The Starting Line

Keane's 'The Starting Line' is a poignant song that delves into themes of resilience, hope, and the struggle to overcome life's challenges. The lyrics paint a picture of a town that once held love and promise but has since become unrecognizable and bleak. The imagery of streetlights as 'daggers to your eyes' and the feeling of being 'slipping into the ground' evoke a sense of despair and disorientation. The song speaks to the experience of feeling lost and the difficulty of navigating through life's darker periods.

Despite the somber tone, the song offers a message of encouragement and support. The repeated chorus 'Drag your heart up to the starting line' serves as a rallying cry to not give up, to leave behind the 'ghosts' of the past that weigh one down. It's a call to action to start anew, to not let oneself be defined by setbacks or the weariness that comes from being 'kicked around.' The metaphor of each heart as a 'paper kite blown around by the breeze' suggests vulnerability but also the potential for uplift and change.

The song ultimately is about companionship and mutual support in the face of adversity. The narrator expresses unwavering belief in the other person, despite the 'things I've done' and the fear of what they have become. There's a sense of solidarity in the lines 'tie up your thoughts and lay them down on me,' indicating a readiness to share the burden and face the future together. Keane, known for their emotive piano-driven rock, captures the essence of human struggle and the enduring spirit to persevere and find a 'better life.'