Where To Start

Lou Doillon's 'Where To Start' is a poignant reflection on the struggle of finding one's place in a relationship that feels one-sided. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and the difficulty of expressing oneself when the other person may not be willing to listen or notice. The opening lines, 'I wouldn't know where to start / If you ever were to ask me / If I ever came to say,' suggest a communication barrier and the complexity of articulating feelings in a situation where the speaker feels overlooked.

The metaphor of a 'front seat to your parade' implies that the speaker feels like a passive observer in the relationship, merely there to 'sit and fit' into the other person's life without active participation or recognition. The repeated lines 'Well it seems pointless to explain / Just give it a stare / If only you'd notice / If only you'd dare' highlight the longing for acknowledgment and a deeper connection that seems to be missing. The speaker's internal conflict is evident as they grapple with the desire to be part of the 'film' of the other person's life while also recognizing the need to 'stop this obsession' and 'stand by my reason.'

The song's chorus, 'I've got to stop, stop this obsession / I've got to stand, stand by my reason / Let the film roll without me,' serves as a powerful resolution. It reflects the speaker's decision to prioritize their own well-being and step away from a situation where they are not valued. This self-awareness and determination to move forward, despite the pain of unrequited feelings, resonate with anyone who has experienced the struggle of letting go for the sake of self-preservation.