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
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
Kershaw told American Songwriter that she was suffering from "tremendous heartache" during the writing process. Lily Kershaw - Now & Then
"Now & Then" is noted for its , intentionally designed to sound honest and visceral.
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". Reviewers at Atwood Magazine note that the song
Kershaw’s voice is described as "angelic and otherworldly," providing a "brutally fragile performance" that carries the emotional weight of the lyrics.
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. "Now & Then" is noted for its ,
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: