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


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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

In the first verse of the song, the singer describes waking up to find someone they deeply care about next to them in the darkness of the night. This person's presence brings comfort and reassurance, as they touch the singer and help alleviate any fears or anxieties. The darkness, metaphorically representing the uncertainties and challenges in life, is transformed into light through the connection with this person. Their presence brings about a sense of security and hope.


Moving into the second verse, the singer acknowledges that this person has always been by their side, even after they have been separated at some point in their lives. The mere sight of this person brings immense joy and excitement to the singer's heart. They long to have this person close to them once again, to experience the love and companionship they offer.


In the chorus, the singer declares that this person's strength has had a profound impact on them. Despite the difficulties they've faced and the circumstances that led to their separation, this person's love has acted as a source of empowerment for the singer. It is through this love that they find strength and resilience to face the challenges of life.


In the final line of the chorus, the singer reflects on the enduring nature of this love. Even during those long, difficult nights, this person's love continues to shine brightly in the singer's heart. This love serves as a guiding light in times of darkness, providing them with a sense of comfort and reassurance. It is a love that withstands time and distance, and its presence is a constant source of warmth and happiness for the singer.


Line by Line Meaning

I woke and you were there
I became conscious and you were present


Beside me in the night
By my side during the darkness


You touched me and calmed my fear
You made physical contact with me and alleviated my anxiety


Turned darkness into light
Transformed the obscurity into illumination


I woke and saw you there
I became aware and witnessed your presence


Beside me as before
Next to me, just like in the past


My heart leapt to find you near
My emotions surged to discover you in close proximity


To feel you close once more
To experience your proximity once again


To feel your love once more
To perceive the sensation of your affection once again


Your strength has made me strong
Your fortitude has imbued me with resilience


Though life tore us apart
Despite life separating us forcibly


And now when the night seems long
And now, when the duration of darkness appears extended


Your love shines in my heart
The radiance of your affection illuminates my innermost 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
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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

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