Inspired by a personal friend suffering in an abusive relationship, “Made To Love You” by singer-songwriter Dan Owen is a heartfelt examination of what keeps people together, yet drives them apart. The single, the first to be taken from his upcoming Open Hands And Enemies EP out on September 12th, follows the completion of a 30-date European tour supporting British teenage sensation Birdy.
“Made To Love You” is a poignant break-up ballad of astonishing beauty. He sings of the protagonist, love-struck yet hurt, welcomed yet abused: “And there was nothing that could make me let you go, ‘cos you were my wildest dream, but your open hands will become my enemies.”
The 24-year-old’s husky voice is strong yet his lyrics bring out an emotional vulnerability which is twinned with the driving piano to bring home the message with huge impact. At times Owen appears at one with the piano, the two marrying up elegantly blending for harmonious results. Other times he seems to really wrestle for control, getting louder to be heard over the suffocating key strokes, embodying the song’s story: “If I was made to love you then how come we’re here again? And why does it hurt so bad?”