How It Ends

DeVotchka's 'How It Ends' is a poignant song that delves into the themes of fate, acceptance, and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics suggest a narrative of someone facing an inevitable conclusion, perhaps a metaphor for death or the end of a significant chapter in life. The reference to holding a grandmother's Bible 'to your breast' and wanting it to be blessed indicates a search for comfort and guidance in the face of the unknown, a common human response to uncertainty and impending change.

The song's chorus, 'You already know how this will end,' serves as a haunting reminder that some outcomes in life are predestined or beyond our control. The mention of 'slave-catchers' songs' and 'for all of the loved ones gone' could be interpreted as a reflection on the losses we experience and the historical or personal struggles that shape our existence. Despite the adversities ('they poked a million holes'), there is a sense of resilience and a call to move forward ('C'mon it's time to go').

The latter part of the song shifts to a more hopeful tone, suggesting that there is a reward ('a place in the Sun') for the trials faced and the good deeds done. The promise of a better future for oneself and one's children ('No longer shall you need') and the power of belief ('Just ask and you'll receive') offer a comforting resolution to the otherwise somber reflection on life's inevitable end. The repetition of 'You already know' reinforces the message that deep down, we are aware of life's transient nature and the importance of embracing every moment.