Santaolalla transferred his musical efforts to film soundtracks in the late 1990s, producing albums for the films Amores Perros, 21 Grams and The Motorcycle Diaries. Currently based in California where he first moved in 1978, he contributed to the instrumental music for the soundtrack to the 2005 Ang Lee film, Brokeback Mountain, from which the "A Love That Will Never Grow Old" song won the 2006 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Santaolalla has received a 2006 Academy Award for Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score) for Brokeback Mountain. His most recent work is featured on the soundtrack for the movie Babel, which has been directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who also directed the movies Amores Perros and 21 Grams. His work for Babel was honoured as well with the Academy Award for Original Score in 2007.
In addition to his film work, Santaolalla has acted as the producer of Gaby Kerpel's Carnabailito and co-produced the Kronos Quartet's Nuevo, an album which renders homage to the rich musical heritage of Mexico. He has also been part of the resurgent neo-tango movement, as prime mover behind the Bajofondo Tango Club collective.
He Was a Friend of Mine {As Used in the Film Brokeback Mountain}
Gustavo Santaolalla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every time I think of him
I just can't keep from cryin'
'Cause he was a friend of mine
He died on the road
He died on the road
He just kept on moving
And he was a friend of mine
I stole away and cried
I stole away and cried
'Cause I never had too much money
And I never been quite satisfied
And he was a friend of mine
He never done no wrong
He never done no wrong
A thousand miles from home
And he never harmed no one
And he was a friend of mine
He was a friend of mine
He was a friend of mine
Every time I hear his name Lord
I just can't keep from cryin'
'Cause he was a friend of mine
The song "He Was a Friend of Mine" by Gustavo Santaolalla, as used in the film "Brokeback Mountain," is a poignant and sorrowful tribute to a lost friendship. The lyrics convey a deep sense of grief and emotional turmoil felt by the singer when remembering their friend. The repetition of the line "He was a friend of mine" emphasizes the significance and impact the friend had on the singer's life.
The first verse reveals the singer's ongoing struggle with their emotions, as they cry each time the friend's memory resurfaces. Their grief is overwhelming, indicating a deep bond and love for this person. The second verse speaks of the friend's tragic demise on the road, never having achieved the fruits of his labor. This suggests a life cut short and unfulfilled potential. Despite these circumstances, the singer still regards the friend with high regard and emphasizes their innocence and lack of wrongdoings.
The third verse delves into the singer's personal struggles, acknowledging their own financial limitations and perpetual dissatisfaction. This juxtaposition highlights the deep contrast between the singer's own life and the simplicity and innocence of their deceased friend's existence. The final repetition of the chorus brings the song full circle, expressing the enduring pain and sorrow felt by the singer whenever their friend's name is mentioned.
Overall, "He Was a Friend of Mine" is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, loss, and the enduring impact of those who touch our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
He was a friend of mine
He was someone I cared about deeply and had a close bond with
Every time I think of him
Whenever I recall his memory
I just can't keep from cryin'
I cannot control my tears, as the pain of his loss is overwhelming
'Cause he was a friend of mine
Because he held significant importance and meaning in my life
He died on the road
He met his unfortunate end while traveling
He just kept on moving
He never stayed in one place for too long, always seeking new experiences
Never reaped what he could sow
He never fully enjoyed the benefits or rewards of his efforts
And he was a friend of mine
Despite his nomadic nature and lack of material success, he still held a special place in my heart
I stole away and cried
I secretly found a moment to shed tears of grief
'Cause I never had too much money
Because I never possessed great wealth or abundance
And I never been quite satisfied
And I have never truly felt content or fulfilled
He never done no wrong
He never committed any misconduct or harm
A thousand miles from home
Far away from his place of origin
And he never harmed no one
And he never caused harm or pain to anyone
He was a friend of mine
He was a dear companion to me
Every time I hear his name Lord
Every time his name is mentioned, dear Lord
I just can't keep from cryin'
I cannot prevent the tears from flowing, as the sorrow remains intense
'Cause he was a friend of mine
Because his friendship held substantial emotional significance in my life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: D. HOLMBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind