Anaylsis [ Back To The Start ]

Mr. Little Jeans (2013). Back to the Start. On Iron Man 3: Heros Fall Soundtrack.

[Online MP3] USA: Hollywood Records 

There are many people that can feel emotionally connected to this song, as the lyrics alone insight thoughts that may not always be shared on comparable experiences. The listener is left to contemplate strong imagery created by lyrics that persuade introspective thinking.

Composed of smooth-breathing beats that combine whispering female vocals with electronic synth, the song “Back to the Start” is sure to connect on an emotional level with many people, whether they have seen the newly released Iron Man movie or not. The song “Back to the Start” by Mr. Little Jeans can be found on the soundtrack for Iron Man 3 and is already rated on Amazon.com as the top favorite in comparison to other songs found on the album.

London-native artist, Monica Birkenes, goes commonly by Mr. Little Jeans. She emerged into the musical scene about three years ago, however the growing popularity this year of “Back to the Start” creates promises of extended exposure as well as opportunity for new followers that had not previously heard of her. She can be described as similar to Lykke Li or Feist for her simple yet inspirational lyrics.

“Hollow and made, time flies the same” is the opening hook of the song. This can be perceived as the typical creation of image that does not always match identity. On a deeper level, it exemplifies the developmental discovery of self that everyone experiences. People will go through many phases and time will continue on regardless of the changes. This beginning bit closes with “looking for light” that leads into a twice-said “head held up cuz’ dawns in sight”. The obvious relation is light and hope, connecting with days going by, the continuance of time.  As soon as the sentence ends, the word “sight” fades into a two-second pause before an intense wave of sound brings the listener into emotional acknowledgment. The pause is almost like the breath we take before a monumental moment, the forgotten seconds before a choice of chance. Mr. Little Jeans is delivering an encouraging message about exposing yourself, opening your heart as time passes by and allowing yourself to accept what may come.

 The song progresses with more personal lyrics “hide all your secrets in the dark, you try to run but you fall apart” expressing consequences of doing the opposite of what is right, even if it cannot be directly known. Sounding like the words of a close friend “time to admit you’re out of it” follows quickly after the if-you-do reasoning lyrics. This particular bit influences the message of development now in terms of considering choices that are being made, not only that they are happening but the effect they may have. Rounding this point, the phrase “life’s but a humblin’ affair” reminds that an individual must experience balance in changes; negative and positive. To be humbled is to be courteous and avoid arrogance while accepting variance in situations. This is likely to be the most powerful line in the entire song because every person is able to relate to the notion of being humbled. Emotion remains strong through lyrics while sounds equally impact the listener with high pitched splashes into low rugged tones.

The chorus of the song “Back to the Start” is a simple yet concrete message of not only opening your heart but allowing this to also be a reflection of yourself, exposing more than what may be perceived and coming outside of an established comfort level. This is relatable for people in several contexts. Posed as a question in two parts, the chorus “Can you open your heart? Can you open your heart to me?” is an incredible double-message that some listeners may not initially consider. The first question, inquiring if they can open their heart, follows with encouragement of trust and support “Can you open your heart to me?”

            The secondary portion of the chorus is also included in the title of the song itself, “going back to the start, going back to the start you’ll see” and is clearly remembering origin. This song is all about development and changes. Mr. Little Jeans clearly wants the beginning to be just as important as the journey. The first step must be taken before others can follow. In terms of developmental self-discovery, the message through these exact lyrics as well as the overall title, is that one must always recall the importance of their first step.

            Nearing the end of the of the song, the last bit is “long after they’re all gone, I wore you down to the bone” which is more simple than it sounds. This line signifies that individuals are not stable in all relationships, especially through the changes they make within themselves, yet there are some that remain. Adding “I held on for seven seas, your heart is still safe with me” is yet again, similar to the sound of a close-friend. The emotions are absolutely clear, if not before, certainly now that within the song “Back to the Start” there is meaning of love and support. Again, this is something that many people can relate to, which is why this song is sure to make the connection on an emotional level.

            A repetition of once-said lines que in with a simple change “stripped of the armor that you wear” to conclude the song. This is the last supportive line that ties into the consistent subject of developmental self-discovery. This is a direct correlation with feeling fragile after exposing yourself in addition to the original lines of “hollow and made” meaning creating an image which could be your armor.

{Link to Song}

Mr. Little Jeans - Back To The Start