The lyrics describe the darkness before dawn in the city, where the protagonist is waiting, listening to taxi horns and feeling a sense of anticipation. They reflect on hearing their name in the darkness and questioning why things have to be so difficult, why they can't sleep at night. The song talks about the challenges of living in the city but ends on a note of resilience, indicating that if you can survive there, you can live anywhere.

Meaning of "The Way It Always Starts" by Mark Knopfler

The lyrics of "The Way It Always Starts" by Mark Knopfler explore themes of loneliness, longing, and the struggles of city life. The protagonist is depicted as waiting in the dark, feeling a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. The repetition of "That's the way it always starts, sitting here and waiting on the beating of my heart" suggests a pattern of anticipation and anxiety that characterizes the narrator's experiences. The mention of hearing their name in the darkness hints at a desire for connection or recognition, but also a sense of isolation and confusion. The questioning of why things have to be difficult and the inability to find peace at night reflect a deeper existential longing for meaning and solace. The song ultimately conveys a message of resilience, suggesting that enduring the challenges of city life can prepare one for survival anywhere, highlighting the strength and adaptability of the human spirit.