Meaning of Nl (tba) by Lorde

The song titled "Nl (tba)" by Lorde is a beautiful and evocative piece that takes listeners on a journey through the themes of summer love, nostalgia, and the fleeting nature of happiness. Set against the backdrop of a summer road trip, the song captures the essence of those carefree moments, where the beaches are loving, the lemonades are high, and the northern lights guide the way.One of the standout lyrics in the song comes in the first verse where Lorde sings, "No more calm curtains for me or you, For a week or two." This lyric may seem simple at first, but upon closer inspection, it unveils a deeper theme of temporary escapism. By leaving behind calm curtains, the narrator and their companions are embracing a break from their everyday lives, seeking solace in the adventures of a summer road trip. However, this escape is ultimately fleeting, as they know that their time away is limited to just a week or two. This theme resonates with the universal human desire for temporary relief from the monotony of daily routines, reminding us of the importance of cherishing those moments of freedom.Moving on to the chorus, Lorde sings, "Icarus will never be a fairytale I want". This lyric stands out as it references the Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and perished. In this context, the lyric serves as a metaphor for the narrator's desire to avoid the pitfalls of a passionate but destructive love. The fairytale references suggest that the narrator wishes for a love that is grounded in reality and longevity, rather than a fiery but ultimately doomed affair. This theme explores the delicate balance between passion and caution in romantic relationships, reminding the listeners of the importance of finding a lasting connection instead of pursuing fleeting desires.The post-chorus contains the lyric, "That's why the northern lights won't put out our fire". Here, the northern lights serve as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The line suggests that the narrator's love is strong enough to withstand any challenges that come their way, and the beauty and magic of the northern lights serve as a constant reminder of this strength. This theme encourages listeners to hold onto their inner fire, even when faced with life's difficulties, and to find solace in the beauty of the world around them.In the bridge, Lorde sings, "I wish they all could be... In love like me". This line introduces a theme of universal longing for love and connection. By expressing a wish for others to experience the same affection and happiness, the narrator underscores the human desire for meaningful relationships. This theme emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, as well as the collective longing for love that unites us all.In the outro, Lorde sings, "Oh, the summer of 2019, Under the northern lights." This final lyric brings the song full circle, underscoring the nostalgia and wistfulness that permeates the entire song. By referencing a specific year, Lorde invites listeners to reflect on their own memories and experiences, evoking a deep sense of longing for past moments of joy. This theme explores the transient nature of happiness and the power of nostalgia in capturing the essence of a particular time and place.Overall, "Nl (tba)" by Lorde captures the essence of summer love, nostalgia, and the ephemeral nature of happiness. Through its imaginative lyrics and evocative imagery, the song explores themes of temporary escapism, the balance between passion and caution, hope in the face of adversity, the universal longing for connection, and the power of nostalgia. By delving into these unexpected and imaginative themes, Lorde invites listeners to embark on their own introspective journey through the fleeting moments of joy and beauty in life.