Don't Let's Start

They Might Be Giants' song 'Don't Let's Start' is a complex exploration of love, frustration, and existential despair. The lyrics juxtapose whimsical imagery with profound emotional turmoil, creating a unique blend of humor and melancholy. The repeated plea of 'Don't don't don't let's start' suggests a reluctance to begin something that is bound to end in pain, possibly a relationship. The singer acknowledges their emotional vulnerability, stating 'I've got a weak heart,' which could be a metaphor for their inability to handle the emotional rollercoaster that comes with love.

The song also delves into the absurdity of life and relationships. Lines like 'When you are alone you are the cat, you are the phone, you are an animal' and 'Wake up and smell the cat food in your bank account' use surreal imagery to highlight the disconnection and confusion that often accompany modern life. The phrase 'the words I'm singing now mean nothing more than meow to an animal' underscores the futility of trying to communicate deep emotions in a world that often seems indifferent.

The chorus, with its declaration that 'No one in the world ever gets what they want and that is beautiful,' captures a sense of resigned acceptance. This paradoxical statement suggests that there is a certain beauty in the universal struggle and dissatisfaction that defines human existence. The song's playful yet poignant tone is a hallmark of They Might Be Giants' style, blending quirky humor with insightful commentary on the human condition. The repeated refrain of 'I don't want to live in this world anymore' adds a layer of existential angst, making the song a multifaceted reflection on the complexities of life and love.