Never Had

Oscar Isaac's song "Never Had" is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled love and the lingering memories of a relationship that never fully blossomed. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and regret, as the narrator reflects on a past connection that was deeply significant but ultimately incomplete. The opening lines set the tone, with the narrator admitting to having been distracted by new experiences, yet unable to forget the person who once meant so much to them. This juxtaposition of moving forward while being tethered to the past is a central theme of the song.

The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "You were the best I never had," encapsulates the essence of the song. It speaks to the idea of a missed opportunity, a love that was never fully realized. The narrator acknowledges that there were no clear signs or warnings that could have guided them to make different choices. This sense of inevitability and the absence of control over the situation adds a layer of melancholy to the song. The phrase "the best I never had" suggests that the person in question was idealized in the narrator's mind, representing a perfect but unattainable love.

In the second verse, the imagery of a lonely motel room and the hope that the person might still come back into their life adds to the song's emotional depth. The mention of "funny yellow shoes" and the scratching of a key at the door creates a vivid picture of longing and the desire for reconnection. The song is a heartfelt letter to a lost love, filled with the hope that the message will somehow reach them. The repeated "Nana nanana" at the end of the song serves as a haunting echo of the narrator's unresolved feelings, emphasizing the enduring impact of this unfulfilled love on their life.