Meaning of "Where We Start" by Vance Joy

"Where We Start" delves into the emotions associated with the end of a relationship and the longing to go back to its beginnings. The storm rolling in represents the unexpected change that the narrator and their lover experience. The line, "It doesn't rain under the tall trees," suggests that while they were together, they had a sense of security and protection. The lover is compared to a tree, symbolizing their stability and strength in the narrator's life.

The narrator reflects on how it is easier to take someone's heart than to have one's own heart taken. This line implies that the end of the relationship was not their choice, and they may have been hurt by the breakup. The mention of the lover's little smile in the corner of their mouth showcases the special moments and memories the narrator cherishes.

The lyrics also touch on the difficulty of letting go. The question, "And is it hard to see me go?" implies that the narrator wonders if their absence affects their lover. They express a desire to be missed or needed. However, they also acknowledge that if they were to fall, their lover would be there to catch them and prevent them from falling too far.

There is a sense of nostalgia in the song as the narrator recalls a conversation they had with their lover on the phone. The frozen face on the screen and the laughter that follows indicate a happy memory, a moment of joy shared between them. The lyrics describe the lover getting ready for visitors, reminding everyone to act normal. This line reflects the performative nature of relationships and the need to present a certain image to others.

The song concludes with the imagery of falling big trees, symbolizing the end of something significant. When these trees fall, they leave a void, an empty space in the sky. This metaphor represents the void left in the narrator's life after the relationship has ended. The repeated lines "A long way" allude to the distance and difficulty of moving on from this loss.

Overall, "Where We Start" explores the emotions of loss, longing, and the desire to return to the beginning of a relationship. It beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of looking back on a love that has ended and longing for a time when everything was simpler.