Falling Slowly
Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova with Marja Tuhkanen and Bertrand Galen 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
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've made 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
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 had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along
I paid the cost too late
Now you're gone
The lyrics of "Falling Slowly" are a beautiful and expressive testimony to the power of love and the struggles that come with it. The opening line "I don't know you, but I want you all the more for that" indicates the longing of the singer for someone they've just met, but have strong feelings for. The next lines "words fall through me, and always fool me, and I can't react" speak to the confusion and vulnerability that comes with falling in love.
The singer then talks about the futility of games in relationships that never amount to anything more than what was intended. The line "take this sinking boat and point it home, we've still got time" speaks to the hopefulness of the singer in trying to steer the relationship in the right direction. The uplifting line "raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice" is like a rallying cry to the loved one, telling them that they have the power to make things right.
The chorus "falling slowly, eyes that know me, and I can't go back, moods that take me and erase me, and I'm painted black" is a beautiful harmony of words that describes the deep emotional impact of the relationship. Finally, the singer tells the loved one that they have suffered enough and that it's time they won. They urge them to take control of their life and steer their relationship towards the home they both seek.
Overall, "Falling Slowly" is a moving and inspiring song that speaks to the power of love and the struggles that come with it. The song expresses the desire and hope of two people who are fallen in love and encourages them to strive for a happy ending.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know you
I haven't met you before, I don't know you yet.
But I want you
Despite not knowing you, I have a desire for you.
All the more for that
The fact that I don't know you actually increases my desire for you.
Words fall through me
When you speak to me, I can't seem to grasp onto the words you're saying.
And always fool me
Your words deceive me, and I can't seem to react properly.
And I can't react
I'm unable to respond in the way that I wish to.
And games that never amount
These mind games we play never lead to anything substantial.
To more than they're meant
We are only meant to play these games, they don't serve any greater purpose.
Will play themselves out
Eventually, these games will come to an end on their own.
Take this sinking boat and point it home
Let's redirect our energy towards a better, more meaningful destination.
We've still got time
We aren't out of possibilities yet, there is still time for a change.
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You have a say in your own destiny and can choose your own path. Be optimistic and believe in yourself.
You've made it now
You've accomplished what you set out to do, you should be proud.
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
I'm slowly falling for you, and your eyes seem to understand me better than anyone.
And I can't go back
My feelings for you are too strong, and I can't turn back now.
Moods that take me and erase me
My changing emotions lead me to forget who I am, and I feel lost.
And I'm painted black
My mood has turned gloomy and everything seems dark.
Well, You have suffered enough
You've endured a lot of pain in your life.
And warred with yourself
You've been in a battle with your own thoughts and emotions.
It's time that you won
It's time to overcome your struggles and be triumphant.
Falling slowly sing your melody
As we slowly fall in love, let's sing our own love song together.
I'll sing along
I will join in and sing with you every step of our way together.
I paid the cost too late
I realize now that I waited too long and missed my chance to be with you.
Now you're gone
You've moved on and our time together has ended.
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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
@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. 😅