By now, you will know of our obsession with Mark Andrew Hansen. We just featured the artist as he reflected on faith, humanity and compassion with his single, Some Say There’s No God, so when we heard that the philosophical creative had also released Afraid of Love No More, we couldn’t wait to share our listening experience.
Afraid of Love No More opens with a descending piano melody as Mark Andrew Hansen sings, “I’ve been stuck in minor chords, I tried to sing before I could crawl, I guess I’m not afraid of love no more. I’ve felt the Earth beneath me shake, as love crashed down and changed my fate, I guess I’m not afraid of love no more…”
The talented artist share his soulful nature with a poignant acoustic soundscape. In essence, Afraid of Love No More holds a theatrical allure, and we could imagine the track in a West End or Broadway production.
The song is about someone who has been hurt by love before, but is trying not to be scared of it anymore. Mark shares how he has gone through sadness, loss, and heartbreak, but he now feels more ready to accept love again, even if it might hurt him. The lyrics show that love can change our lives in big ways, both good and bad.
There is a raw authenticity and relatability to the prose, and we connect with Mark’s poetic prowess and the vulnerability that transmutes. In the end, he admits how he might still be a little afraid, which makes the song feel real and honest. The main message is that love is always risky, but life would feel empty without taking that chance. It’s a reflection on human purpose and connection, and the timeless idea of choosing to open your heart again, even after pain.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Mark says, “I watched a documentary about Randy Newman – the songwriter, and was enthralled by his use of clever and complex chord transitions while still maintaining a beautiful melody. Afterwards, I sat at my piano and had a go at more chromatic chord movement and the use of diminished chords. Within 30 minutes, most of the song was written. It is intended to be a song from a future musical (possibly animated), where the protagonist is struggling with love – should he try again even though heartbreak has been his constant reward. The song is playful and humorous in its lyric exaggerations. Clearly our character is very fearful, but hope wins out.”
Mark adds, “This is not a typical pop song or singer-songwriter tune. Please imagine it being sung in a musical on Broadway, the lead actor is on stage by himself having met the girl of his dreams moments before. Terrified, he sings to the audience what’s going through his mind as he makes a decision that affects the entire plot.”
We continue to be in awe of what Mark Andrew Hansen delivers, and have added Afraid of Love No More to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Some Say There’s No God, and One of a Kind!