Once
Glen Hansard y Marketa Irglova Lyrics


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Part of me had died
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
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

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Once by Glen Hansard and Markta Irglov speak about the pain and loss that come with the end of a relationship. The opening lines "Part of me had died, won't return, and part of me wants to hide, the part that's purr (pure?)" suggest that the singer has experienced a significant loss that has changed them forever. They feel as though they have lost their innocence or purity, and this pain is reflected in their wish to hide from the world. The repetition of the word "Once" throughout the song seems to suggest that the singer is mourning a past version of themselves and their relationship. They knew how to talk to their partner or look for them once, but those skills are lost to them now.


The use of the phrase "Hear the sirens, call me home" is interesting because it adds a sense of urgency and danger to the song. The singer may be feeling lost and alone, but they are still drawn back to the place where they once felt secure and loved. The sirens could be a metaphor for the memories that are calling the singer back to their past. The final repetition of the phrase "Hear the sirens, call me home" feels like a plea or a cry for help, as though the singer is desperate to find their way back to where they belong.


Overall, Once is a deeply emotional song that captures the pain and longing that come with the end of a relationship. The lyrics are beautifully written, and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. This song is a testament to the power of music to express the deepest emotions and to connect with listeners on a profound level.


Line by Line Meaning

Part of me had died
A part of who I was is no longer present within me.


Won't return
I cannot bring this part of me back.


And part of me wants to hide
Another part of me feels the need to remain concealed from the world.


The part that's purr (pure?)...
This hidden part of me is still innocent and untainted.


Once, Once I knew how to talk to you Once, Once But not any more
I used to be able to communicate with you effectively, but that ability has been lost.


Hear the sirens, call me home
I am being beckoned to return to a place that feels safe and comforting.


Part of me has died To watch it burn And the heart of me has tried Look what it's become
I have witnessed a part of me deteriorate and my heart has attempted to stop this transformation, but it has still changed.


Once, Once I knew how to look for you Once, Once But that was before
I used to know how to find you, but now that skill is lost.


Once, Once I would have laid down and died for you Once, Once But not any more
In the past, I would have done anything for you, but that willingness is no longer present.


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 call to return to a place of comfort and safety is becoming increasingly urgent.




Contributed by Lillian K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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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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