Meaning of I walked in, expecting you'd be late

In Taylor Swift's song "Begin Again," the overall themes revolve around the idea of moving on from a past relationship and finding hope in new beginnings. The lyrics depict a journey of self-discovery and a renewed perspective on love. Within these themes, the line "I walked in, expecting you'd be late" holds a deeper significance and adds additional layers to the song's message.At first glance, the line may seem like a simple observation of punctuality. However, in the context of the song, it represents an unexpected shift in expectations and challenges the listener to consider the transformative power of change. By walking in expecting her new love interest to be late, the protagonist unknowingly reveals her preconceived notions and skepticism about love. This theme explores the idea that individuals often carry emotional baggage from previous experiences into new relationships, leading them to anticipate disappointment and hinder their ability to embrace fresh beginnings.The line also highlights the element of surprise and the unpredictability of life. By revealing that her new partner arrives early and stands to wave at her, Swift paints a vivid picture of a moment that defies expectations. This moment symbolizes a turning point for the protagonist, suggesting that she is now open to the possibility of happiness, even when it arises unexpectedly.Moreover, this line further explores the theme of self-discovery. The protagonist's assumption about her new partner's lateness aligns with her past experiences, which may have conditioned her to distrust love. However, as the song progresses, she recognizes the flaws in her previous outlook, allowing herself to grow and embrace the potential beauty of new relationships. The line signifies a pivotal moment of realization, where the protagonist recognizes her own limitations and learns to let go of past experiences that have held her back.In a broader sense, this theme connects to the overall message of the song, emphasizing the importance of resilience and courage to embark on a new love story despite past heartbreak. It encourages listeners to recognize the transformative power of unexpected encounters and to approach each new beginning with an open heart and mind, free from the constraints of past pain.Overall, the line "I walked in, expecting you'd be late" in Taylor Swift's "Begin Again" contributes to the song's themes by exploring the notions of expectations, surprise, self-discovery, and embracing new beginnings. It serves as a reminder that love can arrive unexpectedly and invites listeners to reevaluate their own preconceived notions about relationships. The song encourages us all to approach each new day with a hopeful and open spirit, ready to begin again.