How You Been Lately

New West's song 'How You Been Lately' delves into the emotional turbulence and shared struggles of modern life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the weariness and monotony that can accompany difficult times. Lines like 'It's been a rough couple weeks, okay / It's been a rough couple years, okay' immediately set the tone, acknowledging the prolonged hardships many people face. The repetition of 'Nothing good ever came easy' serves as a reminder that perseverance is essential, even when life feels stagnant and challenging.

The song also touches on the loss of joy and spontaneity, as seen in the lines 'And it's been a minute since you been dancing / And the radio ain't playing your song no more.' This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia for simpler, happier times, further emphasized by the line 'Forgot the last time that you smiled so hard / You hurt your face from laughing.' These moments of reflection highlight the emotional toll that prolonged stress and hardship can take on a person.

Despite the somber themes, 'How You Been Lately' offers a sense of solidarity and support. The repeated refrain 'I'm right there with you / C'mon tell me, how you been lately?' serves as a comforting reminder that no one is alone in their struggles. The song encourages open communication and mutual support, suggesting that sharing one's burdens can make them more bearable. The mention of everyday coping mechanisms, like 'put your phone on snooze then you turn on the news / Take your nights without sleep and your whiskey neat,' adds a layer of relatability, making the song a poignant reflection on the human experience.