Falling Slowly
Lisa Hannigan & Glen Hansard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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, oh, oh, oh
Take it all
I played the cards too late
Now you're gone
The lyrics to "Falling Slowly" by Lisa Hannigan and Glen Hansard tell a story of emotional vulnerability, personal growth, and the power of love.
The first verse expresses a sense of longing and attraction towards someone the singer doesn't know yet desires deeply. The words that are spoken or communicated to them are not enough to truly understand or connect with them, leaving the singer unable to respond or react. The reference to games that never amount to more than they are supposed to suggests the cycle of shallow interactions and relationships that can play out in life.
The chorus acts as a metaphorical plea for help and guidance. The sinking boat represents a troubled situation or relationship, and the act of pointing it home symbolizes finding a way to resolve the issues at hand. The line "We've still got time" suggests that there is hope for improvement and redemption. The encouragement to raise a hopeful voice and make a choice emphasizes the power of our own actions and decisions in shaping our lives and relationships.
In the second verse, the focus shifts to a more personal and introspective perspective. The singer feels a deep connection with someone whose eyes "know" them, but they feel unable to go back to a previous state of being. The mention of moods that "take" and "erase" them implies a struggle with emotional instability and a feeling of being lost or disoriented. The line "Well, you have suffered enough, and warred with yourself, it's time that you won" suggests that the person they are addressing has gone through their own personal struggles and it's now time for them to find healing and peace.
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the ongoing journey of falling slowly and the power of music as a means of communication and connection.
The final lines, "Take it all, I played the cards too late, now you're gone," express regret and a sense of missed opportunities. The singer realizes that they have made mistakes in their actions or decisions, and now the person they long for is no longer with them. It conveys a sense of loss and longing, as well as a recognition of personal accountability.
Overall, "Falling Slowly" captures the complexity of human emotions, the need for introspection and personal growth, and the transformative power of love and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know you
I am unfamiliar with your true identity
But I want you
However, I desire your presence
All the more for that
My desire grows stronger as a result
Words fall through me
Verbal expressions fail to have an impact on me
And always fool me
And consistently deceive me
And I can't react
And I am unable to respond
And games that never amount
And the futile maneuvers
To more than they're meant
Serve no purpose beyond their intentions
Will play themselves out, oh
Will conclude on their own, without my intervention
Take this sinking boat and point it home
Guide this sinking vessel towards its rightful destination
We've still got time
We still have an opportunity
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
Let your optimistic voice be heard, as you possess the power to decide
You'll make it now
You will succeed in the present moment
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
Gradually descending, the eyes that hold familiarity with my soul
And I can't go back
And I am unable to return to a previous state
And moods that take me and erase me
And the emotions that consume and obliterate my being
And I'm painted black
And I am consumed by darkness
Well, you have suffered enough
Indeed, you have experienced significant pain
And warred with yourself
And battled against your own inner conflicts
It's time that you won
Now is the moment for you to emerge victorious
Falling slowly, sing your melody
Gradually descending, let your unique tune resonate
I'll sing along, oh, oh, oh
I will harmonize with you
Take it all
Claim everything
I played the cards too late
I made my moves too belatedly
Now you're gone
Now, you have departed
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova
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
@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. 😅