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
Star Star
The Frames Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind
'Cause I don't understand these people
Saying the hill's too steep, well
They talk and talk forever
But they just never climb
Falling down into situations
You're flat on your back again
And star, your every word I'm heeding
Can you help me to see?
I'm lost in the marsh
Star, star, teach me how to shine, shine
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind
'Cause I don't understand these people
Saying the world is sleeping
They toss and turn forever
But no rest will they find
Star, teach me how to shine
Star, star, teach me how to shine, shine
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind
The Frames' song "Star Star" is a cry for guidance and instruction. The singer seeks direction from a higher power, represented by the star. The repeated phrase "teach me how to shine" implies that the singer feels lost and in need of illumination, both in terms of the star's own brightness and in terms of understanding the thoughts and motivations of others. The line "I'm lost in the marsh" suggests a sense of being stuck, unable to move forward, and needing assistance to find the way out.
The use of nature imagery throughout the song highlights the singer's desire for connection to something larger and more enduring than human drama. The steep hill and the tossing world both represent obstacles that seem insurmountable. The star, on the other hand, is a constant presence that transcends human experience and seems to hold the key to understanding.
Overall, "Star Star" is a plea for help in navigating a difficult and confusing world. The singer recognizes their own limitations and seeks guidance from a source that seems infinitely wiser and more powerful.
Line by Line Meaning
Star, star, teach me how to shine, shine
Asking for guidance and inspiration to shine like a star.
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind
Requesting to learn the secrets of the star's mindset.
'Cause I don't understand these people
Expressing confusion and frustration towards people's behavior.
Saying the hill's too steep, well
People talking about obstacles and challenges, making excuses for why they can't achieve greatness.
They talk and talk forever
Describing how people endlessly talk about their goals, but never take action to reach them.
But they just never climb
People lack the motivation and courage to overcome obstacles and reach the top.
Falling down into situations
Describing the hardships and difficulties of life.
Bringing out the best in you
Despite the struggles, it brings out the strength and potential within oneself.
You're flat on your back again
Feeling defeated and powerless in the face of adversity.
And star, your every word I'm heeding
Acknowledging the star's wisdom and following their guidance.
Can you help me to see?
Asking for clarity and understanding of one's situation.
I'm lost in the marsh
Feeling trapped and disoriented, unable to find a way forward.
Saying the world is sleeping
Believing that people are not aware of the opportunities and possibilities around them.
They toss and turn forever
Being restless and indecisive, unable to take action or make a change.
But no rest will they find
People who are not proactive or willing to take risks will never find true satisfaction or success.
Star, teach me how to shine
Reiterating the desire to learn from the star's example and become a shining beacon of light.
Contributed by Maria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lelencz
Ain't got no words for this pure lyrical voyage, with the most beautiful arrangements and performance. Maybe the most lovely song I've ever heard.
@Phildavs12
This was the first dance at my wedding!! Absolutely awesome track!!
@Aeon135
I've seen this song live 3 times, and each time the violin interlude was different. Last night he broke into "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka midway. Also "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" the time before that. GO ON GLEN!
@abhishekmehra3345
Such a brilliant song. Saves life during lockdown!
@lelencz
The most pure lyrical voyage through our dreams with a perfect arrangements and performance. One of the most beautiful song I've ever heard.
@irishmusiccentral
their first album was called "Another Love Song", released in 1992 on Island Records. They were dropped from the label and then went on to record "Fitzcarraldo" themselves in 1995.
@KeithGreville
Classic...makes me proud to be Irish....
@sweeneysdominatrix
This is one of my fave Frames songs. I remember being asked to write out the lyrics of any song that popped into our heads in English class years ago and i wrote out this. It speaks about restlessness to me. I can relate. :)
@Kiriyama666
i love this song and doesn't matter what anyone says about it. i will still love it...
@LowryMcGann
Wow..every song by this group is amazing!