"Now & Then" is noted for its , intentionally designed to sound honest and visceral.

The track is primarily built on delicate fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar. Some critics noted atmospheric additions, such as a rich, husky organ or accordion, which add a "melancholic autumn" feel.

Kershaw considers Arcadia a meant to be heard as a "journey and an infinite loop".

The lyrics contrast "the way I love you now" with "the way that I loved you then," suggesting that while love persists, its form has changed to the point of being unrecognizable.