Nanana
The Kelly Family
The Enigmatic Melody of the Human Doll
The Kelly Family's song "Nanana" paints a vivid picture of a surreal and melancholic world where music and human connection are rare. The lyrics introduce us to a 'human doll,' a metaphorical figure with glass eyes and golden hair, symbolizing an idealized but unattainable beauty. Her song, represented by the repetitive 'Nanana' chorus, serves as a haunting and enchanting refrain that captivates the narrator. This chorus, simple yet profound, underscores the theme of longing and the search for something pure and beautiful in a bleak world.
The narrative takes a darker turn as the setting shifts to a place where 'hell is around the corner.' Despite the grim surroundings, the narrator finds solace in the touch and kiss of the human doll, which metaphorically represents a fleeting moment of beauty and connection in a harsh reality. The song's repetitive chorus echoes this moment, emphasizing its significance and the deep emotional impact it has on the narrator.
The lyrics also explore themes of regret and lost love. The narrator reflects on his father's warning about the dangers of becoming too attached to the human doll, which he ignored, leading to a sense of foolishness and loss. The repeated plea to be taken back to the 'land of yours' and the reference to the 'black swan' suggest a yearning to return to a place or time where love and beauty were once attainable. The song concludes with a generational reflection, as the narrator's generation sings along with the radio, clinging to the melody of the human doll as a symbol of their collective longing and nostalgia.