Zak Abel explained the song during an Interview with The Independent Magazine:
For various reasons I grew up with a distorted view of love and self-esteem, and that lends itself to whether you feel worthy of love. For a long time I didn’t think I was worthy, and that can make you feel very alone in...
[Verse 1]
I spent most of my time complaining
Don't I feel I have enough?
For what exactly am I waiting?
Don't I deserve to be loved?
People say I should be harder
Cause they're no good at being soft
But I've grown up without a father, hmmm
Don't I deserve to be loved?
[Chorus]
By someone who is brave enough to give
Someone I can share my journey with
Someone who knows me
Someone who knows me, yeah
Someone who wants us both to grow
Someone who'd be strong enough alone
Someone who knows me
Not someone who owns me
[Verse 2]
You look at me though I'm a sinner
That kind who blends in with the dust
How did that come to be a winner?
Oh, didn't think I deserve to be loved
[Chorus]
By someone who is brave enough to give
Someone I can share my journey with
Someone who knows me
Someone who knows me, yeah
Someone who wants us both to grow
Someone who'd be strong enough alone
Someone who knows me
Not someone who owns me
[Bridge]
Baby we deserve it
I'll make it sure you heard it
Baby we deserve to be loved
Ohoooh, baby we deserve it
I'll make it sure you heard it
Baby we deserve to be loved
[Chorus]
By someone who is brave enough to give
Someone I can share my journey with
Someone who knows me
Someone who knows me, yeah
Someone who wants us both to grow
Someone who'd be strong enough alone
Someone who knows me
Not someone who owns me
Deserve To Be Loved was produced by Eg White.
Zak Abel released Deserve To Be Loved on Tue Nov 10 2015.