Reid’s first single from her album ‘’Preservation’’, "Richard", saw her nominated for the APRA Silver Scroll award in 2017, regarded as New Zealand’s most important songwriting award. Reid herself was nominated for Best Solo Artist, Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Best Alternative Artist.
Best thing
Nadia Reid Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That tree in your front yard?
I had watched it grow
For many years since I was a girl
And it seemed to shake
My gravity just a little
It feels like the paint is peeling on my heart
When are we making it out to that island?
You never took me anywhere when I was yours
And I am all alone in Italy now
And I could break it but I wouldn't, no I would
You are the best thing
That I have ever had
Tried to make it to the carnival
Tried to bake it into a pie
While you were up there with all the mess
I was getting high
I see you out there in the corner
You are wanting something more
For your life, and for my life
You are the best thing
That I have ever had
I broke my leg
On that hill I remember it so
We were looking for a rose
Looking for something closer
To the edge of all that I am
You are wanting something more
For your life, and for our life
You are the best thing
That I have ever had
And no one could ever know
That I am better off from being your one
In the song "Best Thing" by Nadia Reid, the lyrics are reflecting on a relationship that has ended. The opening lyrics, "Why did you cut down that tree in your front yard? I had watched it grow for many years since I was a girl," sets the tone of loss and destruction. The singer had watched the tree grow for many years, much like their relationship, and then it was taken away without warning. The tree had become a symbol of permanence and stability, and without it, everything feels unsettled. The next lyrics, "It feels like the paint is peeling on my heart," continue the theme of things perishing, with the paint on the heart representing the chipping away of emotions that once were vibrant and alive.
As the song progresses, the singer seems to be in a reflective state, thinking of all the moments that they wanted to share with their former partner. "When are we making it out to that island? You never took me anywhere when I was yours," is a statement of regret, wishing that the time they had together was different. It's a reminder that their best moments are in the past.
The song transitions to a description of the carnival and baking, with the line, "Tried to make it to the carnival, Tried to bake it into a pie." These lines are most likely saying that the singer tried to make the best out of what they had, but their former partner wasn't able to fully engage. The singer was left high and alone while their partner was off somewhere else.
In the end, the singer acknowledges that the best thing they ever had was their former partner, despite the pain and heartache they feel. "You are the best thing that I have ever had, and no one could ever know that I am better off from being your one." It's a powerful statement that recognizes that the relationship may have ended, but there was still something special about it.
Overall, "Best Thing" by Nadia Reid is a poignant song about lost love and regret. The lyrics expertly capture the feelings of heartbreak and longing, while also acknowledging the importance of the relationship itself.
Line by Line Meaning
Why did you cut down
Questioning the reason behind cutting down the tree in the front yard
That tree in your front yard?
Asking specifically about the tree that was cut down
I had watched it grow
Observing the tree's growth over the years
For many years since I was a girl
Reflecting on how long she had watched the tree grow
And it seemed to shake
Describing the tree's effect on her emotions
My gravity just a little
The tree gave her a sense of stability or grounding, which is now missing
It feels like the paint is peeling on my heart
The loss of the tree is causing her emotional pain or heartbreak
When are we making it out to that island?
Asking when they will go to the island they have talked about going to
You never took me anywhere when I was yours
Reflecting on how she was not taken to many places when they were together
And I am all alone in Italy now
Currently in Italy without any companionship
And I could break it but I wouldn't, no I would
She has the option to forget about them, but chooses not to
You are the best thing
Addressing the significant other
That I have ever had
Expressing how they are the best thing that has ever happened to her
Tried to make it to the carnival
Attempt to attend a carnival
Tried to bake it into a pie
Attempt to create a pie
While you were up there with all the mess
Reflecting on how the other was busy with their own business and chaos
I was getting high
While the other was busy, she was indulging in substances
I see you out there in the corner
Spotting the significant other in the distance
You are wanting something more
Realizing that the other wants something beyond what they have now
For your life, and for my life
Referencing their combined futures
I broke my leg
Sustaining an injury
On that hill I remember it so
Recalling the incident
We were looking for a rose
Searching for a specific flower
Looking for something closer
Searching for something emotionally intimate
To the edge of all that I am
Being vulnerable and close with the significant other
And no one could ever know
Their relationship is hidden or secret
That I am better off from being your one
Realizing that being with the significant other has ultimately made her better off
Writer(s): Nadia Reid O Reilly
Contributed by Sebastian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dallas Storey
Now. THAT'S a voice !!! Timeless......
Mark Bellamy
This reminds me of the first time I heard Sinead O'Connor. I was flattened then, and am now. What a magnificent talent.
LoisAlive
Love it! listening to this song every day. Can't wait for the new album xx
John Hunt
What a beautiful song and a lovely voice!
Ulf R Bakken
Now I am done with my deep dive in albums from 2020. Been deep in about 100 albums. Nadia wins 2020. Polica, Sufjan Stevens, Jacob Bellens, Scott Matthew, Mac Miller, Nicolas Godin, Ane Brun, Clock Opera and all the others can just line up behind her. A classic album!
glen robert harris
I’m in love with this lady possibly NZs best voice ever
antonio Roldán
Amazing!!!Every detail,everything.
K. Jacobs
This song is the "Best Thing" . I fall in love with it...and then...the bass comes in 🥰
Andy and Alison Cunningham
Lovely song. Such a pleasure to hear the lyrics so clearly. Great video too.
Tim Young
Wow .. instant album preorder after hearing this! :)