In honor of music artist Djo’s accomplishment regarding the charts and, well, being at the top of them, here is an analysis of the song deserving of the attention. Ladies and gentlemen, End of Beginning, was released in the fall of 2022 on an album entitled, “Decide.” The album consists of twelve tracks with alternative, indie, and rock components. Halfway through the album is the aforementioned track, and it’s no surprise that this song has received the attention of music fans.

End of Beginning is a song that contains bittersweet themes that can be applied to anyone and their life experiences. The song has likely become popular because of its ability to resonate with several kinds of audiences. The lyrics maintain the balance of being specific to an experience or feeling that the singer is referencing, whilst also containing ambiguity to what triggered the song. Djo wasn’t using extremely personal stories, “when I was six years old,” and being hyper-specific to his experience. Instead, he wrote about a feeling and a lesson that is highly relatable and people are likely to have experienced. 

The lyrics are backed by a beautiful piece that falls under the genre of synth pop. The genre was widespread in the 80’s, a section of music known to use electronic music with pop melodies. The instrumental carries the lyrics, while not taking attention away from them, and helps to create the feeling behind each of the messages within the lyrics. When Djo is singing more quickly and using repetition for emphasis, the music picks up to match it. In the beginning of the track, when mentioning the more sad and sorrowful emotions, the track slows, and acts as support for the lyrics.

“Just one more tear to cry

One teardrop from my eye

You better save it for

The middle of the night

When things aren’t black and white

Enter, Troubadour

‘Remember twenty-four?’”

The song opens with imagery to describe the sorrow behind the feeling through the rest of the track. The tear/teardrop that is mentioned is a physical form of the feeling, a representation of the negativity that comes with this feeling otherwise recognized as bittersweet. The closing lyric for the verse references a specific age and, thus, time for the singer. 

“And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it

Another version of me, I was in it

I wave goodbye to the end of beginning”

When the artist is physically in this place (Chicago), the lyrics show that he is mentally and emotionally taken back to not only that place, but also the person that he was when he was in that city. He sings that he becomes and feels more attached to the version of himself that was there prior. However, he acknowledges that he is saying his final words to that part of his life. That person with those experiences that he was then. He is acknowledging that he is growing, and likely away from that person. At 24, as mentioned in the last verse, was when popular tv show Stranger Things originally aired. It can be interpreted that the singer is referring to this year as “the beginning,” because it was a major jump start for his career and growing success. By referring to it as the end, he is acknowledging that he is moving to another time in his life, and away from what was considered the kick start of his acting career.

“This song has started now

And you’re just finding out

Now isn’t that a laugh?

A major sacrifice

But clueless at the time

Enter, Caroline

‘Just trust me, you’ll be fine’”

It is believed that the reference to someone named “Caroline,” is to Caroline Keery, Djo’s sister. She is represented, in these lyrics, to be encouraging him to continue forward. It is a common belief that Caroline has been an inspiration for Keery’s pursuit of acting, specifically in reference to his education in the field. The sacrifice can be assumed to be one that Caroline has taken for Keery, or something similar. Regardless, the ending message said to Keery can also be one for the audience: “just trust me, you’ll be fine.”

“And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it

Another version of me, I was in it

I wave goodbye to the end of beginning

(Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye)”

While these are lyrics that have already premiered in the song, the use of them is intentional. These lyrics are the message that is trying to be conveyed. Additionally, it further acknowledges the need and the want to say goodbye. 

“You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man

You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man

You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man

You take the man out of the-”

These lyrics are more simple to understand than some of the others, but still hold significant value to the piece. In this section, Djo expresses that even when he is not in the city (presumably Chicago), it is not something that has been completely taken from him. You can pull him from the city and place him in an entirely new one, but he will still carry pieces of that city with him. Clearly, Chicago has had a significant impact on him with memories, lessons, and wisdom that he will continue to wield. The use of Chicago as a city is likely a testament to Joe Keery’s (Djo’s) acting career, which began with his studies at DePaul University, in the city of Chicago. Additionally, it is also plausible that the city was used in reference to his musical career, as the artist has traveled to and performed there several times in the past. 

“And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it

Another version of me, I was in it

Oh, I wave goodbye to the end of beginning

(Goodbye, goodbye)”

It makes sense for the song to end with the closing sentiment being saying goodbye, and that’s exactly what happens here.