The song "Start Again" by Gabrielle Aplin is about finding the strength and courage to begin anew. The lyrics depict a narrative of a person who is experiencing a breakdown or feeling lost and lonely. The surface cracking and lines on their face symbolize the struggles and hardships they have endured. The first verse reflects a sense of longing for home, but it also acknowledges that home can be a vague concept without a specific time or place. The person has gone through cycles of falling in and out of love, highlighting their battle with loneliness and their desire for change. The chorus expresses anticipation and eagerness to start again. The darkness and unknown are depicted as friends, indicating a shift in perspective where the person embraces the challenges and uncertainties ahead. The voice of a thousand whispers in the next verse represents the internal conflicts and unanswered questions the person is facing. They have made promises to heal past wounds, but feel unable to find the answers or solutions they are seeking. The bridge conveys a realization that the past night's experiences and regrets can leave a lasting impact, as represented by the metaphor of smoke filling the lungs. The person is uncertain about their purpose and identity in this moment of self-reflection. Throughout the song, there is a sense of transformation and growth. The agony and confusion experienced by the person are turning into thought and understanding. The person realizes that things are not always as they seem, and their perception of the world may need to be reevaluated. Overall, "Start Again" is a song about embracing change and finding the courage to move forward, even when faced with uncertainty. It speaks to the human experience of feeling lost and broken, but also the resilience and hope to begin anew.