Meaning of "Nashua" by The Antlers

The lyrics of "Nashua" delve into themes of self-awareness, regret, and the inability to meet the emotional needs of someone important. The singer expresses sorrow over not being able to be a better support system for the person referenced in the song. The lines discussing making promises they couldn't keep and the lack of communication show a sense of inadequacy and the weight of unmet expectations. The repeated refrain of "you should hate the water, you should hate the world" suggests a desire for the other person to direct their anger at the singer as a form of justification for not living up to expectations. The acknowledgment of being "no good news" and the repeated refrain of "I should have been so much better for you" highlight the singer's deep regret and awareness of their shortcomings. Overall, "Nashua" portrays a complex emotional landscape of remorse and an internal struggle with the inability to provide the needed support and attention to someone who deserved it.