It’s rare to encounter an artist like Laufey. Her unique ability to blend vintage jazz influences with modern storytelling has left an indelible mark on today’s music scene. Whether you first heard her sultry voice crooning over an Instagram reel or you’re a devoted fan from the days of her debut single, Laufey’s music pulls you into a world of elegance and intimate emotion.
One of her most beloved tracks, “From the Start,” epitomizes her charm as a storyteller and musician. With intricate lyrics and hauntingly beautiful melodies, the song captures the universal experience of unrequited love. Today, we’re peeling back the layers of “From the Start” to explore its lyrical brilliance, thematic depth, and the creative process behind this stunning piece.
Who is Laufey? A Modern-day Jazz Prodigy
Born in Iceland and raised in both Reykjavík and Washington, D.C., Laufey (pronounced “Loy-vay”) grew up surrounded by music. Her mother, a classical violinist, introduced her to the works of Bach, Chopin, and Debussy, while her father’s admiration for jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday planted the seeds of her passion for the genre.
After honing her craft at Berklee College of Music, Laufey garnered international attention with her debut EP, Typical of Me, showcasing her fresh yet nostalgic take on love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Her capacity to weave stories into music has been described as “timeless,” evoking the comforting warmth of a vintage record spinning on a rainy day.
“From the Start”: A Masterpiece in Melody and Emotion
Released as part of her album Bewitched, “From the Start” quickly became a runaway favorite among fans and critics alike. While much of Laufey’s discography channels heartache and vulnerability, this track stands out for its bittersweet exploration of longing and the complications of unspoken emotions.
The stripped instrumentation, delicate piano lines, and candid lyrics create a hauntingly familiar universe for anyone who’s grappled with feelings they dare not confess. Laufey’s voice, both tender and unwavering, draws the listener into her world while leaving plenty of room for personal interpretation.
But it’s the intricate storytelling in the lyrics that truly sets “From the Start” apart.
A Deep Dive into “From the Start” Lyrics
At its heart, “From the Start” is a confession of unspoken love. Laufey expertly paints a picture of vulnerability, missed opportunities, and the delicate balance between platonic and romantic feelings.
“I never meant to fall for you / And I / Was not prepared to start…”
The opening lines plunge listeners directly into Laufey’s emotional turmoil. The admission of unexpected affection is painfully relatable, evoking the fleeting moment when friendship begins to shift into something deeper. Laufey’s delivery is almost conversational, lending authenticity to the song’s confessional tone.
“But now I can’t get over you / I’m trying to pretend / That it’s all fine…”
Here, the lyrical tension builds as she wrestles with her internal conflict. The layers of denial and self-protection are palpable, reminding listeners of the countless times they, too, have chosen self-preservation over risking a heartbreak.
“You don’t even notice me / Am I just a friend to you?”
The refrain is a heartbreaking question many of us have asked in the quiet corners of our minds. Through its simplicity, the chorus conveys the raw ache of being unseen by someone we desperately wish to captivate.
What makes Laufey unique is her ability to pack so much meaning into concise phrases. The song’s lyrical economy mirrors the brevity of real-life moments—conversations that could have been held, but weren’t; confessions that could have changed everything, but stayed unspoken.
Themes of Love and Longing
Perhaps the strongest theme running through “From the Start” is that of unreciprocated love—alongside the longing, self-doubt, and vulnerability that accompanies it. Laufey crafts a tableau of relatable emotions felt universally by anyone who loves in silence.
The song also explores the tension between clarity and ambiguity. Laufey’s lyrics leave just enough unsaid, mimicking the hesitations and complications of human relationships. This intentional vagueness is what makes the song so personal—each listener can project their own story onto the narrative.
Inspiration and Laufey’s Songwriting Process
Laufey has often credited her split influences of romantic classical compositions and intimate jazz ballads for shaping her songwriting approach. For “From the Start,” it’s clear she drew from both traditions.
Laufey’s knack for combining melodic intricacy with lyrical relatability is the result of a thoughtful, deliberate process. She’s known for editing and re-editing her lyrics until every word fits perfectly like a puzzle piece. She’s expressed in interviews that her music often stems from viewing her own life with a lens of curiosity, and writing down conversations and fleeting feelings she experiences in her day-to-day.
For listeners, this is part of what makes her music so magical. Each song feels like we’re peeking into her most private journal entries, yet it also feels like we’re hearing our own thoughts reflected back to us.
“From the Start” and its Place in Today’s Music Scene
What makes Laufey’s “From the Start” uniquely impactful is its blend of timeless elegance with contemporary relevance. While it leans heavily on vintage jazz influences, it resonates deeply with today’s preoccupation with authenticity, introspection, and emotion-driven art.
Laufey’s music has found its way to younger audiences who are rediscovering the joys of jazz for its intimacy and storytelling—an antidote to the fast-paced nature of pop music. Platforms like TikTok have played a significant role in amplifying her reach, allowing her narrative-driven songs to find homes with millions of listeners seeking meaningful music.
Her music also reflects a growing trend in the music scene today—looking back to bring something fresh forward. Laufey is part of a broader revival in genres like soul, folk, and jazz, and audiences are soaking it all up.
What “From the Start” Teaches Us
“From the Start” is more than just a song—it’s a reminder of the power in vulnerability. Laufey masterfully turns the complexity of human relationships into something listeners can hold onto, learn from, and feel deeply connected to.
Whether it’s the richness of her voice, the eloquence of her lyrics, or the haunting melodies she composes, Laufey’s ability to capture bittersweet moments continues to leave listeners bewitched.
Share Your Story
What do Laufey’s lyrics mean to you? Do you see yourself in the story of “From the Start”? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below or share this post with a fellow music lover who can’t stop hitting repeat.
If you haven’t yet, you can find “From the Start” on Spotify, Apple Music, or your favorite streaming platform. Don’t wait—immerse yourself in this masterpiece today.
