The song "Starting Up" by The Small Calamities talks about the protagonist feeling lost and out of place. They fall asleep in paradise and wake up in a parking lot in West Texas, feeling like they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. They express frustration about their friends settling down and achieving traditional milestones like having babies or getting master's degrees, while they feel they are still searching for their path. The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and uncertainty about the future, as the protagonist reflects on feeling late to the game and unsure of where they went wrong. The song also references a classic movie about a road trip across America, suggesting a longing for adventure and a search for purpose. The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's plea for others to believe in their struggles and experiences, highlighting the universal feeling of being lost and searching for meaning in life. The coda reinforces this plea, emphasizing the need for understanding and support. Overall, the song captures the struggle of finding one's place in the world and the desire for validation and understanding from others. It also explores the theme of uncertainty and the need for reassurance in the face of life's challenges.
