Song Meaning
Jad Fair's "Right From the Start" isn't so much a song as it is a primal affirmation, a childlike pronouncement of love's immediate and unwavering certainty. Fair, known for his outsider art approach to music, strips away all pretense and cynicism, leaving us with a declaration of instant knowing. The repetition of "Moon and stars, stars and moon" evokes a sense of cosmic alignment, suggesting that this love is written in the very fabric of the universe. It's as if the celestial bodies themselves conspired to bring this feeling into being. The sheer simplicity of the lyrics dares us to question our own complicated notions of romance. Do we overthink it? Have we lost the ability to recognize genuine connection without layers of doubt and hesitation? Fair seems to suggest that true love needs no elaborate explanation.
The almost comical repetition of "very" in "Right from the very, very, very, very, very start" amplifies the feeling of unadulterated conviction. It's not just from the start, but from the *very* start, repeated ad nauseam, as if to hammer home the point. The line "Oh, they say that love is strange / Well, it seems fine to me" serves as a subtle rebellion against societal norms and expectations. Fair acknowledges the common perception of love as a complex and often irrational force, but dismisses it with a shrug. His experience is different, uncomplicated, and "fine." This challenges the listener to re-evaluate their own preconceptions and consider the possibility of a simpler, more intuitive understanding of love.
Ultimately, the song meaning of "Right From the Start" resides in its unwavering belief in the power of instinct and immediate connection. The directness of "I knew that right or right / Was here and here to stay" is disarming in its honesty. There's no room for ambiguity or second-guessing. This love is not something to be analyzed or dissected; it simply *is*. In a world saturated with irony and detachment, Jad Fair offers a refreshing dose of sincerity, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound truths are the simplest to grasp. It's a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated emotion, a celebration of love in its purest, most unadulterated form.