Meaning of Nana by The 1975

The song "Nana" by The 1975 is a poignant and deeply emotional track that explores themes of loss, grief, and the complex relationship between life and death. While the overall theme of the song revolves around the death of a loved one, the lyrics delve into various unexpected and imaginative themes, intertwining with the core message of the song.One of the standout lyrics in "Nana" is "Oh sleepless knight, a grown up man dressed in white." This line paints a vivid image of a doctor or healthcare professional, and it introduces the juxtaposition of hope and disappointment. The theme here revolves around the idea that sometimes, even those we believe will save us ultimately fail. It explores the concept of relying on external sources for salvation and the realization that not all problems can be fixed.Another significant lyric in the song is "I haven't got the nails for it." This line metaphorically represents the speaker's struggle to handle their own problems after the loss of their loved one. It showcases the idea that the absence of a person can leave us feeling incapable and vulnerable, as if we lack the necessary tools to navigate life without their presence. The theme explored here is the profound impact that loss can have on our ability to cope with life's challenges.The line "And I know that God doesn't exist, and all of the palaver surrounding it" delves into the theme of faith and spirituality, or the lack thereof. The song acknowledges the speaker's disbelief in a higher power and their skepticism towards religious rituals and conventions. This exploration of spirituality ties into the theme of searching for solace and meaning in the face of loss. It raises questions about the role of faith in coping with grief and serves as a reflection on the speaker's personal journey.Moving on, the lyric "So I reached for a borrowed fleece from my dad or from Denise, always trying to keep warm when you're the sun" evokes the theme of seeking comfort in the memories and belongings of the lost loved one. The use of the word "sun" symbolizes the radiance and warmth that the deceased person brought into the speaker's life. It suggests that despite their absence, the memories and connections fostered during their time together continue to provide solace and comfort."I sat with you beside your bed and cried, for things that I wish I'd said, you still had your nails red" delves into the theme of regret and unexpressed emotions. This poignant lyric conveys the profound sadness that arises from missed opportunities to truly communicate with someone before they pass away. It touches upon the idea that death often leaves us with unresolved feelings and a longing for closure.One of the most moving elements of "Nana" is the message of legacy and the enduring impact of those who have passed away. The line "And if I live past 72, I hope I'm half as cool as you" beautifully encapsulates this sentiment. It speaks to the influence and inspiration that the departed loved one had on the speaker's life. The theme here is the profound imprint that individuals can leave behind even after death, inspiring others to strive for greatness and embody their spirit.In summary, "Nana" by The 1975 is a deeply introspective and emotionally powerful song that explores themes of loss, grief, and the complex emotions that come with the death of a loved one. Through its poignant lyrics, the song touches upon various imaginative themes such as the disappointment of relying on external sources for salvation, the struggle to cope with life's challenges after loss, the exploration of faith and spirituality, seeking comfort in memories, regret, and the enduring impact of those who have passed away. Ultimately, the song serves as a beautiful testament to the complexity of grief and the universality of loss.