The Meaning Behind The Song: Never Enough by Loren Allred
Loren Allred’s stirring ballad “Never Enough”, featured in the 2017 movie musical “The Greatest Showman,” earned her critical acclaim and global recognition. The song speaks to the longing for love and acceptance and has resonated with millions of listeners worldwide. In this article, we explore the meaning behind the song, the process of creating it, and its impact on Allred’s career and the music industry.
The Backstory
“Never Enough” was co-written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also wrote the soundtrack for the hit Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” The duo was tasked with creating a song that would capture the essence of the movie’s central theme: the search for identity and purpose. The songwriters wanted to create a ballad that would convey the raw emotion of the character Jenny Lind, a Swedish opera singer who falls in love with the ringmaster P.T. Barnum in the film.
Allred auditioned for the movie role of Jenny Lind, but the role went to Rebecca Ferguson. However, her demo of “Never Enough” caught the attention of the “The Greatest Showman” director Michael Gracey, who asked her to record the final version of the song. Allred’s soaring vocal performance in the movie propelled the song to the top of the charts and earned her accolades from fans and critics alike.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Never Enough” speak to the universal desire for love and validation. Allred sings:
“I’m trying to hold my breath
Let it stay this way
Can’t let this moment end
You set off a dream in me
Getting louder now
Can you hear it echoing?
Take my hand
Will you share this with me?
‘Cause darling without you
All the shine of a thousand spotlights
All the stars we steal from the nightsky
Will never be enough
Never be enough
Towers of gold are still too little
These hands could hold the world but it’ll
Never be enough
Never be enough”
The song captures the longing for someone to truly see and accept us for who we are. Allred’s powerful vocals convey the rawness of the emotion and the need for connection and validation. The lyrics also suggest that material possessions and success are not enough to fill the void and that love and human connection are ultimately what matter most.
The Production
“Never Enough” features a lush orchestral arrangement that perfectly complements Allred’s vocals. The song starts with a delicate piano introduction that builds to a crescendo of strings, horns, and percussion, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The song fades out with a haunting choral arrangement that echoes the sense of longing conveyed in the lyrics.
Allred’s vocal performance is the centerpiece of the song, and the production does an excellent job of highlighting her impressive vocal range. The song’s production is also notable for its use of reverb and delay effects, which give it a cinematic quality and enhance the sense of drama and emotion in the song.
The Impact
“Never Enough” became an instant hit, earning over 700 million views on YouTube and becoming one of the top-selling songs on iTunes. The song’s impressive success catapulted Allred to global stardom and opened up new opportunities for her career.
The song’s success also speaks to the power of emotional resonance in music. “Never Enough” taps into the universal need for love and connection, and it’s this emotional resonance that has helped it connect with millions of listeners worldwide.
The Legacy
“Never Enough” has become one of the most iconic songs of the past decade, and its legacy continues to resonate with music lovers worldwide. The song’s inspiring message of hope and the quest for meaning has made it a popular choice for artists across all genres.
In an interview with Billboard, Allred spoke about the song’s lasting impact, saying, “I think that’s the thing about music that’s so beautiful. It’s that you can listen to it years later, and it can still apply to your life, making you feel something you haven’t felt in a long time.”
Conclusion
“Never Enough” is a song that speaks to the human desire for love and validation. Its soaring vocals, lush orchestration, and emotional resonance have helped it become an instant classic and a favorite among music lovers worldwide. Loren Allred’s powerful performance in the song catapulted her to global stardom, proving that sometimes it’s the emotional authenticity that truly resonates with audiences. The song’s legacy continues to inspire artists and listeners, reminding us that music has the power to touch our lives in profound ways.
