Lily Kershaw - Now & Then -

Kershaw told American Songwriter that she was suffering from "tremendous heartache" during the writing process.

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:

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". Lily Kershaw - Now & Then

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.

Kershaw considers Arcadia a meant to be heard as a "journey and an infinite loop". Kershaw told American Songwriter that she was suffering

"Now & Then" is noted for its , intentionally designed to sound honest and visceral.

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 Key themes include: Lines like "we’ll never know

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