Owen by Alejandra O’Leary is a hauntingly beautiful song that is emotionally drained and bathed with moments of confusion, frustration, and longing. The lyrics, therefore, give insight into a complicated relationship that has emotional turmoil, unresolved feelings, and a push-and-pull dynamic that makes the narrator stuck but still emotionally connected to this character named Owen.

Immediately setting the tone for tension, opening lines read, “Too much of a good thing will spoil your dream / That’s what you say to me.” The one whom this narrator is addressing has apparently employed such an excuse to keep her from leaving-perhaps even to manipulate or guilt them into remaining. The idea here, though, is that both parties do know it’s not right. This actually really hammers it into one’s head that “You’re the reason everyone’s running” is some kind of behavioral pattern on Owen’s part to be running people off. It appears that Owen is some sort of emotional chaos, where everyone draws near to him in his attractive façade, only to later keep their distance after it wears off.

It’s such a stark metaphor; it lets you know something of the depth of Owen’s isolation and emotional pull: “Those posters on your wall are all about the same thing / Black holes pulling hard on the universe”. The reference to black holes is to gravitational force, basically pulling everything inward, which acts similarly in the way that Owen is depicted to have drawn people inwardly, yet leaving them vacant or drained. The line “How alone you seem” shows how the narrator is aware of Owen’s loneliness amidst a world in which he caused chaos.

The refrain-the heart of the song, really-is: “Even though you know for me / It’s Owen or it’s no one.” This line has, like, emotional complication-but also, that doesn’t really cover it. Despite everything, the hurt and the confusion Owen causes, the narrator remains emotionally tied to him. It’s an acknowledgment that nobody else could do what Owen does, even if what he does is far from perfect.

The second verse introduces her desire for separation when she sings, “Take care’ve yourself ok? I’m going to school / Cos I can’t stay here / Much as I want to.” This would have been an unmistakable act of self-awareness on the narrator’s part, who realizes she needs to leave while still hanging onto the desire to stay. It is one of those tough decisions that, nonetheless, are very necessary to the growth and well-being of the narrator.

The repetition of “Owen, you drove me crazy” adds to the emotional weight of the song because the voice is telling Owen how he has really affected the sanity of a narrator. There’s a feeling of hopeless helplessness and frustration, yet bittersweet acknowledgment of the connection they share. And finally, “To see you here / To see me off,” the whole poignant moment of departure-physical leave but emotional entanglement-was brought to emphasis.

In the song “Owen,” one finds an expertly documented depiction of prevailing difficulty and intricacy found in love and relationships. Alejandra O’Leary’s lyrics are packed with imagery and emotion, pulling the listener inside the turbulent emotions of the narrator. It is one of those songs that speak to realization-the realization of personal growth amidst confrontation with the inevitable pull of a person who still has a piece of one’s heart.