Falling Slowly Lyrics – The Swell Season

Song Details and Overview

• Producer: Glen Hansard
• Writers: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová
• Release Date: May 22, 2007
• Musical Genre: Folk, Acoustic Ballad
• Album: Once (Music from the Motion Picture)
• Track #: 1
• Label: Columbia Records
• Theme: Love, vulnerability, healing
• Mood: Reflective, hopeful, intimate
• Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Song (2008)

Exploring the Meaning of "Falling Slowly"

Falling Slowly by The Swell Season is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the delicacy of love, loss, and connection. Written by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, the song tells a story of two souls finding solace and understanding in each other amid life’s emotional trials. The song’s simplicity and raw vulnerability echo the themes of the 2007 film *Once*, in which the artists themselves starred. Hansard and Irglová’s vocal harmonies add emotional depth, enhancing the feeling of two people sharing an unspoken connection as they navigate their own wounds and hesitations.

[Verse 1]

The opening lines express a poignant yearning: "I don't know you, but I want you." This sentiment captures the tension between unfamiliarity and desire, as though the speaker feels an immediate yet gentle attraction that grows despite not fully understanding it. The lyrics "Words fall through me and always fool me" suggest a sense of helplessness in expressing this connection, as though language fails to capture the depth of what they’re feeling.

[Pre-Chorus]

The pre-chorus introduces the idea of "games that never amount to more than they’re meant," hinting at superficial relationships or experiences that lack real depth. The lines suggest a desire to break free from these empty connections and instead invest in something real and meaningful.

[Chorus]

The chorus is an appeal for second chances and hope. The metaphor of a "sinking boat" suggests a relationship or situation that’s struggling, yet there’s still "time" to set things right. The line "Raise your hopeful voice" signifies empowerment, urging the listener to choose connection and healing over giving up. This is a turning point, where the speaker encourages courage and seizing the moment before it’s too late.

[Verse 2]

In the second verse, the phrase "falling slowly" reflects the slow, deliberate process of letting someone in. The "eyes that know me" conveys a feeling of being truly seen, something that feels both comforting and unnerving. As Hansard sings about being "painted black," it suggests past traumas and emotional scars. This connection offers him an opportunity to shed these dark feelings and allow someone to see his true self.

[Pre-Chorus]

Here, the pre-chorus shifts to a compassionate message of healing. "You have suffered enough" suggests that the listener has endured inner battles and self-doubt, and it’s finally "time that you won." This encouragement conveys empathy and a shared experience, urging both to let go of the past and find a way forward together.

[Outro]

The outro's closing line, "Take it all, I played the cards too late, now you're gone," adds a bittersweet note, hinting at missed opportunities or perhaps the inevitability of parting. This resignation reflects the transient, delicate nature of the relationship, leaving listeners with a sense of melancholy and acceptance.

Similar Songs

The reflective, emotional nature of Falling Slowly aligns it with other ballads that explore themes of love, vulnerability, and healing:

• Damien Rice – "The Blower's Daughter": A song about love and longing, capturing emotional intensity and vulnerability.
• Bon Iver – "Skinny Love": A haunting portrayal of a fading relationship, resonating with feelings of emotional struggle.
• Ray LaMontagne – "Trouble": Reflects on pain, connection, and the comfort of love amid adversity.
• Norah Jones – "Don't Know Why": A delicate ballad about missed opportunities and love's uncertainties.
• Once Cast – "If You Want Me": Another song from *Once* that explores love, longing, and vulnerability in a quiet, raw way.

Chart Performance and Reception

Since its release, Falling Slowly has resonated with audiences globally, praised for its simplicity and emotional depth. Its success peaked when it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. The song’s role in the critically acclaimed film *Once* also contributed to its popularity, leading to a Broadway adaptation in 2011 where it was performed by Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti. The song has since become a cherished ballad, covered by numerous artists and maintaining its place in the cultural zeitgeist.

Quotes

“The song is about the process of healing and finding something real amid the superficial connections of life. It's about taking a risk and being brave enough to choose love, even if it doesn’t last.”

— Glen Hansard

“We wrote Falling Slowly in about 20 minutes; it felt like it was meant to happen. It’s a song that’s true to the core of who we are as musicians.”

— Markéta Irglová