From The Beginning
Emerson Lake a Palmer Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴There might have been things I missed
But don't be unkind
It don't mean I'm blind
Perhaps there's a thing or two
I think of lying in bed
I shouldn't have said
But there it is
You see, it's all clear
You were meant to be here
From the beginning

Maybe I might have changed
And not been so cruel
Not been such a fool
Whatever was done is done
I just can't recall
It doesn't matter at all

You see, it's all clear

You were meant to be here
From the beginning

Overall Meaning

The first verse of Emerson Lake & Palmer's song, From The Beginning, reflects on how the singer may have overlooked things but pleads for kindness, stating that not recognizing everything does not mean blindness. He acknowledges that there may have been things he shouldn't have said, or should have done differently, but ultimately accepts that it has all culminated to the present moment. The chorus, "You see, it's all clear, you were meant to be here from the beginning," is an affirmation and acknowledgment of the listener's importance and role in the singer's life. It's a recognition that everything that has happened previously has led to the current moment, and despite the mistakes and misunderstandings, it's all worth it because the listener was meant to be in the singer's life.

The second verse reflects on the idea that perhaps the singer could have been a better person, but he cannot remember clearly. The past is in the past, and although there may be regret, it doesn't matter at this point. The chorus repeats again, emphasizing that the listener is meant to be there from the beginning, and everything in the past has led up to this moment. Overall, the song is a reflection on the complexity of human relationships, their flaws, and the acceptance of those flaws in pursuit of understanding and love.

Line by Line Meaning

There might have been things I missed
I may not have paid attention to everything in our relationship

But don't be unkind
Please don't judge me harshly for it

It don't mean I'm blind
Just because I missed some things doesn't mean I'm unaware

Perhaps there's a thing or two
There may be a few mistakes I made

I think of lying in bed
At night, I reflect on our relationship

I shouldn't have said
There were things I said that I regret

But there it is
However, what's done is done

You see, it's all clear
Now I understand our relationship more clearly

You were meant to be here
You were supposed to be a part of my life

From the beginning
Since the start of our relationship

Maybe I might have changed
I could have behaved differently

And not been so cruel
I regret being harsh towards you

Not been such a fool
I wish I hadn't made foolish mistakes

Whatever was done is done
But what's happened, has happened

I just can't recall
I can't remember everything exactly

It doesn't matter at all
But it's not important anymore

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: GREGORY LAKE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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