Alone Apart
Glen Hansard/Marketa Irglova Lyrics
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How many times was I lost
And how many times I'd be lost in the sea
If you weren't there to rescue me
We're sailing, sailing every night
We're drifting, drifting alone apart
Not to show that we're in need
How many times have I hurt you
How many times have you
And how many times I'd been on my knees
Begging, begging please forgive me
We're sailing, sailing every night
We're drifting, drifting alone apart
Not to show that we're in need
But I'd heal your wounds if you bleed
Thank you for being so patient with me
I've been weaker than I ought to be
Despair and jealousy blinded my mind
And I couldn't see how you're trying for me
The lyrics of the song “Alone Apart” by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are about the struggle of a couple who are going through a difficult time in their relationship. The opening lines, “How many times have I been here, how many times was I lost” establish a sense of familiarity in the struggle that the couple is facing. They have gone through similar difficulties before and know what it feels like to be lost in their relationship. The next lines, “And how many times I'd be lost in the sea, if you weren't there to rescue me” show that the singer is grateful for their partner's support during these difficult times.
The chorus, “We're sailing, sailing every night, we're drifting, drifting alone apart, not to show that we're in need, but I'd heal your wounds if you bleed” speaks to the idea that the couple is drifting apart but trying to hold on to their relationship. They are in need of healing, but they are not sharing this with each other. Even though the relationship is strained, the two still want to show that they care for each other. The sense of “drifting” shows that they are not in control of the situation, but rather at the mercy of the waves of their emotions.
The song's last verse, “Thank you for being so patient with me, I've been weaker than I ought to be, despair and jealousy blinded my mind, and I couldn't see how you're trying for me” is a message of apology to the singer's partner. The singer is admitting fault for their behavior in the past and owning up to how much their partner has tried to support them. The song is a plea to hold onto a relationship through the rough times and to appreciate the efforts made by the partner to support them.
Line by Line Meaning
How many times have I been here
Reflecting on how many times the singer has found themselves in a familiar, difficult situation
How many times was I lost
Considering the number of times the singer has been unsure of their path in life
And how many times I'd be lost in the sea
Reflecting on how lost the singer would feel without the guidance of their loved one
If you weren't there to rescue me
Expressing gratitude for the presence of their loved one who has been a source of strength and support
We're sailing, sailing every night
Describing the journey of life as an ongoing, unpredictable voyage
We're drifting, drifting alone apart
Acknowledging the distance that can develop between partners in a relationship
Not to show that we're in need
Recognizing the importance of independence and not wanting to appear vulnerable
But I'd heal your wounds if you bleed
Expressing the desire to become a source of comfort and healing for their loved one in need
How many times have I hurt you
Reflecting on the hurts and mistakes that the singer has inflicted upon their partner
How many times have you
Turning the focus onto the hurts and wounds that their partner has experienced
And how many times I'd been on my knees
Acknowledging the humbling experience of begging for forgiveness
Begging, begging please forgive me
Expressing deep remorse and the desire to make amends
Thank you for being so patient with me
Expressing gratitude for the kindness and understanding of their partner
I've been weaker than I ought to be
Admitting to personal flaws and shortcomings
Despair and jealousy blinded my mind
Reflecting on how negative emotions have clouded the singer's judgement and caused damage to the relationship
And I couldn't see how you're trying for me
Realizing that their partner has been making an effort and that their actions have not gone unnoticed
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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