Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “End on End – Demo Version” by Rites of Spring
End on End by Rites of Spring is a vulnerable and passionate track about the struggles of a romantic relationship. The lyrics explore the idea of growing apart despite mutual love and dedication. The singer reflects on the bittersweet nature of the situation. Despite how difficult it may be and how much it may hurt, sometimes it’s for the best to end things and move on.
The opening lyrics of the song set the tone for the tragic story to come, with the singer offering a declaration of surrender: “We’ll go down so easy, as if it weren’t hard to do/ We’ll let it end on end, like we never had a chance.” The singer acknowledges it won’t be an easy road but, with the declaration of surrender, they are both prepared to accept the fate of the end of their relationship.
The heart-breaking reality of this situation is painted with immense emotion in the next couple of verses as the singer longingly takes a look back on the good but distant days. The lyrics “What once was close between us, now worlds away/So what to do, without a promise that will last” imply that no matter how hard the couple tries, the situation is beyond them, leaving them no choice but to let it go.
The chorus contains a deeper meaning beyond the literal words. As the singer repeatedly sings “End on end”, it conveys a feeling of desperation and an understanding of the inevitability of the break-up. The line “There’s nothing left to give” further builds on this idea by signifying that neither person has anything left to offer in order to keep their relationship going.
Overall, End on End is an emotional and raw expression of the hurt and sorrow that comes alongside breaking up with someone you once loved. Despite the devastating nature of the situation, there is a sense of bittersweet acceptance within the lyrics that implies the couple chose to end things with dignity rather than dragging it out and making it unbearable.