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.
Preservation
Nadia Reid Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Longer than I had to
Would I know the light
Shining in my bedroom
And I ain't my mother
You are your father's son
I am right behind you
My life
My heart just keeps on beating
And would you comfort me
They say our tide has been receding
And I ain't my mother
You are your father's son
I am right behind you
I know I will find the one to hold on to
And listen to the words
Forward movement, never easy
And I could tell
I was lying to myself
And I ain't my mother
You are your father's son
I am right behind you
I know I will find my one to hold on to
In "Preservation" by Nadia Reid, the singer seems to be reflecting on a relationship that has ended or is soon to end. The opening lines suggest that the singer stayed in the relationship for longer than she wanted to. She wonders if she had left sooner, would she have been able to find the light in her life. The light could represent a feeling of hope or optimism, which the singer seems to suggest she has lost.
The second verse moves on to a discussion of the singer's identity in relation to her family. She states that she is not her mother, and the person she's speaking to is not his mother either. Instead, he is his father's son. This line suggests that the singer feels a disconnect between herself and her partner. They may come from different backgrounds or have different values. Despite this, she promises to follow him wherever he goes.
The final verse includes a repetition of the previous lines, but with a slight variation. The singer says that she will find "the one" to hold on to, which could refer to a new love interest or a renewed sense of hope. The song concludes with the singer acknowledging that change is never easy but is necessary in order to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
If I stayed with you
If I had extended our relationship
Longer than I had to
More than needed or required
Would I know the light
Would I have found happiness
Shining in my bedroom
In my own environment
And I ain't my mother
I am different from my mother
You are your father's son
You are similar to your father
I am right behind you
I am supportive of you
I know I will find my one to hold on to
I am confident I will eventually find my perfect partner
My heart just keeps on beating
My life goes on
And would you comfort me
Would you support and console me
They say our tide has been receding
Our good luck or fortunes have been diminishing
And listen to the words
Pay attention to the advice
Forward movement, never easy
Making progress is not always simple
And I could tell
I knew deep down
I was lying to myself
I was not being honest with myself
Writer(s): Nadia Reid O. Reilly
Contributed by Landon M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Keith Pearce
This was my most played song of 2020, according to Spotify.
Ann Jee
Beautiful song..She has such a captivating voice..This song was on repeat when I first heard it on Spotify ❤️❤️
Caroline Malthus
This is beautiful and intricate. I don't get that we find out who did the hair and make-up (not that there's anything wrong with that), but not who the musicians are. I'd love to know who performed on this, in addition to Nadia Reid.
Carol T
Beautiful voice.
Keith Pearce
Preservation was most played song on Spotify in 2020 and my 2nd most played song in 2021. Add to that my YouTube views and I must have listened to it 1,000 times It's one of my favorite songs of all time now. Thank you, Nadia.
jo massey
Came looking for this....not disappointed.
Just beautiful!
thirtythreeflavors
I can't describe the feeling that overcomes when I hear this song. I don't even understand it myself.
April Fox
Same. Deeply beautiful, bittersweet. Desolation and hope intertwined.
thirtythreeflavors
@Jackie French Same.
Jackie French
It does something weird to me and I can't explain it. I can only listen now and again!