this / that

Naits' song 'this / that' delves into the complex and often contradictory emotions that come with love and heartbreak. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship where the highs are incredibly high, but the lows are devastating. The recurring line, 'Hit me like this, like that,' serves as a metaphor for the emotional rollercoaster the artist experiences. This phrase captures the duality of love—how it can be both exhilarating and painful at the same time. The artist's struggle to move on from a past lover who seems to have easily moved on is a central theme, highlighting the imbalance often found in relationships.

The song also explores the idea of dependency and the difficulty of letting go. Lines like 'Every second I go without you is hollow' and 'My mind is where your heart is, so it can't be followed' suggest a deep emotional attachment that is hard to break. The artist feels stuck, unable to move forward, and this sense of entrapment is further emphasized by the imagery of searching for solace in substances and waking up to a harsh reality. The repeated promises of change that never materialize add to the sense of frustration and hopelessness.

Culturally, 'this / that' taps into the universal experience of love's paradoxical nature. The song's raw and honest lyrics resonate with anyone who has felt the sting of unreciprocated love or the pain of a relationship that is both a source of joy and sorrow. Naits' musical style, characterized by its emotional depth and introspective lyrics, adds another layer of authenticity to the song, making it a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships.