(It Goes Like) Nanana

In her own words, Peggy Gou has explained that the song is about an indescribable feeling of love, warmth, and excitement. It's meant to capture the collective energy and euphoria one feels when surrounded by friends and loved ones, a sensation so powerful it's hard to put into words. The central lyrical phrase, "I can't explain... I guess it goes like nanana," directly addresses this theme. The "Nanana" hook is a deliberate substitute for language, acting as a universal expression of a feeling that transcends words. It’s a sound that represents pure, unadulterated joy and connection, allowing listeners from any culture to tap into the song's emotional core without a language barrier. The song's meaning, therefore, is not found in complex lyrical storytelling but in its successful creation of a shared emotional space through a simple, infectious, and universal vocal melody.

The narrative of the song revolves around an overwhelming and persistent emotion that the singer finds impossible to articulate with words. It begins with the acknowledgment of a feeling that she simply cannot erase or leave behind; it's a constant presence in her mind. This feeling isn't defined by specific events or thoughts, but rather exists as a pure, abstract sensation. The lyrics convey a sense of gentle frustration and acceptance of this ineffable state. The singer attempts to explain it but ultimately concedes that words fail her. Instead of a verbal description, she offers a sound, a melodic utterance that becomes the core of the song: "Nanana."

This "Nanana" is not just a placeholder for words but the very embodiment of the feeling itself. It represents a universal language of emotion that transcends linguistic barriers. It's the sound of pure, unadulterated joy, the warmth of connection with loved ones, the collective energy of a dance floor, or a moment of perfect, blissful contentment. The repetition of this hook throughout the song acts as a powerful, hypnotic mantra. It invites the listener to stop searching for a precise meaning and instead to immerse themselves in the shared experience. The simplicity of the lyrics, combined with the recurring melodic phrase, creates a story not of events, but of a powerful internal state. It’s a journey into a feeling so profound and all-encompassing that the only way to express it is through a simple, joyful, and endlessly repeatable sound, transforming a personal, internal feeling into a collective, celebratory chant that everyone can understand and feel without needing a single word of explanation.

"(It Goes Like) Nanana" was released on June 15, 2023, as the lead single from Peggy Gou's debut studio album, "I Hear You". It was her first release under the prestigious XL Recordings label. Gou stated that the song was inspired by the eclectic house and pop classics that defined the Balearic sound, as well as 90s and 2000s dance anthems. Critics immediately noted the influence of artists like ATB, particularly his 1998 hit "9 PM (Till I Come)", in the track's distinctive synth sound. Gou, who wrote and produced the track herself, mentioned she had been working on it for about three years, feeling a lot of pressure after the success of previous singles like "Starry Night". The track went viral on social media even before its official release after Gou played it during her sets, notably at the Lost Nomads festival in Marrakesh and during her closing set at the iconic London venue Printworks. This organic build-up of excitement, largely on TikTok, played a significant role in its mainstream breakthrough.

The song is built on a classic 4/4 time signature, characteristic of house and dance-pop music, with a tempo designed for the dancefloor. The rhythm is driving and consistent, providing a hypnotic foundation for the melodic elements. The lyrical rhythm is simple and conversational in the verses, following a natural speech pattern. The rhyme scheme is elementary, with lines like "I can't explain" and the implied feeling she "can't erase," which focuses the listener on the message rather than complex poetic structure. The core of the song's rhythmic and melodic appeal lies in the "Nanana" hook. This section employs a simple, repetitive, and highly syncopated melodic rhythm that is instantly catchy and encourages participation. The interplay between the driving beat and this chant-like vocal motif is what gives the song its energetic and euphoric feel.

Musically, the song is a masterclass in evoking nostalgia, heavily drawing from 90s dance music. Its most prominent feature is the arpeggiated, guitar-like synth hook, which has been widely compared to the signature sound of ATB's trance classic "9 PM (Till I Come)". The track is built upon a foundation of classic house elements: a steady 4/4 beat, chunky and swung drums, and a warm, enveloping bassline. The use of vintage rave chords and a bright, piano-driven melody firmly places it within the Eurodance and Balearic house genres. Peggy Gou's vocal delivery is understated and breathy in the verses, contrasting with the universally singable, anthemic quality of the "Nanana" chorus. Lyrically, the key technique is repetition. The simple, cyclical structure of the verse ("I can't explain / I got a feeling that I just, I can't erase") and the extremely catchy chorus make the song incredibly memorable and effective on the dancefloor.

"(It Goes Like) Nanana" was a massive global hit and one of the defining songs of the summer of 2023. It marked Peggy Gou's breakthrough into the mainstream, giving the already popular DJ her first UK Top 10 single, where it peaked at number 5. The song achieved significant chart success across Europe, reaching number 1 in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Greece. Its success was fueled by its viral spread on platforms like TikTok, where clips of Gou performing the track created massive anticipation before its official release. The song was praised for perfectly capturing the post-pandemic desire for collective joy and escapism. It solidified Peggy Gou's status as a cultural icon, bridging the worlds of underground electronic music and global pop stardom. The track has been described as a modern dance classic, praised for its scientific-like precision in crafting a pop hit while paying homage to 90s dance anthems.

The most significant symbolic element in the song is the titular "Nanana" phrase. It functions as a powerful metaphor for ineffable emotions. By stating, "I can't explain," and then following it with the melodic chant, Gou gives sound to a feeling that words cannot capture. This non-lexical vocable becomes a symbol of universal connection, joy, and euphoria. It represents the idea that some of the most profound human experiences are felt rather than spoken, and that music can serve as a direct conduit for these shared feelings, bypassing the need for lyrical translation. The repetition of "Nanana" transforms it from a simple sound into a mantra-like symbol of collective happiness and the carefree spirit of dance music culture.

The most dominant and memorable recurring motif is the vocal hook "Nanananana". This phrase is the core of the song's identity and is repeated extensively to create an anthemic, chant-like effect. The lyrical phrase that sets up this hook, "I can't explain / I guess it goes like," is also a key recurring element that reinforces the song's central theme of inexpressible emotion. Musically, the main recurring motif is the bright, arpeggiated synth lead that carries the main melody. This sound, reminiscent of 90s trance and Balearic house, is instantly recognizable and serves as the song's primary instrumental hook. Its repetition throughout the track, especially during the instrumental breaks, solidifies the song's nostalgic and euphoric atmosphere.