Lily Kershaw - Now & Then -

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.

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

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". The lyrics contrast "the way I love you

Kershaw considers Arcadia a meant to be heard as a "journey and an infinite loop". Kershaw considers Arcadia a meant to be heard

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

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.