Starting Line
The Methadones Lyrics


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Trying to fit within the usual shit
But I feel like a square peg in the round hole
In a road construction site
I'm wound up way too tight
Is my beloved city turning on me?
[Chorus]
So what if I've fallen behind
Behind the starting line
Because its already over-now

In a morning commute/ a jet roars overhead
That just took off from the runway at O'Hare
Caught in a sea of clock punchers just like me
And I feel like I'm getting nowhere
[Chorus]
I'm starting to feel/ a tight grip at the wheel
Two lanes merging but they won't let me in
And keeping with tradition releasing CO2 emissions
The heavens are burning
But how else can I get by?




[Chorus]
It's over now...

Overall Meaning

The Methadones's song Starting Line is a relatable anthem about feeling stuck in the daily grind of life. The opening lines express a sense of confinement as the singer tries to fit in with the typical expectations of society. However, they feel like they stand out like a "square peg in a round hole." The metaphor of a "road construction site" adds to this picture of feeling trapped and unable to move forward. The singer is wound up tightly, indicating a sense of anxiety and pressure building within them. They question if their city, which they once loved, is turning on them.


The chorus, "So what if I've fallen behind, behind the starting line, because it's already over now," reflects a sense of defeat and hopelessness. The singer acknowledges that they have fallen behind in life, but it feels like the race has already ended. It's a sentiment that many people can relate to, feeling like no matter how hard they try, they can't catch up.


The second verse paints a picture of the daily commute, caught in a sea of people going through the motions. The singer feels like they are getting nowhere, trapped in a cycle of monotony. The tight grip at the wheel emphasizes the feeling of being trapped, while the image of other cars not letting them merge adds to the sense of isolation.


The final lines of the song, "The heavens are burning, but how else can I get by? It's over now," express a sense of resignation. The singer acknowledges the damage that modern life is causing to the environment, but also realizes that they can't escape it. The emphasis on "It's over now" underscores the feeling of defeat and accepting one's place in the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Trying to fit within the usual shit
I am attempting to conform to society's norms and expectations.


But I feel like a square peg in the round hole
I do not feel like I fit in with those around me.


In a road construction site
I am currently in a place of chaos and confusion.


I'm wound up way too tight
I am feeling very anxious and stressed.


Is my beloved city turning on me?
I am questioning if the place I love is causing harm to me.


So what if I've fallen behind
It does not matter that I am not keeping up with others.


Behind the starting line
I am lagging behind others in my life journey.


Because its already over-now
It feels like it is too late to catch up, so why bother trying.


In a morning commute/ a jet roars overhead
I am in a busy and noisy place surrounded by people going to work or school.


That just took off from the runway at O'Hare
I notice the constant departure of other people leaving from the airport nearby.


Caught in a sea of clock punchers just like me
I am joined by others who follow the same daily routine as myself.


And I feel like I'm getting nowhere
I feel as if my current efforts are not leading me anywhere meaningful.


I'm starting to feel/ a tight grip at the wheel
I am feeling increasingly tense and stressed as I drive.


Two lanes merging but they won't let me in
Others are not allowing me to merge into the lane I need to be in.


And keeping with tradition releasing CO2 emissions
I am contributing to the harm of the environment through my actions.


The heavens are burning
The consequences of human actions on the environment are becoming apparent.


But how else can I get by?
I question how I can survive in this world without causing harm.


It's over now...
I have given up trying to keep up with others or change my circumstances.




Contributed by Declan A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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