Begin
N.E.O.W Lyrics


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Birdie in the hand for life's rich demand
The insurgency began and you missed it
I looked for it and I found it
Miles Standish proud, congratulate me

A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Life's rich demand creates supply in the hand
Of the powers, the only vote that matters
Silence means security, silence means approval
On Zenith on the TV, tiger run around the tree
Follow the leader, run and turn into butter
Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's begin again like Martin Luther Zen
The mythology begins the begin
Answer me a question I can't itemize
I can't think clear, you look to me for reason
It's not there, I can't even rhyme here in the begin

A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Example, the finest example is you

Birdie in the hand for life's rich demand
The insurgency began and you missed it
I looked for it and I found it
Miles Standish proud, congratulate me

A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe




Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's begin again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to N.E.O.W's song "Begin" explore themes of missed opportunities, power dynamics, and the cyclical nature of history. The opening lines, "Birdie in the hand for life's rich demand, The insurgency began and you missed it," suggest that there are valuable opportunities in life, but sometimes we fail to recognize or seize them. The mention of the "insurgency" implies a moment of significant change or revolution, which went unnoticed by the listener.


The following lines, "I looked for it and I found it, Miles Standish proud, congratulate me," convey a sense of accomplishment and pride in finding what was seemingly lost. The reference to Miles Standish, who was a prominent figure in the early American colonies, symbolizes the satisfaction of achieving something against the odds.


The mention of a "philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe" suggests that power and desire can influence our actions, as well as how we perceive others. The line "Life's rich demand creates supply in the hand" underscores the idea that power dynamics and ambition come into play when it comes to fulfilling life's demands.


The chorus phrases, "Let's begin again, begin the begin, Let's begin again like Martin Luther Zen, The mythology begins the begin," emphasize the cyclical nature of history. It implies that we have the opportunity to start anew, just as historical figures like Martin Luther and Zen philosophers initiated change in their respective times. The reference to mythology hints that history repeats itself, embedded with universal truths and patterns.


Lastly, the lines "Answer me a question I can't itemize, I can't think clear, you look to me for reason, It's not there, I can't even rhyme here in the begin" inject a sense of confusion and uncertainty. The singer seems unable to provide answers or clarity, expressing a struggle to find meaning or coherence in their thoughts.


Overall, "Begin" reflects on missed opportunities, the dynamics of power, history's cyclical nature, and the challenges of finding clarity in complex situations.


Line by Line Meaning

Birdie in the hand for life's rich demand
Having a sure thing in hand is essential to meet the high expectations of life.


The insurgency began and you missed it
You failed to notice the rebellion or uprising that started.


I looked for it and I found it
I actively searched for something, and I successfully discovered it.


Miles Standish proud, congratulate me
With the same pride as Miles Standish, celebrate and praise my achievements.


A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Symbolic examples of people's questionable or unethical behaviors.


Life's rich demand creates supply in the hand
The strong desire for a better life motivates individuals to work towards fulfilling their wants and needs.


Of the powers, the only vote that matters
Among those in positions of authority, only your own voice and vote hold significance.


Silence means security, silence means approval
Choosing not to speak or take action signifies safety and consent.


On Zenith on the TV, tiger run around the tree
In the virtual world of television, a tiger endlessly circles a tree, symbolizing mindless repetition and distractions.


Follow the leader, run and turn into butter
Mindlessly following the leader eventually leads to personal weakness or ineffectiveness.


Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's start anew, initiate a fresh beginning.


Let's begin again like Martin Luther Zen
Restart with a Zen-like mindset, just as Martin Luther began a new movement for change.


The mythology begins the begin
The creation of myth and legend marks the start of a new era or endeavor.


Answer me a question I can't itemize
Provide a response that cannot be broken down into specific details or listed points.


I can't think clear, you look to me for reason
My thoughts are unclear, yet you expect me to provide logical explanations.


It's not there, I can't even rhyme here in the begin
I don't have the answer or solution; I'm unable to even generate coherent rhymes at this starting point.


Example, the finest example is you
You are the epitome or best representation of the mentioned concept.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills, Michael Stipe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@lynnesaija

5G plays a huge role.
Causes oxygen molecule to spin fast that hemoglobin can not attatch. Therefore decrease oxygen profusion.

1917-1920= roll out of radio waves.
At war and soldiers vaxxed & got a bacterial pneumonia from it.
People stayed at home.
Very similar to some of todays events.

When there is an increase in the electrification of the earth's quantum Field it has always had a negative effect on our human body.



@deeppurple8237

Love this Album!!
2020 is the time to start all over.
The way to do it through water. it's what connects everyone on earth no matter what the colour of our skin.
Make new symbols make new signs
Have been working with this song since 1995 to find an answer.
An absolute masterpiece for insperation this song is the foundation for change. This song planted a seed way back in 1995
The importance of music to bring peace has all been taken for granted with the next hit song, But what is written in the past was written for today.
This song is right up there with the 1969 song Give Peace a Chance
The messages are all there its just a matter of believing in the Lyrics.
2020 its time for EQUALITY and RESPECT.
THE WORLD/ NATURE IS WORTH FIXING!! FIX THIS AND WE FIX OURSELVES.
The game needs to change to an Anti Monopoly world were we think about our childrens children and treat the ocean as God,
God is waving but we never wave back.



All comments from YouTube:

@jeffreycucinotta

For my 7th birthday in November 1995, my Nan bought me my first radio and also my first cassette tape: New Beginnings. It was the first piece of music I owned, and Tracy Chapman became my favorite artist as a young little gay white boy from the suburbs with no artists to look up to, until then.

Well, my Nan passed away this January, and I’m thinking of her as I listen to this song and working on putting together my New Beginning life without her 😭.

Also it’s beautiful how timeless this song, message, and Tracy Chapman are. ❤️

@alimasic11

That's so cute 💓 My dad loved Tracy Chapman and always had the New Beginnings cd playing in the car when I was young. I found the cd when he passed away 2 years ago, and this was the song I listened to the most - inspiring me to brave my New Beginning without him 🥺

It's crazy to think how this song touched us both in a time of grief, around the same time. I only hope Tracy knows how special her music is ❤
& I was so excited after seeing her Grammy performance I had to come back to this song!

@anisa2806

😭😭😭

@TracyChapman-thecomeback2024

I am so sorry for your loss. Without a shadow of a doubt, your mother was a great woman.

@jenniferbalkin3057

I’ve had this in my CD player in the car forever. I started listening to it again a few days ago on my way to get results for a biopsy on my 28 year old daughter. She has breast cancer. I have been soothed by Tracy this past few days. Thank you.

@jamessmitherman63

praying for the best to your daughter and you.

@ambaluwanga

May the Almighty Lord deliver healing to her!

@tiffanylee3961

Prayers for your daughter🙏🙏

@tattoome63

I have breast cancer and her version of Three Little Birds is my theme song.

@maryprince6011

I'm so sorry. Does anyone have an update on Jennifer's daughter?"

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