"End of Beginning" by Djo is a song about the bittersweet feeling of moving on from a significant chapter in life, a feeling amplified by the return to a familiar place.

Here's a breakdown of the thoughts and background behind the lyrics:

Verse 1:

• "Just one more tear to cry, one teardrop from my eye": This sets the tone of emotional reflection, acknowledging a past pain or loss.
• "You better save it for the middle of the night when things aren't black and white": This implies that the speaker has moved past the initial shock and grief, finding a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
• "Enter, Troubadour": The speaker introduces a character who represents a source of guidance or wisdom. The name "Troubadour" suggests a poet or storyteller who can offer perspective.
• "Remember twenty-four?": This is a specific reference, possibly a significant event or age that the speaker is looking back on.

Chorus:

• "And when I'm back in Chicago, I feel it": The location, Chicago, serves as a symbol of a past identity or period in life. The return triggers a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
• "Another version of me, I was in it": The speaker recognizes that they have changed since their last visit to Chicago, reflecting on a past version of themselves.
• "I wave goodbye to the end of beginning": The key message of the song emerges. The speaker acknowledges the end of a significant phase in their life, recognizing the simultaneous closure and new beginning.

Verse 2:

• "This song has started now, and you're just finding out": This line suggests the song is a personal reflection, shared with an audience who is just now becoming aware of the speaker's journey.
• "Now isn't that a laugh?": The speaker finds humor in the irony of the situation, highlighting the contrast between the past and present.
• "A major sacrifice, but clueless at the time": This reveals a realization of the impact of a past decision that the speaker was unaware of at the time.
• "Enter, Caroline": Another character is introduced, perhaps representing someone who played a role in the speaker's growth and understanding.
• "Just trust me, you'll be fine": Caroline provides reassurance, reflecting the speaker's own newfound confidence in moving forward.

Chorus (repeated): The chorus reinforces the theme of letting go and embracing a new beginning.

Bridge:

• "You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man": This is a powerful metaphor that emphasizes how deeply ingrained our past experiences are, even when we move on to new places. The speaker carries their past with them, even as they try to leave it behind.

Chorus (repeated): The chorus concludes the song on a note of acceptance, recognizing that while the past is important, the future holds exciting possibilities.

Overall, "End of Beginning" is a song about personal growth and the complexities of transition. It captures the bittersweet feelings of nostalgia, acceptance, and hope as the speaker acknowledges the end of one chapter while embracing the start of another. The lyrics are full of imagery and personal references that contribute to the song's powerful emotional impact.