(That’s how it starts when it ends)
She put clothes in a suitcase, I put Jack in a soda
She got the TV, and I got the sofa
And it hit me for the first time, which one of us gets our friends?
I guess that’s how it starts when it ends
(That’s how it starts when it ends)
Lot of quiet in the livin’ room, no red wine in the kitchen
Lot of space in this king-size, a lot of somethin’ missin’
And I’m stuck here getting used to no sleep and an empty bed
I guess that’s how it starts
When it ends
It’s hell on a heart
It’s long, lonely nights in the neon dark
Whole lot of hole-in-the-wall dive bars
Yeah, I guess that’s how it starts
When it ends
It’s hidin’ the hard
Swearin’ you’re fine, and
Knowin’ you aren’t
It’s a whole lot of fallin’ apart
If that’s how it starts when it ends, hell, I hope it don’t end how it starts
(Hope it don’t end how it starts)
Just when I think I’m on the backside of hurtin’
One of those songs comes on, and the whiskey stops workin’
And I’m right back at square one, my movin’ on do’n’t come undone again
I guess that’s how it starts
When it ends
It’s hell on a heart
It’s long, lonely nights in the neon dark
Whole lot of hole-in-the-wall dive bars
Yeah, I guess that’s how it starts
When it ends
It’s hidin’ the hard
Swearin’ you’re fine, and
Knowin’ you aren’t
It’s a whole lot of fallin’ apart
If that’s how it starts when it ends, hell, I hope it don’t end how it starts
Hell, I hope I’ll stay this broken
Hope it gets to goin’ better than it’s goin’
Yeah, I hope, yeah, I hope, yeah, I hope I ain’t always hopin’
Yeah-yay
When it ends
It’s hell on a heart
It’s long, lonely nights in the neon dark
Whole lot of hole-in-the-wall dive bars
Yeah, I guess that’s how it starts
When it ends
It’s hidin’ the hard
Swearin’ you’re fine, and
Knowin’ you aren’t
It’s a whole lot of fallin’ apart
If that’s how it starts when it ends, hell, I hope it don’t end how it starts
Key Lines to Explain:
- “She put clothes in a suitcase, I put Jack in a soda”: Symbolizes the division of shared life and the immediate coping mechanisms, highlighting the stark emotional and physical separation.
- “It’s long, lonely nights in the neon dark”: Illustrates the isolation and solace sought in nightlife, a common attempt to numb the pain.
- “If that’s how it starts when it ends, hell, I hope it don’t end how it starts”: Reflects a deep hope for eventual healing, yearning for a brighter outcome despite the initial agony.
Emotional Undertones:
The song evokes a profound sense of loss, longing, and vulnerability. It paints a vivid picture of heartbreak’s toll while subtly holding onto the hope for better days. Its blend of sorrow and resilience resonates with anyone who has faced the end of a meaningful relationship.