in April/May 2006, the quartet played six shows in Ireland to support the release of The Swell Season. Later in the year (October & December) they also played a number of shows in the US to support the release of the album there. The huge success of the film Once resulted in Glen and Markéta touring the US constantly during 2007 and the line-up morphed over time (Glen and Markéta being the core members). The current Swell Season line-up also includes three members of The Frames: guitarist Rob Bochnik, violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire, and bassist Joe Doyle. Graham Hopkins joined the tour on drums in spring of 2008.
Hansard and Markéta starred in the film 'Once' by writer/director John Carney (a former bass player of The Frames). Many songs of The Swell Season are used in this film, which won the World Cinema Audience Award at Sundance 2007. Hansard and Irglová won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song "Falling Slowly" in February 2008.
For more info: http://www.myspace.com/oncethemovie
Tour dates and audio streams are available from www.theswellseason.com.
Star Star
The Swell Season 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
Who sayin' the hill's too steep
Well, they'll talk and talk forever But they'll just never climb, oh
Falling down into the situations
Bringing out the best in you You're flat on your back again
Can you help me to see
'Cause 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
Who sayin' we're all asleep Well, they'll toss and turn forever
But no rest will they find Star, star
Come with me and we'll be In a world of your imagination
Star, star teach me how to shine, shine
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind, yeah
Star, star teach me how to shine, shine
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind, yeah
Star, star teach me how to shine, shine
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind, yeah
Oh, star, star teach me how to shine, shine
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind, yeah
In "Star Star," The Swell Season's Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová address the titular celestial entity, seeking its guidance and wisdom. The lyrics suggest a frustration with humanity's tendency towards apathy and stagnation, with the repeated refrain "teach me how to shine" serving as a plea for inspiration and motivation. Hansard and Irglová express a desire to break free from society's limitations, as demonstrated in the pun about the hill being too steep; rather than give up, they implore the star to show them the way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Star, star teach me how to shine, shine
The singer is asking the star to teach them how to shine and be successful.
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind
The singer wants to understand the thoughts and motivations of successful people like the star.
'Cause I don't understand these people
The singer is admitting that they don't understand successful people and their ways of thinking.
Who sayin' the hill's too steep
The artist is referring to people who think that achieving success is too difficult.
Well, they'll talk and talk forever But they'll just never climb, oh
The artist believes that people who only talk about success but never take action towards it will never achieve it.
Falling down into the situations
The singer is referring to difficult situations that they may encounter on their journey to success.
Bringing out the best in you
The singer believes that these difficult situations can bring out the best in oneself and lead to personal growth.
You're flat on your back again
The artist is acknowledging that setbacks and failures are a part of the journey towards success.
And star, you're every word I'm heeding
The artist is listening carefully to the advice and guidance of successful people like the star.
Can you help me to see
The artist is asking the star for further insight and guidance towards achieving success.
'Cause I'm lost in the marsh
The singer feels lost and unsure of how to navigate their journey towards success.
Who sayin' we're all asleep
The artist is referring to people who think that everyone is unaware or complacent towards the pursuit of success.
Well, they'll toss and turn forever
The singer believes that these individuals will continue to be restless and unsatisfied without taking action towards achieving success.
But no rest will they find Star, star
The singer believes that without striving towards success, these individuals will never find true peace and contentment.
Come with me and we'll be In a world of your imagination
The singer is inviting the star to join them in their journey towards success and create a future beyond their wildest imaginations.
Oh, star, star teach me how to shine, shine
The artist is repeating their request for the star to teach them how to shine and be successful.
Teach me so I know what's going on in your mind, yeah
The artist wants to understand the mindset and strategies of successful individuals like the star in order to achieve the same level of success.
Contributed by Harper P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Hirsch
Glen is amazing. Love his tribute to Pure Imagination.
NativeKryptonian
This is seriously so beautiful. It may not have the theatrics of a Katy Perry concert that people are so use to but I'd choose to see Glen live over any artist any day
berka
NativeKryptonian true musicians don't need all that fancy stuff to impress you, that's why some pop culture artists are doomed to be forgotten
nesh reyes
very beautiful, i can listen to this forever <3
CommViewer
Pure magic !!!!
CommViewer
"It's all yours Charlie...." Something about that line just hit me !!
matinee310
So beautiful!!!! Emotive....
刘瑞琦
Beautiful!
Gardens&Games
There are very few people who can work a crowd the way Glen Hansford can. The way he reverently and sincerely captures their trust and imagination.
Eddy Rhodes
This Glen Hansford guy sounds great! ;)