Once Upon a Time In America
Yo-Yo Ma & Ennio Morricone Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I woke and you were there
Beside me in the night
You touched me and calmed my fear
Turned darkness into light
I woke and saw you there
Beside me as before
My heart leapt to find you near
To feel you close once more
To feel your love once more

Your strength has made me strong
Though life tore us apart
And now when the night seems long

Your love shines in my heart
Your love shines in my heart

Overall Meaning

These lyrics capture a deep sense of connection and undying love between two individuals. The first paragraph describes the moment of waking up and finding the presence of a loved one right beside, bringing comfort and dispelling any fear or darkness that previously resided within. This suggests a profound sense of security and solace that the presence of this person brings. The use of light and darkness as imagery emphasizes the transformative power of their love and how it can bring light into even the darkest times.


The second paragraph further emphasizes the significance of this person's presence by using the repetition of "beside me as before." This suggests a sense of familiarity and continuity in their relationship, as if they have always been there for one another. The mention of the heart leaping and the longing to feel this closeness once more implies a deeper emotional connection, a desire to always remain in each other's presence. It suggests that this person's presence ignites a profound sense of joy and contentment within the singer.


The third paragraph unveils the resilience that this love has brought to the singer's life. Despite the trials and challenges they have faced which tore them apart, the love of this person has made them strong. It speaks to the transformative power of love, how it can provide strength and resilience to overcome any hardships. The mention of the night seeming long suggests that even in the darkest times, this love continues to shine brightly in the singer's heart, illuminating their path and providing a source of hope and inspiration.


The final line, "Your love shines in my heart," reinforces the enduring nature of this love. It implies that despite any physical separation or external circumstances, the love between these two individuals remains steadfast and unwavering. It suggests that the mere thought of this person and the love they share continues to illuminate the singer's heart, bringing them comfort and reminding them of the powerful bond they share. The repetition of this line further emphasizes the significance of this love and its everlasting presence in the singer's life.


Line by Line Meaning

I woke and you were there
I opened my eyes and you were by my side


Beside me in the night
Right beside me during the dark hours


You touched me and calmed my fear
Your touch eased my worries and fears


Turned darkness into light
Transformed the darkness around us into brightness


I woke and saw you there
I awoke and witnessed your presence


Beside me as before
Right next to me once again


My heart leapt to find you near
My heart jumped with joy upon realizing your proximity


To feel you close once more
To experience your closeness and connection once again


To feel your love once more
To once again feel the affection and care you have for me


Your strength has made me strong
The power of your love has given me resilience


Though life tore us apart
Despite life's circumstances separating us


And now when the night seems long
Even now, during the seemingly endless nights


Your love shines in my heart
Your love radiates and illuminates my inner being




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ennio Morricone, Maria Travia, Audrey Stainton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jarrayplayz2142

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
-Robert Frost



All comments from YouTube:

@jayfailing6714

none can match the richness and fullness of his mastery Cello Maestro. With Ennio Morricone it is a banquet of emotion.

@Moonawrathic

On this day, the greatest composer of all time made his way to heaven. God bless, and thank you for the light you shared with the world.

@emileventer

Once apon a time in the west. Ennio Morricone. A true man of substance.

@yukograce

I can't listen to this without tissues.

@robertzigmont4421

The cello makes our hearts sing and our fears and sorrows in these troubled times bearable. Thank you , Yo Yo

@lozioboulder5404

You said something beautiful!! I assure you that when you hold it to your heart while you play it makes your soul resonate!

@MultiScorpion65

Ennio Morrione - The greatest of all time

@antoniodantonio9012

....la mia colonna musicale preferita....poi,il mitico YO YO MA....
E HO DETTO TUTTO!
MORRICONE in questi attimi è stato davvero geniale....tocca l'anima....

@grantvickers6247

From the best film ever made. My heart is broken.

@melvinowens2033

Thank God for music .....What would the world be without it Love Yo-Yo-Ma

More Comments

More Versions