Don’t Let’s Start: My Personal Journey with TMBG’s Breakout Song

Reflecting on They Might Be Giants’ "Don’t Let’s Start"—from hearing it on the radio for the first time to how the song’s meaning changed as I grew older.

I still remember the day vividly—sitting in my bedroom on the top floor of a two-story house, tucked away in a cul-de-sac near Spanaway, Washington. It was a Sunday afternoon, and my radio was tuned to 107.7 The End, Seattle’s alternative rock station. For the first time ever, They Might Be Giants, my favorite band, was being broadcast through my speakers—not from a cassette tape, but as part of the station’s rotation. Everyone tuning in at that moment was hearing them too. It felt monumental. The song was "Don't Let’s Start."

A Little Background

I didn’t know it at the time, but "Don't Let’s Start" was already a hit in the college radio scene and even had some late-night MTV airtime. To me, though, this radio play signaled something bigger—it felt like people were finally going to know about this band I adored, and that maybe, just maybe, my circle of TMBG conversations would grow beyond me and my best friend. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Even after hearing them on the radio, I still struggled to find anyone else who knew who They Might Be Giants were.

In the pre-Internet days, TMBG remained my little secret—a weird and wonderful niche passion that felt all the more special because of its rarity. Maybe once a year, I’d catch them on the radio, sandwiched between songs like “Friday I’m in Love” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” They were in good company, but it was still just me, alone in my room, reveling in the music.

Musical Affection: Ear Heart-Ears

"Don't Let's Start" holds a sacred space in my heart - or ears - my heart-ears. It was the first TMBG track I ever tried to master on the guitar. My older cousin, a professional guitar player and instructor, praised the song’s “Duane Eddy surf riff,” a feature that adds a cool, almost retro vibe to the song’s already infectious energy.

🎶 Bweedle eedle eedle eet, bweedle eedle eedle eet, beow beow beow beow bow. 🎶

You really have to hear it to get it.

The catchy, upbeat guitar riff always felt fun and light-hearted to me—just another reason why I loved the song. But like a lot of TMBG’s music, its real impact would reveal itself to me much later.

Evolution of Interpretation

When I first heard this song, I was captivated by the whimsical lyrics and upbeat tempo. I’d cheerfully sing along, blissfully unaware of the deeper meaning behind the words. Fast-forward to adulthood, and life had taken some pretty heavy turns: losing a loved one to suicide, teen parenthood, the deaths of more family members, a divorce, and surviving a house fire. With those experiences under my belt, the lyrics took on a much deeper resonance.

It’s amazing how a song you once sang joyfully can become an emotional touchstone when life throws its worst at you.

Lyrics That Speak Volumes

"No one in the world ever gets what they want
And that is beautiful
Everybody dies frustrated and sad
And that is beautiful."

These lines hit differently now. Depressed days have often found me hyper-focused on that phrase. I’m not going to lie—it’s a little scary how easy it is to get stuck there. As someone who has seen firsthand the devastation left in the wake of a loved one’s suicide, I know that road is not an option for me. It’s off the table completely. The loss I experienced in many ways prevents me from ever going down that same path.

"I don’t want to live in this world anymore."

I’ve had moments where this line played on repeat in my head. But here’s the thing—I’m okay now. I’m good. I’ve made it through those dark times, and I’m still here.

A Lifelong Companion

"Don’t Let’s Start" isn’t just a song—it’s a companion. It’s been with me through some of the toughest times, and it’s still here, ready for countless replays as the years go on.

Do you remember your first experience with this song? Did it mean something different to you then than it does now? I’d love to hear your stories, thoughts, and feelings—leave a comment or shoot me an email at chase.roper@gmail.com. Let’s create a supportive community around our shared love for They Might Be Giants.

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