Matt Tarka’s song “Beginnings” delves deeply into the themes of change, hope, and relatability while telling a story through imaginative metaphor and deep lyrics. This piece of art almost immerses the listener into a world of deep personal introspection, and feeling the flow of time while observing nature’s gorgeous life cycles. His lyrics make listeners feel a profound sense of hope and the deeply human desire to erase and reset everything to start anew.

The song opens with the imagery of a cold, stormy night, and although eerie, the listener immediately meets Lee Oaks. He is “depleting oxygen” which evokes feelings of tiredness and even exhaustion. To be depleted signifies a moment of personal desperation, where it feels like everything important is being taken away. Luckily, this sensation is immediately neutralized by the voice of Lee who shows that change is possible. Mentioning “rustic leaves” is a gentle reminder of nature’s life completing a circle and leading to new possibilities. When Lee yearns for a “new beginning,” he is not sure how to go about achieving this while throwing himself blindly into the unknown.

Marie Meadows balances Lee’s yearning with her own desire for rejuvenation in the second stanza of the poem. This perspective illustrates an understanding of metamorphosis in falling stars and the determination of Lee. He Heard the words of admiration and ascribed sweetness to them from afar from deep down. To and fro approach of Lee and Marie melds ideas and affection that is harmonious in nature. Their attitudes towards the call for a change gives shape to the song as a metaphor for optimism united with nostalgia.

Towards the end of the song, the idea of escapism is introduced. Referring to the “cobblestones in posh accent” evokes an image of a fantasy world. Tarka utilizes this imagery to illustrate how at some points, people look up to distractions to protect themselves from the harsher truths of life. This is a gentle critique on the ways we attempt to escape our tiresome or challenging realities by transforming ourselves to be immersed in worlds that are not real. However, Tarka suggests that even while aft towards escape, it does not mean avoiding life, but instead using a different lens to view things.

In the following lines, as Lee reminisces about his relationship with Marie, he sounds more vulnerable. “You always give me what I keep,” he says softly, reflecting on how he is dependent on Marie’s support. This line reflects their emotional relationship and how, no matter how difficult things get, Lee is able to find solace in their relationship. It reflects the notion of leaning on other people for support when times get tough. Moreover, when Lee says he wishes to “catch the wind”, he expresses his longing for freedom which represents hope of something that is refreshing and freeing.

As the song ends, it promises a new beginning when Lee and Marie resolve to go through their journey all over again. The notion of going back to replaying their beginning proposed here indicates that although a lot of challenges may be thrown into the mix later on, there is reassurance in looking back to what has shaped them. It is a touching thought, reminding us of how life always moves in cycles, bidding farewell not only signifies an end but a chance for a new beginning.

As a whole, ‘Beginnings’ by Matt Tarka is contemplative in nature and speaks to those individuals who are looking for a change, a connection, and some form of renewal. With a blend of poetic imagery and evocative lyrics, Tarka elegantly encapsulates love’s hope and the forward moving love of personal evolution. It feels like a quiet personal and deeply introspective journey for listeners where they are left to harness and reflect on their own memories and what they want for the future.