The Frames have been together since 1990 and are a survivor of Dublin's prolific early 90's rock and roll scene. They have also been essential in the development of the current crop of emerging Irish rock bands, such as Turn. The Frames have toured with various other Irish artists, including Damien Rice and Bell X1. In December 2004, Hansard appeared on stage in a collaboration with singer songwriter Paddy Casey.
The name The Frames reportedly arose from Hansard's habit, at a young age, of fixing the bicycles of many of his friends. The large number of bicycle frames lying around his house led neighbours to dub it the "house with the frames".
Their new, 6th studio album, The Cost, is available in Ireland since 22 September 2006 and worldwide since 20 February 2007.
Lead singer Hansard recently collaborated with Czech musician Markéta Irglová, which led to the solo album "The Swell Season". Glen and Markéta also star and perform in the John Carney movie Once (www.oncethemovie.com). The movie received several awards including the World Cinema Audience Award - Dramatic at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival as well as an Oscar for best Song for the track "Falling Slowly".
On several occasions the members of The frames appear on stage during the Swell season gigs.
www.theframes.ie
Look Back Now
The Frames Lyrics
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I saw a changing man
And all the places they were
And as I walk beside you now
I feel there is no more we can say
But I'd never do nothing to hurt you love
And if we look back now
And if we look back know
We see how willingly some bridges burn
You know I think its a shame
You don't talk at all
Maybe you just don't hear me call
But I've been doing very well
I play those games no more
I'm just getting on
But I'd always come running to catch you
And if we look back now
And see how easily these tables turn
And if we look back know
We see how willingly some bridges burn
And if we look back now
Maybe we can forgive ourselves for all we've done
For all we've done
And if we look back now
And see how far your time of rest has come
And if we look back now
We see how willingly these bridges burn
Bridges burn
The first verse of The Frames' song "Look Back Now" paints a picture of the singer looking down on a valley floor and seeing a changing man. It's unclear who this man is or what exactly is changing about him, but the imagery suggests that he's struggling with something. The singer then turns their attention to the present moment, walking beside someone else and feeling that there's nothing left to say. The final line of the verse, "But I'd never do nothing to hurt you love," conveys a sense of loyalty and love, perhaps to the person walking beside the singer.
The chorus is a reflective moment, urging listeners to look back and see how far they've come. The "tiny ship" is a metaphor for the journey of life, and the singer is recognizing the progress that has been made. However, looking back also reveals bridges that have been willingly burned, suggesting that there have been difficult choices and sacrifices made along the way.
The second verse is more personal, with the singer addressing someone directly and expressing their disappointment that this person doesn't talk much. Despite this, the singer assures the person that they are doing well and have moved past certain behaviors. Again, the idea of loyalty is present as the singer says they would always come running to catch the person if needed.
The final chorus takes a more forgiving tone, suggesting that looking back can help us forgive ourselves for past mistakes. The lines "And if we look back now/Maybe we can forgive ourselves for all we've done" convey a sense of empathy and understanding for the difficulties that come with burning bridges.
Overall, "Look Back Now" conveys a sense of introspection and reflection, urging listeners to appreciate the journey they've been on and recognize the difficult choices that have been made.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking through the valley floor
Observing the land below
I saw a changing man
Noticing a man experiencing transformation
And all the places they were
Reflecting on the various locations they have been to
And as I walk beside you now
Being in the present moment with someone
I feel there is no more we can say
Feeling that everything that needs to be said has already been said
But I'd never do nothing to hurt you love
Promising to do no harm to the person's love
And if we look back now
Considering the past
And see how far your tiny ship has come
Recognizing the progress made from humble beginnings
And if we look back know
Acknowledging past events
We see how willingly some bridges burn
Realizing that some relationships have been intentionally severed
You know I think its a shame
Expressing sorrow for a situation
You don't talk at all
Noticing a lack of communication from the person
Maybe you just don't hear me call
Considering the possibility that the person is not aware of attempts at communication
But I've been doing very well
Sharing personal progress
I play those games no more
Choosing not to engage in negative behavior
I'm just getting on
Focusing on personal advancement
But I'd always come running to catch you
Offering support in times of need
Maybe we can forgive ourselves for all we've done
Considering self-forgiveness for past actions
For all we've done
Reflecting on actions taken in the past
And see how far your time of rest has come
Observing how someone has progressed in rest or relaxation
We see how willingly these bridges burn
Realizing the ease with which some relationships have been ended
Bridges burn
A repeated acknowledgement of the intentional end of relationships
Contributed by Stella G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.