Once
Glen Hansard/Markéta Irglová Lyrics
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Won't return
And part of me wants to hide
The part that's purr (pure?)
Once, once
I knew how to talk to you
Once, once
Hear the sirens, call me home
Hear the sirens, call me home
Hear the sirens, call me home
Hear the sirens, call me home
Part of me has died
To watch it burn
And the heart of me has tried
Look what it's become
Once, once
I knew how to look for you
Once, once
But that was before
Once, once
I would have laid down and died for you
Once, once
But not any more
Hear the sirens, call me home
Hear the sirens, call me home
Hear the sirens, call me home
Hear the sirens, call me home
Hear the sirens, call me home
Hear the sirens, call me home
The lyrics to Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová's Once are an introspective and emotional reflection on a past relationship. The singer of the song is grappling with the aftermath of the relationship, which has left them feeling like a part of them has died and wanting to hide. The contrast between the past and present is highlighted in the chorus with the repetition of "once, once, but not anymore," emphasizing how the singer has changed since they knew how to talk to or look for the person they once would have laid down and died for.
The repetition of "hear the sirens, call me home" encapsulates the emptiness the singer is experiencing, feeling lost and directionless, wanting to be called back to a place that no longer exists. The second verse adds an element of regret to the song, with the singer suggesting they watched part of themselves die while also acknowledging the ways their heart has tried, yet still feeling a sense of disappointment in what it's become.
The song's haunting melody and lyrics have struck a chord with many listeners, capturing the universal themes of love, regret, and longing. It's a powerful reminder that even the strongest relationships can end, leaving behind a sense of emptiness that can take time to heal.
Line by Line Meaning
Part of me had died
A part of myself is no longer alive.
Won't return
It will never come back.
And part of me wants to hide
A different part of myself desires to disappear.
The part that's purr (pure?)
That aspect of me that is untainted.
Once, once, I knew how to talk to you
I used to know how to communicate effectively with you.
Once, once, but not any more
Now, that is no longer the situation.
Hear the sirens, call me home
The emergency signal is drawing me back to my roots.
Part of me has died
A part of my being is now absent.
To watch it burn
I had to witness it being destroyed.
And the heart of me has tried
I attempted to fix it with all of my heart.
Look what it's become
See how it has transformed for the worse.
Once, once, I knew how to look for you
I was once familiar with how to locate you.
Once, once, but that was before
However, that was in the past.
Once, once, I would have laid down and died for you
At one moment, I would have done anything for you, even perish.
Once, once, but not any more
But at this time, that is no longer the case.
Hear the sirens, call me home
The siren's call is drawing me back to where I belong.
Hear the sirens, call me home
The sound is familiar, calling me back home.
Hear the sirens, call me home
Like a long-lost son, I'm returning after hearing this call.
Hear the sirens, call me home
It's time to go back to where I feel safe.
Hear the sirens, call me home
The ambulance may be coming to return me to my Heavenly home.
Hear the sirens, call me home
A simple sound is causing me to second-guess my current location.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GLEN HANSARD, GLEN JAMES HANSARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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
@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
@Haluna11
Right now, there are people all over the world who are just like you. They're either lonely, they're missing somebody, they're depressed, they're hurt, they're scared from the past, they're having personal issues no one knows about, they have secrets you wouldn't believe. They wish, they dream and they hope. And right now, they are sitting there reading these words, and I'm writing this for you so you don't feel alone anymore. Always remember, don't be depressed about the past, don't worry about the future, and just focus on today. If today's not so great don't worry! Tomorrow's a new chance. If you are reading this, be sure to share this around to make others feel better. Have a nice day. :)
@trishagrace2405
Anywhere in the world but to read this it's breathtaking. Thank you for this, I hope your well.
@skifun1729
What a gift you have given...to the world and me. Thank you, and have a nice day, too.
@katewrightsings
Thank you so much for these words. I needed to hear this 🥺🥺🥺
@amberc3728
❤ to you sweet person.
@claudesclaws2009
Precious.
@vivichen513
After all these years, this song is still so beautiful to listen to…And somehow it makes me appreciate what Life has to offer, the people we meet & the experiences we share~ Thank u for making this beautiful song~❤