Starting Over

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a stark portrayal of heartbreak, as the narrator recalls feeling "fucking optimistic till she said goodbye." This initial devastation leads to a firm resolve to avoid love, declaring, "all I want is friends." However, this vow is quickly shattered by a new connection, sparking an unexpected resurgence of romantic feeling. The central emotional tension stems from the narrator's battle between past trauma and present hope. They had "buried my romantic inclination deep inside of me," a clear defense mechanism against further pain. Yet, the new person breaks through this barrier, causing the narrator to fall "immoderately," highlighting the powerful and perhaps overwhelming nature of this fresh affection. A key craft element is the realistic imagery of "starting over under cloudy skies." This isn't a naive, sun-drenched rebirth; it acknowledges that the lingering shadows of past heartbreak persist. The narrator is now "seeing through different eyes," suggesting a hard-won wisdom and changed perspective, but the path forward remains tinged with a realistic awareness of vulnerability. These lyrics are effective because they capture the complex, bittersweet reality of finding love after significant loss. The ultimate wish, "I'd start all over with you," isn't about erasing previous experiences. Instead, it seems to imply a desire to apply newfound wisdom and perspective to a fresh beginning *with this specific person*, hoping to build something stronger and more resilient from the outset.