Song meaning of Dominoes (Vinyl Version) by Lorde

In Lorde's song "Dominoes (Vinyl Version)," the lyrics paint a vivid picture of observing someone going through a cycle of self-destructive behavior and reinvention. The song opens with the protagonist hearing about the person they once knew engaging in new activities, such as doing yoga with Uma Thurman's mother and tending to flowers with a new girlfriend. These actions symbolize a fresh start and a desire to move on from past mistakes. The lyrics "Just another phase you're rushing on through, Go all New Age, outrunning your blues" suggest a pattern of seeking new experiences to escape inner turmoil.

The chorus of the song highlights the theme of missed opportunities and the consequences of repetitive behavior. The line "Fifty gleaming chances in a row, And I watch you flick them down like dominoes" conveys a sense of inevitability in the person's actions, as they seem to continuously squander opportunities for growth and change. The repetition of "Must feel good being Mr. Start Again" emphasizes the cycle of starting over and the temporary satisfaction it may bring.

As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the person's past actions and the impact they have had on others. References to drug use and hurting others indicate a history of destructive behavior and the repercussions it has had on relationships. The lines "I