Scared To Start

"Scared to Start" by Michael Marcagi is an anthem about embracing new beginnings and taking risks, particularly in the context of love and life choices. The song delves into the internal conflict between the security of the familiar and the exhilarating pull of the unknown. Marcagi has stated that the song is for “the adventurers, the travelers, and the people who look forward without dwelling on the uncertainties of life." It’s about stepping out of one's comfort zone and not being swayed by the pessimistic views of the world. The narrative centers on a young woman who is initially hesitant but becomes the catalyst for change, urging her partner to join her in an escape from a stagnant life. She challenges him to confront his fears about starting a new chapter together. The song champions the idea of a life lived on one's own terms, free from societal expectations of stability and material wealth, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from shared experiences and passionate living, even if it's unconventional. It’s a message of seizing the moment and choosing love and adventure over fear.

The song narrates a story centered around a young woman who seems hesitant and trapped in her current life, symbolized by the “old dress” she wears. She appears to be waiting for a change or for someone to inspire it. The narrator observes her as she falls asleep to the pessimistic conversations of his friends, who talk about the world ending. This detail highlights her disillusionment with the negativity surrounding her.

A pivotal moment occurs when she wakes up and decisively gets into the narrator's car, signaling her readiness for a change. It is she who then takes the lead, challenging the narrator with a series of questions that form the song's chorus. She asks if he is afraid to take a leap of faith, to discover what lies ahead, and if he's willing to accept her “broken heart” and begin a new journey with her. The repeated question, “Are you scared to start?” acts as a direct challenge to his own fears and hesitations.

The narrator then imagines an escape with her, a life lived unconventionally, “out of cars and bars.” He suggests they leave everything behind, reinforcing the idea that their current environment has nothing left to offer them. He acknowledges that this path might be seen as wrong by others, but he is ready to make it right with her. He pleads for one more night if she considers leaving, emphasizing her unique importance to him.

The song's bridge dismisses societal expectations and material needs like paychecks and rent, suggesting that such things are transient and have already been spent. The focus is shifted to living intensely and brightly, even if it leads to burning out. The narrative concludes with the woman's repeated, insistent questions, which now carry more weight. She not only asks if he is scared to start but also questions if he will ever heal from his past “scars” and if he has ever dared to go this far before, making the call to adventure both a shared journey and a personal challenge for the narrator to overcome his own past and fears.

"Scared to Start" was written by Michael Marcagi, a singer-songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio, and his former bandmate from The Heavy Hours, Andrew “AJ” Yorio. The song was produced by David Baron, known for his work with artists like The Lumineers and Jade Bird. Marcagi had the song in his back pocket for about three or four years, with various versions that never felt quite right until the final recording. The inspiration came from the feeling of being completely consumed by a relationship and ignoring the outside world, choosing to follow one's own path regardless of societal norms. Marcagi began teasing snippets of the song on TikTok in November 2023. A particular clip posted on December 19, 2023, featuring him singing the line “let's lay in the dead grass, stare at the stars,” went viral overnight. What started with a few thousand views exploded to hundreds of thousands, catching the attention of multiple record labels. This sudden viral success led to Marcagi signing a record deal with Warner Records in the first week of January 2024. The song was officially released as his second single on January 12, 2024, and became the lead single for his debut EP, "American Romance".

The lyrics of "Scared To Start" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that enhance its theme of escape and new beginnings.

• The "old dress" worn by the woman in the first verse symbolizes her past, her baggage, and a life she is ready to shed. It represents the familiar and perhaps restrictive identity she is looking to leave behind.
• "Dead grass" is a potent image that, contrary to its literal meaning, represents a foundation for a new start. Laying in the dead grass to stare at the stars suggests finding beauty and hope in unexpected or seemingly desolate places, and a willingness to build a future from the ground up.
• The act of the woman climbing into the narrator's front seat is a decisive moment of commitment, symbolizing her readiness to embark on a new journey and leave her old life behind.
• The offer to take his "broken heart" is a metaphor for accepting each other's vulnerabilities and past pains. It signifies a desire for a deep, authentic connection that is not afraid of imperfection.
• Living "out of cars and bars" is a metaphor for a transient, unconventional lifestyle, free from the constraints of societal norms like a steady job or a permanent home. It champions a life of freedom and adventure over material stability.

The predominant emotional tone of "Scared To Start" is a compelling mix of hope, longing, and defiant optimism, tinged with a sense of vulnerability. The song captures the feeling of being on the cusp of a major life change, with all the fear and excitement that entails. The emotional landscape is crafted through the interplay of Marcagi's raw, earnest vocals and the uplifting, driving rhythm of the music. There is an initial sense of melancholy and stagnation described in the first verse, with the imagery of an "old dress" and the world-ending talk of friends. However, this quickly shifts to a feeling of hope and determination as the female character takes the initiative. The chorus is particularly emotionally charged, a blend of a challenge and a plea. The overall atmosphere is one of youthful wanderlust and the romantic ideal of finding freedom and authentic connection by casting aside fears and societal expectations. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt stuck and yearned for something more, making it both personal and universally relatable.

"Scared To Start" achieved significant cultural influence primarily through its viral success on TikTok, where it was used in over 70,000 videos. This organic, grassroots popularity propelled the song onto international music charts. It reached the top 10 in the UK and Ireland, and the top 20 in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In the United States, it peaked at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The song's success cemented Michael Marcagi's status as a major breakout artist of 2024, leading to a record deal with Warner Records and a sold-out international tour. The song's themes of escapism and starting anew resonated with a wide audience, particularly in a post-pandemic world, with many listeners connecting to the fantasy of leaving modern anxieties behind for a simpler life. A new version of the song featuring Joy Oladokun was released in May 2024, adding another layer to the already popular anthem. Its blend of folk and pop has drawn comparisons to artists like The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, placing Marcagi firmly within the contemporary folk-revival movement.

The rhyme scheme in "Scared To Start" is relatively straightforward, primarily using couplets (AABB) in the verses, which contributes to its catchy, story-like flow. For instance, "out" rhymes with "around," and "knees" rhymes with the end of the next line. The chorus and bridge also employ simple, direct rhymes which makes the lyrics memorable. The song's rhythm is built on a steady, driving tempo, described as Allegro or fast, with around 126-148 BPM and a 4/4 time signature, which gives it a feeling of forward momentum and urgency. This upbeat tempo contrasts with the lyrical theme of fear and hesitation, creating a sense of hopeful determination. The interplay between the rhythmic acoustic guitar strumming and the vocal melody is a key element. The vocal phrasing often has a conversational rhythm, which makes the lyrics feel authentic and direct, pulling the listener into the narrative.

"Scared to Start" employs a range of literary and musical techniques to create its emotional impact.

Literary Techniques: The song is structured as a narrative, almost a conversation, which gives it a personal and intimate feel. The use of evocative imagery like the "old dress" and "dead grass" paints a vivid picture for the listener. The chorus is built around a series of rhetorical questions ("Are you scared to find it?", "Are you scared to start?") that directly challenge both the narrator and the listener, making the song's theme of courage and risk-taking more personal and urgent. The narrative voice shifts, with the woman becoming the catalyst for action, which is a powerful narrative device.

Musical Techniques: The song features a sparse and atmospheric arrangement, primarily driven by acoustic guitar and Marcagi's earnest vocal delivery, which is a hallmark of the folk genre. The instrumentation also includes subtle layers of piano, mandolin, banjo, and Hammond B3 organ, which add texture and depth without overpowering the song's intimate feel. The production by David Baron, known for his work with The Lumineers, lends the track a cinematic quality. The use of rousing gang vocals in the chorus creates a sense of communal spirit and defiance, making it feel like an anthem.

What is the meaning behind 'Scared To Start' by Michael Marcagi?

The song is about taking risks and embracing new beginnings, even when it's frightening. It tells the story of a couple deciding to leave their old lives behind for a more adventurous and authentic existence, free from societal expectations.

When was 'Scared To Start' by Michael Marcagi released?

'Scared To Start' was officially released as a single on January 12, 2024. It gained viral popularity on TikTok in late 2023 before its official release.

What genre of music is 'Scared To Start'?

The song is primarily categorized as Folk, with strong elements of Folk-Pop and Americana. Its sound is reminiscent of artists like The Lumineers and Noah Kahan.

Who wrote the song 'Scared To Start'?

The song was co-written by Michael Marcagi and Andrew 'AJ' Yorio, who was the guitarist in Marcagi's former band, The Heavy Hours.

What does the lyric 'let's lay in the dead grass' symbolize?

The line 'let's lay in the dead grass, stare at the stars' symbolizes finding beauty and hope in unconventional or seemingly bleak situations. It represents a willingness to start a new life from scratch, embracing a more raw and authentic existence.

How did 'Scared To Start' become famous?

The song became famous after a clip posted by Michael Marcagi on TikTok in late 2023 went viral. The song's relatable themes and catchy melody resonated with users, leading to widespread use in videos and eventually, international chart success.

Is 'Scared To Start' based on a true story?

Michael Marcagi has explained that the song was inspired by the feeling of being completely consumed by a relationship and the desire to live life on your own terms, not taking notice of the outside world.

Who is the female voice in 'Scared To Start'?

The song is sung from a male perspective, with the female character's words being narrated by him. She is the one who poses the central question, 'Are you scared to start?,' acting as the catalyst for their adventure.