S. by Roadrunner Records. The original 604 Records release of the album is fully unedited, however the Roadrunner version released in the U.S. contains edited versions of "No Surprise" and "Me & My Girl", making this the band's only album not to carry a "Parental Advisory" sticker. The album was released to mixed reviews from critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taking Chances (song)</span> 2007 single by Celine Dion

"Taking Chances" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Celine Dion, taken from her tenth English-language studio album of the same name (2007). It was written by Kara DioGuardi and former Eurythmics member, Dave Stewart for their band named Platinum Weird. The song was supposed to be released as a single in February 2007 from their unreleased self-titled album. However, after DioGuardi and Stewart recorded it, they played the track for Dion's husband René Angélil, who loved it and she recorded it.

<i>Scars & Souvenirs</i> 2008 studio album by Theory of a Deadman

Scars & Souvenirs is the third album by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, and was released on April 1, 2008. It has so far been the band's most successful album to date and has spawned many hit singles. A special edition CD/DVD of the album was released on October 20, 2009. It features bonus and acoustic tracks, the band's entire video catalog, and numerous making-of and behind-the-scenes features. Bonus video includes "Haciendas," Tyler's special send-up of MTV's Cribs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Happy (Theory of a Deadman song)</span> 2008 single by Theory of a Deadman

"So Happy" is a single by Theory of a Deadman, and the first to be released from their third album Scars & Souvenirs. It was officially released to radio on February 11, 2008, although many rock stations in the United States added it to their rotations earlier. "So Happy" debuted on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart on February 9, 2008, and peaked at #2 on April 5, 2008. The song needed only three weeks to become a top-10 hit on the Mainstream Rock chart, making it their fastest top-10 entry to date. It is also the band's first top-20 hit on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. In Canada, it debuted at #58 on the Canadian Hot 100 on March 8, 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">By the Way (Theory of a Deadman song)</span> 2009 single by Theory of a Deadman

"By the Way" is the sixth single from Theory of a Deadman's album Scars & Souvenirs, released on May 18, 2009. The song features Chris Daughtry and Robin Diaz on back-up vocals. It is about a girl leaving her boyfriend without saying anything to him and he now thinks about her all the time and wishes she'd come back. The Scars & Souvenirs album title comes from a line in this song: "Piled up from the years, all those scars and souvenirs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Girlfriend</span> 2008 single by Theory of a Deadman

"Bad Girlfriend" is a song by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman and is the second single from their third studio album Scars & Souvenirs (2008). The track's lyrics describe the circumstances of when lead singer and guitarist Tyler Connolly met his now ex-wife in a bar in Vancouver. The band collectively composed the song which was produced by Howard Benson. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart and number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was their first single to reach number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, making it the band's most successful release in the United States at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All or Nothing (Theory of a Deadman song)</span> 2008 single by Theory of a Deadman

"All or Nothing" is a song by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman from their third studio album Scars & Souvenirs (2008). The track was written by the band's lead singer and guitarist, Tyler Connolly, about meeting his wife, and was produced by Howard Benson. It reached number 22 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart and number 99 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified platinum by Music Canada and gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Its music video was directed by Davin Black and was nominated for three awards at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hate My Life</span> 2008 single by Theory of a Deadman

"Hate My Life" is a song by Canadian rock group Theory of a Deadman. It was released in October 2008 as the fourth overall single from their third studio album Scars & Souvenirs. The track was selected as BBC Radio One's Track of the Week for the week ending March 20, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theory of a Deadman discography</span>

The Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman has released seven studio albums, one extended play (EP), thirty-seven singles, and twenty-six music videos. The band was formed in 1999 in Delta, British Columbia, by Tyler Connolly, Dave Brenner (guitar), Dean Back (bass), and former member Tim Hart (drums). They had been through multiple drummers before recruiting current member Joey Dandeneau in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make Up Your Mind (Theory of a Deadman song)</span> 2003 single by Theory of a Deadman

"Make Up Your Mind" is a song by Canadian rock group Theory of a Deadman and is the second single from their eponymous debut album (2002). Released on January 13, 2003, the song's lyrics were written by the band's lead guitarist and singer Tyler Connolly and Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. Kroeger also produced the track along with Joey Moi. It peaked at number 13 on the Canadian Singles chart as well as the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Never Told You</span> 2010 single by Colbie Caillat

"I Never Told You" is a song by the American pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat from her second album Breakthrough (2009). The song was released on February 16, 2010 in the United States as the second single. The song is a power ballad in E-flat major and was written by Caillat, Jason Reeves and Kara DioGuardi and produced by DioGuardi. The song talks about the love the singer still has for her lover they felt strongly about at one point in their life. The song received positive reviews from music critics. In the charts, the song has performed moderately well, it has peaked at #48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Adult Pop Songs.

<i>The Truth Is...</i> (Theory of a Deadman album) 2011 studio album by Theory of a Deadman

The Truth Is... is the fourth studio album by rock band Theory of a Deadman, released on July 12, 2011. The first single, "Lowlife", was released to radio stations on May 17, 2011. It went to number 1 on the US rock charts. It was co-written by Christine Danielle Connolly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angel (Theory of a Deadman song)</span> 2015 single by Theory of a Deadman

Angel is the third single on Theory of a Deadman's fifth studio album Savages. The single was released on February 24, 2015.

<i>Wake Up Call</i> (Theory of a Deadman album) 2017 studio album by Theory of a Deadman

Wake Up Call is the sixth studio album by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, released on October 27, 2017, through 604 Records in Canada and Atlantic and Roadrunner Records in the United States. Critics have described the album as having a more pop-infused sound than previous releases, which was the result of lead singer Tyler Connolly composing the majority of the record's music on the piano instead of the usual guitar. Departing from the same recording and production team they had worked with for the past four albums, the band opted to collaborate with Swedish music producer, Martin Terefe, and spent seven weeks at Kensaltown Studios in London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rx (Medicate)</span> 2017 single by Theory of a Deadman

"Rx (Medicate)" is a song performed by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, a track on their sixth studio album, Wake Up Call (2017). The song's lyrics were co-written by all four members of the band and address the prescription drug abuse epidemic occurring in North America. It was produced by Martin Terefe and recorded at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios in London. Along with the group's usual hard rock sound, the song uses elements of pop and country music genres. The band's transition into the pop genre has been associated with lead singer Tyler Connolly's newly acquired piano-playing ability, which forced a change in his songwriting style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Violence (song)</span> 2019 single by Theory of a Deadman

"History of Violence" is a song performed by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, a single from their seventh studio album, Say Nothing (2020). It was produced by Martin Terefe and recorded at Kensaltown Recording Studios in London. The band's transition into the pop rock genre is still evident in "History of Violence", and has been associated with lead singer Tyler Connolly's piano-playing ability, which forced a change in songwriting style and was acquired prior to the recording of their sixth record, Wake Up Call (2017). "History of Violence" marked the group's fourth single to top the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in the United States, and appeared on the Billboard Canada Rock, Rock Airplay, and Hot Rock Songs charts as well.

References

  1. "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - Original Soundtrack". AllMusic . Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Canadian single certifications – Theory of a Deadman – Not Meant to Be". Music Canada . Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  3. 1 2 "American single certifications – Theory of a Deadman – Not Meant to Be". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  4. 1 2 "Theory of a Deadman "Not Meant to Be" Sheet Music in A Minor". Music Notes. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 "Theory Of A Deadman shoot video with American Idol judge". The Gauntlet. February 3, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  6. McDonnell, Brandy (April 18, 2008). "CD Review: Theory of a Deadman 'Scars and Souvenirs'". The Oklahoman. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  7. 1 2 Fulton, Katherine. "Scars & Souvenirs - Theory of a Deadman". AllMusic . Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  8. 1 2 "Theory of a Deadman: Not Meant to Be (Music Video 2009)". IMDb . Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  9. "Not Meant to Be - EP by Theory of a Deadman". Apple Music . Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  10. "The Hot 100". Billboard . April 25, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  11. 1 2 "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  12. 1 2 "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  13. "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  14. "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  15. "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  16. "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  17. "Theory of a Deadman Chart History". Billboard . Retrieved February 1, 2022. N.B. select "Mexico Ingles Airplay" from the dropdown menu.
  18. "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  19. "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  20. "Theory of a Deadman Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  21. "Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved September 28, 2019.