Falling slowly
Glen Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out, oh

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You'll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
And moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
Well, you have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly, sing your melody
I'll sing along, oh, oh, oh

Take it all




I played the cards too late
Now you're gone

Overall Meaning

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova's "Falling Slowly" is a beautiful love song that speaks to the pain that often accompanies falling in love. The opening line communicates the singer's desire for someone they don't even know, but want all the more for it. It's a feeling that anyone who has experienced an intense crush can relate to. The words, however, fall through the singer, causing them to be fooled, and unable to react. This vulnerability is made worse by the fact that the singer feels trapped in games that never amount to anything and will play themselves out, a reference to the often confusing and frustrating nature of modern dating.


The chorus of the song is the most memorable and emotive part, as it pleads for hope and a way out of the confusion. The lyrics "Take this sinking boat and point it home, we've still got time" suggest that the relationship may be troubled or that one or both of the parties involved may be struggling in life. The line "Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice, You'll make it now" is a call to action, an encouragement to keep going, to keep trying, and to keep hoping.


The second verse takes on a more melancholy tone, with lyrics such as "moods that take me and erase me and I'm painted black". It suggests a struggle with mental health issues or the crushing emotion that comes with heartbreak. The bridge addresses the suffering that both parties have gone through, while emphasizing the need for the person they want to triumph over their struggles.


Overall, "Falling Slowly" is a beautiful and emotionally evocative love song that speaks to the hopes and fears that come with falling in love.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't know you
I am not familiar with you


But I want you
Despite my unfamiliarity, I desire you


All the more for that
My lack of knowledge of you makes me want you even more


Words fall through me
When trying to communicate, I often feel misunderstood


And always fool me
Words can be deceptive and trick me


And I can't react
I struggle to respond appropriately


And games that never amount
The games people play usually have disappointing outcomes


To more than they're meant
These games rarely lead to significant results


Will play themselves out
However, they will still run their course


Take this sinking boat and point it home
Let's change our course and head back to where we belong


We've still got time
There's still a chance for us


Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
Be optimistic and make the decision that's best for you


You'll make it now
You can succeed in the present moment


Falling slowly, eyes that know me
I am gradually falling in love with someone who understands me


And I can't go back
I can't go back to how things used to be


Moods that take me and erase me
Emotions can be overwhelming and consume me


And I'm painted black
I feel despair and sadness


You have suffered enough
You have endured much pain


And warred with yourself
You have struggled within yourself


It's time that you won
It's time for you to emerge victorious


Falling slowly sing your melody
I'm gradually falling in love while you sing your song


I'll sing along
I'll join in and harmonize with your tune




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@1dforever952

Lyrics
I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You'll make it now
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
And moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
Well, you have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly, sing your melody
I'll sing along
Take it all
I played the cards too late
Now you're gone



@d8ni3l

"Falling Slowly"
(with Markéta Irglová)
(from "Once" soundtrack)

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that

Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react

And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

[Chorus:]
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You'll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back

Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black

You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

[Chorus:]
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing it loud



All comments from YouTube:

@definitelynosebreather

Everyone who was part of this movie should be proud for the rest of their lives: an irish independent production with a small budget of a few thousand dollars conquered the world, and this song ended up winning an Oscar. That's absolutely incredible. It is still one of my favorite movies, it's raw, it's real.. I couldn't ask for anything more.

@user-wh5ir4fo4r

I don't think anyone could have said this better.

@LostCaper

Tormtally agree. My niece is playing with him tonight in New York

@flashelek86

Yes. And Yes. This song has been, and will most likely will be one of the most memorable piece of music of my life. I still remember the first time I heard it and why it became so special. It will always be special. :)

@Iker122

if A Star Is Born got so much recognition, this should've had more

@kindilanklein5573

Yeah none of the others compare to Once!!

@smileandthankgod4669

Agree. Sing Street too, that was a good movie

@tonygraves7367

Yes yes yes

@riesabass

Shallow and this one give me same amount of cry everytime i hear both of them. even when i wasn't saw A Star Is Born even once, like i saw Once like 20 times... still crying... i'm a pussy :/

@Dave-yv9hw

This movie won an Oscar. 😅

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