Joe Keery is no stranger to success—both on-screen and off. But the 33-year-old actor and musician has just reached a new pinnacle in his music career: his song “End of Beginning,” released under his musical moniker Djo, has climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 as of Monday, January 12.
It’s not just a fleeting moment. The track is also holding strong within Spotify’s Viral 50 Top 10, as well as Billboard’s Hot 100 Top 10, marking a major milestone for Keery’s music. And the kicker? The song isn’t new—it’s been quietly building momentum for years.
Originally, “End of Beginning” was independently released in 2022, and it slowly grew a cult following. By 2024, the song was re-released as a single from Djo’s album DECIDE, capitalizing on its rising popularity among fans. Now, it has officially gone global, resonating with listeners worldwide.
In a past interview, Keery opened up about the inspiration behind the track. “It’s about what it means to grow up and look back at a section of your life and kind of yearn for that, but then also to have a deep appreciation for what happened,” he explained.
The song mirrors a personal period in Keery’s life, coinciding with the end of Stranger Things and his move from Chicago to Los Angeles. “It’s kind of a similar thing I was going through when I was looking back at my time in Chicago. It’s like the end of a period of my life,” he added.
The chorus has captured listeners’ hearts, becoming a viral moment on social media:
“And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it / Another version of me, I was in it / I wave goodbye to the end of beginning.”
Its emotional honesty paired with Keery’s dreamy synth-pop production has made it impossible to ignore—and fans can’t get enough.
[Verse 1]
Just one more tear to cry, one teardrop from my eye
You better save it for
The middle of the night when things aren’t black and white
Enter, Troubadour
“Remember twenty-four?”
[Chorus]
And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it
Another version of me, I was in it
I wave goodbye to the end of beginning
[Verse 2]
This song has started now, and you’re just finding out
Now isn’t that a laugh?
A major sacrifice, but clueless at the time
Enter, Caroline
“Just trust me, you’ll be fine”
[Chorus]
And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it
Another version of me, I was in it
I wave goodbye to the end of beginning
(Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye)
[Bridge]
You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man
You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man
You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man
You take the man out of the—
[Chorus]
And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it
Another version of me, I was in it
Oh, I wave goodbye to the end of beginning
(Goodbye, goodbye)
