The lyrics speak about the end of a difficult chapter in life, where the slate is finally clean and one can move on. However, the singer still feels incomplete and haunted by shadows. Despite promising themselves to move forward, the desire to go back to old habits persists, signaling the beginning of the end.

Meaning of "Beginning (Of the End)" by Todd Rundgren

"Beginning (Of the End)" by Todd Rundgren explores the internal conflict of moving on from a toxic cycle or situation. The singer expresses relief at the end of a difficult period, yet finds themselves unable to shake off the shadows of the past. This reflects the common struggle of letting go of familiar but harmful habits or relationships. The repetition of never going back to "that hell" emphasizes the determination to break free, but the acknowledgment of needing support and an angel to lean on indicates vulnerability and the need for external help. The song captures the bittersweet realization that even though one may try to convince themselves that they are "winning" and have broken the habit, the desire and temptation to return linger, marking the cyclical nature of personal battles. Overall, the lyrics portray the complexity of personal growth, the struggles of self-improvement, and the constant battle between progress and regression.