Dominoes

Lorde's song 'Dominoes' delves into the theme of personal reinvention and the transient nature of phases in life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is constantly changing, moving from one phase to another with ease. The mention of doing yoga with Uma Thurman's mother and watering flowers with a new girlfriend suggests a shift towards a more serene and grounded lifestyle. However, this is juxtaposed with the past behavior of heavy cocaine use, highlighting the stark contrast between different periods in the person's life.

The metaphor of flicking down dominoes represents the ease with which the subject moves through these phases. Each domino symbolizes a chance or a phase that is quickly discarded for the next. The repetition of 'Mr. Start Again' underscores the idea of perpetual reinvention, suggesting that the person finds comfort or perhaps even a sense of identity in constantly starting over. This could be seen as a critique of the superficiality of such changes, implying that they may be more about escaping past issues than genuine growth.

Lorde also touches on the interconnectedness of people and the ripple effects of one's actions. The line about knowing a girl who knows another girl who knows the woman that the subject hurt emphasizes the far-reaching impact of personal actions. This interconnectedness contrasts with the subject's seemingly isolated journey of self-reinvention, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. The song ultimately questions the authenticity and sustainability of such constant change, leaving the listener to ponder the true cost of being 'Mr. Start Again.'