To Be Loved (feat. Askjell)

AURORA's song 'To Be Loved (feat. Askjell)' delves into the complex emotions surrounding love and vulnerability. The lyrics open with the artist contemplating the essence of being loved, a theme that recurs throughout the song. This introspective journey is marked by a sense of longing and uncertainty, as AURORA questions whether she truly understands what it means to be loved. The repetition of the phrase 'to be loved' underscores the depth of her contemplation and the importance of this emotional experience in her life.

The song also explores the duality of love as both a source of warmth and a cause of loneliness. AURORA describes the physical sensation of being touched, which contrasts with the coldness of time, suggesting that love can provide fleeting moments of comfort amidst the relentless passage of time. She acknowledges feeling incomplete, 'the half of a whole,' which amplifies her sense of isolation. This dichotomy highlights the paradox of love: it can make one feel both connected and alone.

A significant aspect of the song is the idea of defenselessness in love. AURORA repeatedly tells herself to build defenses, recognizing that love makes one vulnerable. The lyrics 'once you are in love, you are defenseless' capture the fear of being hurt and the loss of control that comes with deep emotional attachment. Despite this fear, there is an undeniable yearning for love, as evidenced by the repeated questioning of how it feels to be loved. This tension between the desire for love and the fear of vulnerability is a central theme, making the song a poignant exploration of the human condition.

The chorus, with its simple yet powerful repetition of 'love, love, love,' emphasizes the universal nature of this emotion. AURORA's haunting vocals, combined with Askjell's production, create an ethereal atmosphere that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics. The song ultimately leaves listeners with a profound sense of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the experience of love.