Dodie’s new indie track ‘Maybe, Finally’ can only be described as “charmingly Dodie” because it has the gentle and heartwarming quality that is part of her signature style. The song shares her experience of feeling a joy in a moment that is wasted by the anxiety of it eventually ending.
The lyrics are a collection of different moments in the artist’s life, ones that feel precious and special to her. It is also a collection of her feelings as she experiences them, trying to do so carefully (“I try not to think // Don’t even blink”). The way she holds on to these moments is a reflection of the fragility of her anxious mind. She is so careful not to let go, that by the time her mind is ready to actually savour the moment, it has already passed her by (“By the time I’m on // Open arms to receive // It’s already gone”).
The ukulele is a staple in Dodie’s music, and the choice of a baritone ukulele for this song works perfectly to convey the emotional depth that comes with it. The melody is slow and the strings are plucked delicately, handled with the same caution as she does her moments.
In an Instagram post, Dodie accurately describes this single as a “classic struggle”. To me, it feels analogous to preserving memories by photographing them, but sometimes forgetting to live in them. This song is a reminder to cherish our own memories, and with its soft tone, feels like a warm hug.
Words by Anushka Kulkarni
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