Nellie

Dr. Dog's song 'Nellie' delves into the mysterious and often elusive nature of understanding another person, even someone you deeply love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman named Nellie, who seems to wander through her dreams, leaving the narrator to ponder what she dreams about and who she truly is. This sense of curiosity and longing is palpable, as the narrator admits to loving her but questions whether he truly knows her. The repeated imagery of wandering from room to room suggests a journey through the different facets of Nellie's personality and inner world, which remain partly hidden and enigmatic.

The song's chorus, with its repetitive invocation of Nellie's name, underscores the narrator's fixation and perhaps a sense of helplessness in trying to grasp the full essence of who Nellie is. The mention of an old notebook filled with 'bits and baubles' symbolizes the narrator's desire to piece together fragments of Nellie's identity, to understand her better. Placing this notebook between a hyacinth and a book of Aesop's fables in her room adds layers of meaning, suggesting beauty, wisdom, and perhaps a moral lesson to be learned from this quest for understanding.

'Nellie' is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love and the often uncharted territories of another person's inner life. It speaks to the universal experience of trying to connect with someone on a deeper level, only to find that there are always parts of them that remain a mystery. Dr. Dog's reflective and somewhat melancholic tone captures the bittersweet nature of this journey, making 'Nellie' a song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the simultaneous joy and frustration of loving someone they can't fully understand.