Born To Be Yours

"Born To Be Yours" is a declaration of predestined love and the discovery of one's purpose through a profound connection with another person. The song's lyrics navigate a journey from past despair to a present filled with a sense of miraculous, fated love. The central theme is that the narrator's entire existence has led them to this specific person, encapsulating a powerful feeling of belonging. However, the song doesn't shy away from the complexities of a relationship. It touches on feelings of vulnerability ('You take me for a fool') and the overwhelming nature of hardship ('when it rains, oh, it pours'). This creates a nuanced picture of love that is not just euphoric but also tested by conflict and doubt. The meaning is ultimately one of hope and conviction, suggesting that despite past failures and present challenges, the bond is so strong it must be destiny. The song hovers in a space between hope and pain, reflecting the real-life struggles that can coexist with a deep, fated love.

The song's narrative begins with a confession of past failures and a sense of having given up on love numerous times. The protagonist admits to having surrendered a hundred times before, suggesting a history of heartbreak and disappointment. However, a significant shift occurs with the realization that the current connection is a 'miracle,' something too profound to ignore. This newfound love is so transformative that it redefines the protagonist's entire understanding of human connection; they feel they never truly knew anyone until they met this person. Despite this powerful feeling, there's an acknowledgment of hardship, captured in the idiom, 'when it rains, it pours,' which hints at challenges and emotional turmoil within the relationship.

A layer of vulnerability and conflict is introduced with the line, 'You take me for a fool.' This suggests moments of misunderstanding or feeling underestimated by their partner, adding a touch of bitterness and relational strife. Yet, this feeling is consistently overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of destiny. The core declaration, 'I know I was born to be yours,' serves as the central theme, a powerful mantra of unwavering conviction. This phrase is the emotional anchor of the song, asserting that their bond is fated, regardless of any difficulties.

The second verse delves into feelings of doubt and the immense scale of the world, posing questions laden with uncertainty. The protagonist wonders if their loved one is a unique, singular soul 'lost in the millions,' or merely a transient 'grain of sand... blowing in the wind.' These questions reflect a deep-seated fear of loss and the fragility of this seemingly miraculous connection. It highlights the anxiety of whether this person is truly their one-of-a-kind destiny or just a fleeting presence. The song doesn't provide explicit answers to these questions, leaving the listener in a state of hopeful ambiguity that mirrors the complexities of love and fate. The narrative concludes by repeatedly reinforcing the central motif, a powerful and hopeful declaration of purpose and belonging found in this profound love.

"Born To Be Yours" is a collaboration between Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo (Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll) and the American pop-rock band Imagine Dragons. The collaboration was first teased on social media on June 11, 2018, when Kygo posted a picture with the members of Imagine Dragons. The song was officially released on June 15, 2018, by Sony Music and Ultra Music. The track was co-written by Kygo and all the members of Imagine Dragons: Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman. Kygo served as the producer. In a statement, Kygo expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "'Born to Be Yours' feels to me like the perfect combination of my sound mixed with the band's iconic elements and vocals. Imagine Dragons are one of my favorite bands and it's an honor to finally let everyone hear what we've been working on." The song was later included on the international deluxe edition of Imagine Dragons' fourth studio album, Origins (2018).

The song follows a relatively simple and direct rhyme scheme, primarily using couplets (AABB) in its verses and chorus, which enhances its pop accessibility and sing-along quality. For instance, in the chorus, 'you' rhymes with 'knew,' and 'pours' rhymes with 'yours.' This straightforward structure makes the lyrical message clear and memorable. The rhythm is built on a standard mid-tempo electronic beat, typical of Kygo's tropical house style, clocking in at around 114 BPM. The rhythm is steady and danceable, providing an uplifting and optimistic feel that contrasts with some of the more melancholic and questioning lyrics. The interplay between the rhythmic pulse of the electronic production and the more fluid, emotive vocal melody of Dan Reynolds creates the song's signature dynamic tension between hope and struggle.

"Born To Be Yours" is defined by its fusion of genres, blending Kygo's signature melodic tropical house sound with the powerful, anthemic rock elements characteristic of Imagine Dragons. Musically, the song features a mid-tempo, chill electronic beat overlaid with acoustic guitars and hand claps, creating a bridge between EDM and radio rock. Dan Reynolds' distinctive, evocative vocals provide the raw, emotional core, while Kygo's production adds a polished, uplifting electronic atmosphere with his recognizable chord progressions. This combination was praised by critics as a 'genre-defying amalgamation' and a 'perfect artistic synergy' between the two artists. The song's structure builds from softer verses into a powerful, danceable chorus, a common technique in both pop and EDM to create an impactful and memorable listening experience.

Upon its release, "Born To Be Yours" was met with positive reception, praised as a successful and synergistic crossover between the electronic and rock worlds. The song achieved significant chart success internationally, appearing on 16 national charts. It peaked at number 4 in Norway and Sweden and entered the top 10 in Switzerland. In the UK, it peaked at number 54 on the Official Singles Chart. The track is featured on the international deluxe edition of Imagine Dragons' successful album Origins. Furthermore, the song gained additional visibility by being featured in the second trailer for the 2020 animated film "Scoob!", based on the Scooby-Doo franchise, introducing it to a wider family audience.

The song employs several key metaphors to convey its message of fated love and emotional struggle:

• Miracle: The term 'miracle' is used to describe the discovery of this love, symbolizing an event that is beyond ordinary explanation and a welcome deviation from a past filled with failures ('I know I've give up / A hundred times before'). It elevates the relationship to a spiritual or destined plane.
• Rain and Pours: The idiom 'when it rains, oh, it pours' is a metaphor for overwhelming hardship. It suggests that the relationship, while fated, is not without its intense challenges, and that difficulties can be all-consuming.
• Grain of Sand: The image of a 'grain of sand that's blowing in the wind' symbolizes insignificance and impermanence. The narrator questions if this profound connection is as fleeting and random as a single grain of sand, highlighting a deep-seated anxiety about losing something so precious.

The most significant recurring motif in the song is the titular phrase, "I know I was born to be yours." This line acts as the central thesis and emotional anchor of the entire track. It is repeated in the chorus and the outro, serving as a powerful, unwavering declaration of destiny and purpose. Its repetition drills home the core message, transforming it into a mantra of conviction that overrides the doubts expressed in the verses. Another repeated line, "I never knew anybody 'til I knew you," reinforces the transformative impact of the relationship. The phrase 'When it rains, oh, it pours' also recurs, acting as a memorable hook that captures the theme of overwhelming emotion and hardship, creating a relatable paradox when juxtaposed with the song's primary theme of fated love.