Start Over

Imagine Dragons' song 'Start Over' delves deep into the emotional turmoil and longing for redemption in a strained relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of regret and the desire to mend what has been broken. The opening lines, 'Clenched teeth, no words / All this distance taking its toll,' immediately set a tone of tension and unspoken pain. The silence between the couple is described as 'screaming,' highlighting the intensity of their unexpressed emotions. The repeated acknowledgment of past mistakes, 'I never did you right, I know that / Too many sleepless nights, I own that,' underscores a profound sense of guilt and responsibility for the relationship's deterioration.

The chorus, with its repeated plea, 'Can we start over? / Can we start over? / Can we start over / Before it's over, over?' serves as the emotional core of the song. It reflects a desperate hope to rewind time and fix the mistakes before the relationship reaches an irreversible end. The imagery of 'cold nights, cold sheets' and 'one more lonely empty hotel room' further emphasizes the isolation and longing for reconnection. The protagonist's yearning to 'find my way back into you' is a poignant expression of the desire to rekindle the lost intimacy.

The bridge, with its repetitive call to 'come alive again,' symbolizes a hope for renewal and revival. It suggests that despite the current state of the relationship, there is still a possibility for it to be revived and for both individuals to reconnect on a deeper level. The song's structure, with its cyclical repetition of the plea to start over, mirrors the cyclical nature of relationships and the ongoing struggle to maintain and repair them. 'Start Over' is a powerful exploration of regret, hope, and the enduring human desire for redemption and connection.