A Half-Remembered Dream

Laura Marling “Nothing Not Nearly”

Laura Marling always sounds so certain, and since so many of her songs are reflecting on something in the past, her records sound like the product of months – or even years – of quiet contemplation. “Nothing Not Nearly” is essentially a report on a romantic relationship gone right. She’s recalling shared moments and little displays of affection, and coming to the conclusion that, in an otherwise dark time for her, this love was necessary and crucial. This being a clear-eyed Laura Marling song, there is a catch: She’s already concerned that the “afterglow” is fading, and she can’t help but imply that this person not being “afraid of trees or bears or anything with tendencies to wanna hurt you good” extends to her too. Even the way she sings the song suggests she’s trying to enjoy this while it lasts, as packs as many words as she can into the meter of the verses, and sings the chorus with a bit of a melancholy sigh.

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