The lyrics of "Nana" by The 1975 are a reflection on the loss of a loved one and the struggle to cope with their absence. The narrator longs for their presence and wishes they could share all the things that have happened since they've been gone. They express their grief and acknowledge the emptiness that death has brought into their life. Despite not believing in God, they still hope that their loved one can hear them. The lyrics also touch on the narrator's attempt to find comfort in memories and treasuring the influence their loved one had on them. Overall, the song captures the pain of losing someone and the difficulty of moving forward.

Meaning of "Nana" by The 1975

The lyrics of "Nana" delve into the emotional turmoil experienced by the narrator after losing someone significant, presumably their grandmother. The song explores the complex emotions surrounding grief, nostalgia, and the longing for connection with a deceased loved one. The opening lines express the desire for the loved one to return, highlighting the emptiness and longing that death leaves behind. The reference to a "grown-up man dressed in white" suggests a medical professional who may have been unable to save the loved one, deepening the narrator's sense of loss and regret.

The lyrics juxtapose the mundane activities of everyday life with the absence of the loved one, emphasizing the stark contrast between the past and the present. The narrator struggles with even simple tasks, symbolized by the difficulty of scratching their own head due to the lack of nails. This physical limitation serves as a metaphor for the emotional void the loved one's absence has created.

While the narrator claims not to believe in God and dismisses the "palaver surrounding it," they still find solace in the idea that their loved one might be able to hear them. This reflection highlights the complicated nature of grief and the way individuals often hold onto hope in the face of loss, looking for signs of connection or communication with the deceased.

The song also touches on the power of memories and the role they play in maintaining a connection with the departed. The narrator reminisces about sitting beside their loved one's bed, feeling regret for the things left unsaid. These regrets further fuel the narrator's grief and underline their longing to have those moments back. The lyrics convey a desire to honor the memory of their loved one and keep their spirit alive through music. The act of creating a melody and line for them is a way of finding solace and coping with the pain of their absence.

Overall, "Nana" portrays the deep and lasting impact of losing someone dear, evoking a sense of longing, regret, and the search for comfort through memory and artistic expression.