Starting Over (feat. Ben Bridwell)

In 'Starting Over (feat. Ben Bridwell),' Macklemore & Ryan Lewis delve into the deeply personal and painful journey of relapse and recovery. The song opens with Macklemore reflecting on his three years of sobriety, which he threw away for a moment of weakness symbolized by '2 Styrofoam cups.' This imagery highlights the fragility of recovery and the ease with which one can fall back into old habits. The public nature of his sobriety adds another layer of pressure, making his relapse not just a personal failure but a public one, stripping him of privacy and amplifying his shame.

The lyrics poignantly capture the emotional turmoil of facing loved ones after a relapse. Macklemore describes the heart-wrenching moment of telling his father about his relapse, a scene filled with disappointment and pain. The song also touches on the betrayal felt by those who trusted him, including his partner. Despite the heavy weight of these emotions, Macklemore emphasizes the importance of honesty, even if it means being judged for his mistakes. This honesty is a form of redemption, a way to rebuild trust and integrity.

The chorus, sung by Ben Bridwell, serves as a hopeful reminder that recovery is possible. 'We fell so hard, now we gotta get back what we lost,' encapsulates the essence of the song—acknowledging the fall but also the determination to rise again. The song also addresses the impact Macklemore's music has had on others in recovery, adding another layer of responsibility and inspiration. The final lines, 'If I can be an example of getting sober, then I can be an example of starting over,' encapsulate the duality of his journey—both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for others.

'We fell so hard, now we gotta get back what we lost,' encapsulates the essence of the song—acknowledging the fall but also the determination to rise again. The song also addresses the impact Macklemore's music has had on others in recovery, adding another layer of responsibility and inspiration. The final lines, 'If I can be an example of getting sober, then I can be an example of starting over,' encapsulate the duality of his journey—both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for others.