Lily Kershaw - Now & Then [TRUSTED]

The lyrics contrast "the way I love you now" with "the way that I loved you then," suggesting that while love persists, its form has changed to the point of being unrecognizable.

The song functions as a "wistful appeal" to a former lover, centering on the concept of . Kershaw examines a relationship that ended not necessarily because of a lack of love, but because it was never allowed to fully bloom. Key themes include: Lily Kershaw - Now & Then

Kershaw’s voice is described as "angelic and otherworldly," providing a "brutally fragile performance" that carries the emotional weight of the lyrics. The lyrics contrast "the way I love you

The track is primarily built on delicate fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar. Some critics noted atmospheric additions, such as a rich, husky organ or accordion, which add a "melancholic autumn" feel. Key themes include: Kershaw’s voice is described as

Lines like "we’ll never know if our love could have grown" highlight the tragedy of a love lost to circumstance or internal struggles, such as the subject being "scared and alone" or "longing to feel but nothing that's real".

Written during a session at producer Ben Cooper’s studio, it was the last song written for Arcadia but the first to be released. Context Within Arcadia

Reviewers at Atwood Magazine note that the song creates a space where "rooftop parties and friends are plentiful," allowing the narrator to actualize a love that no longer exists in the physical world. Musical Composition and Production