Meaning of "Now And Then" by Arlo Guthrie

The lyrics of "Now And Then" by Arlo Guthrie depict the fleeting moments of connection and happiness that come and go in life. The speaker acknowledges the ups and downs of their emotional state, noting that feeling fine and not lonely is an occasional occurrence rather than a constant state of being. The presence of the person they are talking to seems to bring them joy and comfort, as they express their feelings of love and appreciation. However, there is also a sense of impermanence in the relationship, as the speaker notes that the person must be gone at times. This highlights the transient nature of relationships and emotions, recognizing that even in moments of connection, there is an underlying sense of loss and longing. The song ultimately conveys a bittersweet sentiment of cherishing the fleeting moments of joy and connection, while also acknowledging the inevitable reality of separation and change.