Meaning of "When It Began" by The Replacements

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that has lost its spark over time. The lines "When it began" serve as a refrain, highlighting the stark contrast between the excitement and freedom of the beginning of the relationship, and the stifling sense of obligation and duty that has replaced it. The imagery of the queen and jester plays on power dynamics, suggesting that one person in the relationship is constantly trying to please the other while losing their own sense of self in the process. The repeated references to playing the fool and dancing to make the other person happy underscore the theme of self-sacrifice and submission. The lyrics hint at a sense of resignation and understanding that things have changed, even if one person is unable to fully express it. Overall, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of a relationship that has lost its initial spark and turned into something entirely different.