Back To Beginning
Damien Rice
The Struggle of Letting Go and Moving Forward
Damien Rice's song 'Back To Beginning' is a poignant reflection on the challenges of change and the difficulty of moving on from the past. The lyrics suggest a dialogue or internal monologue about coming to terms with the end of a relationship or a significant phase in life. The opening lines, 'Grow up child / Come and face me,' could be interpreted as a call to maturity, to confront the reality of the situation head-on.
The song speaks to the universal experience of holding onto dreams and memories that have faded, acknowledging that people change over time and that what once was can no longer fit into the present. The repeated line 'We're not what we were' emphasizes this transformation and the inevitable need to accept it. The refrain 'So don't think I'm going back to beginning' serves as a firm statement of the singer's decision to not revert to the past, despite the comfort it might offer.
The emotional core of the song lies in the exploration of the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The lyrics 'What turns the heart of a man / We've tried and failed again' reflect on the struggle to understand oneself and others, and the pain of repeated attempts that don't lead to success. The song's melancholic tone is amplified by Rice's signature emotive delivery, which often characterizes his folk and indie music style. 'Back To Beginning' is a moving piece that resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the bittersweet process of letting go and the courage it takes to step into the unknown.