When She Begins

Social Distortion's song 'When She Begins' delves into the tumultuous emotions of love, longing, and the sense of being spellbound by a significant other. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is grappling with the intense feelings of desire and frustration. He is wandering the streets, feeling lost and desperate, searching for solace for his troubled heart. The repeated line 'that woman put a spell on me' suggests that he feels entrapped by his emotions, unable to break free from the grip of his love for her.

The chorus, with its rhythmic 'round and round she goes, where she'll stop nobody knows,' emphasizes the unpredictability and uncontrollable nature of his feelings. The metaphor of being put under a spell highlights the almost magical, yet tormenting, power that love can have over someone. The lines 'if you start me, start me, start me, you can't stop me, stop me, stop me' reflect the unstoppable force of his emotions once they are triggered by her presence or actions.

The song also touches on the theme of loneliness and the passage of time. The protagonist is 'hangin' by the phone, tired of sleepin' alone,' indicating his deep sense of isolation and yearning for connection. The lyrics 'when minutes seem like hours and days seem like weeks, how could a year last so fucking long?' convey the agonizingly slow passage of time when one is waiting for love or reconciliation. This sense of prolonged suffering adds to the overall feeling of despair and helplessness that permeates the song.

Social Distortion, known for their punk rock sound infused with rockabilly and blues influences, often explore themes of heartache, rebellion, and personal struggle. 'When She Begins' is a quintessential example of their ability to blend raw emotion with gritty musicality, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners who have experienced the highs and lows of love.