Meet Me at the Start

Song Meaning

Rufus Wainwright's "Meet Me at the Start" is a stark and emotionally raw plea for reconciliation, framed within a theatrical, almost Brechtian dialogue. The song, delivered by the character Myrtle, isn't just a simple love song; it's an excavation of a relationship fractured by mistrust and unspoken resentments. The opening spoken-word exchange, filled with suspicion and veiled accusations of infidelity, immediately establishes a mood of unease. Maurice's cynical observations on trust and the wisdom of the old act as a dark counterpoint to Myrtle's yearning for a fresh beginning. This contrast highlights the complex layers of pain and history that weigh down the relationship, hinting that the wounds run deep. The lyrics operate on multiple levels, simultaneously conveying a desperate desire to rewind time and a painful awareness of the damage already inflicted. Myrtle's sung verses are a direct address to her partner, a vulnerable invitation to "meet me at the start / and we can start over." This isn't naive optimism; it's a recognition that the foundation of their relationship has crumbled, symbolized by the wrench "stuck between the spokes." The references to simple joys—"staying home with books, catching the little looks, laughing at mediocre jokes"—underscore what has been lost: the quiet intimacy and shared humor that once defined their bond. The line "Someone has stabbed my heart / And yes, perhaps it's me" is a brutal admission of self-inflicted wounds, suggesting that Myrtle recognizes her own role in the relationship's decline. Ultimately, the song's power lies in its unflinching honesty. Myrtle's declaration, "I don't care what the critics say," is a defiant act of self-preservation, a refusal to let outside judgment dictate the course of her heart. The repeated phrase "I love you," interspersed throughout the song, serves as both a desperate affirmation and a fragile bridge across the chasm of their shared pain. "Meet Me at the Start" isn't just a song; it's a dramatic, intimate portrait of a relationship teetering on the edge, grappling with the possibility of redemption.